Sun is in the forecast all week. Just in time, our contributor Tabitha has a report on Puget Park in North Tacoma, a unique pocket park with interesting equipment, shady picnic spots, and a trail that leads down to Ruston Way.

Puget Park sits on 1.22 acres and is nestled on 31st & N. Proctor in North Tacoma, with a newly updated playground and a trail connecting Puget Gulch and the Ruston Way waterfront.

The park offers a playground, trails, and shade that makes it a great spot on a hot day. There are tables for a picnic, or you can throw down a blanket and relax on the grass.

The playground equipment is fairly new and has many different features. I’d say the toys are appropriate for a range of ages; 0-2 years old will love the swings and the shaded grass, 2-12 will find something they love. I’d say the big toy is geared more towards ages 2-7, as the older children get bored quickly. Ages 8-12 will enjoy the spinning toys surrounding the big toy. There are plenty of hills if your child loves to roll down the grass hills. [Read more…]

This shady park might be Puyallup’s best kept secret, and it’s perfect for kids whose favorite playground is mother nature!

It’s great if you’re looking for a park where kids can wade or keep cool,and it’s also a nice spot to meet up for a nature walk (you can even bring the stroller!) or a picnic.

The two playground structures are by the little creek (Crick?). They’re nothing special, but the kids will have fun on them. The metal slide can get hot on those very rare days when they’ve been in the sun long enough.

For most kids, the water will be the primary attraction. It’s truly just a trickle, especially in the summer, but it’s plenty for kids to stomp in, and it’s just the right amount for making temporary dams and floating leaf boats. I always made my kids wear sandals or water shoes.

My boys and I have also spent many days here exploring the woods and walking on the trails. It’s an 80 acre park with more than 50 forested ares of towering trees.

A few things to know if you go: [Read more…]

If you’re looking for things to do with the kids near University Place or Lakewood, head on over to  Sunnyside Beach Park, a terrific park that offers beach play, a playground, and even some train spotting, all in the charming little town of Steilacoom. Read on for all the scoop from new contributing writer, Tabitha!

Sunnyside Park truly is perfect for all ages. Kids 2-8 will love the playground. Do keep in mind it is not fenced in, so you’ll want to watch your little ones to make sure they don’t wander to the beach without you.  There is a fence between the playground and train tracks. The playground has a colorful climber and swings for babies and big kids.

The park also features a beach with sand in spots for sand castle making! A train track nearby means you’re sure to see a train or two while playing, and it is fenced in except for the entrance, which isn’t very close to the playground. It’s definitely a great outing for the little train lover. There are also plenty of picnic tables and bbq pits throughout the park, one picnic shelter,  bathrooms with showers, and two volleyball courts great for teenagers or game loving families (bring your own ball).

The Sugar Shack sells cold treats, drinks and snacks during the weekends Friday-Sundays 1-7PM.

The park is at 2509 Chambers Creek Rd, Steilacoom WA  There is ample parking available, though you do need to bring some cash as it is fee based. 5.00 will cover non residents for the day. If you don’t want to pay, you can typically find free parking a short walk away.

Tabitha Black- local mom, lifestyle, travel and family blogger. Check her out at her blog, Love, Tabitha. 

Need more ideas to enjoy this (Finally!!) sun filled day? Our beat the heat round up has more beaches, places to swim, and everything else you need to know today! You can also always find more under the summer tab in the menu bar.