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Playground Report: Franklin Park in Tacoma

July 24, 2016 by Maegen Blue

Hey, Tacoma, need a great park for kids of all ages? Contributing writer, Tabitha, says she’s found one! Need another reason to try it out? We’re headed for 80 degrees, and it’s got a sprayground!

Franklin Park is a newly renovated, 20 acre park,  located on 12th and South Puget Sound Ave. in Tacoma. It features something for all ages; play equipment, a sprayground, trails, and sports fields.

Franklin Park playground in Tacoma

The playground has fairly new equipment. It’s colorful, and the toys are spread out so everyone’s not so cramped. The park has two big toys. One side is geared towards 2-5 year olds. It’s very colorful and lower to the ground. The other side’s big toy is geared towards 5-12 year olds. It’s taller and has more climbing features. If you have multiple children, especially in different age groups, this park makes it easy to keep an eye on all of them. The park isn’t fenced in, but you can easily view the whole playground from one spot. There is some shade available at the playground.

Colorful play equipment at Franklin Park Tacoma

The park also features walking trails, baseball and football fields and a basketball court. There is a picnic shelter and picnic tables and benches throughout the park. Restrooms are available year round.

Opening of Franklin Park inviting the public and students from Franklin Elem. to enjoy free lunch and use the playground and spray garden. Photos by Russ Carmack

Franklin Park’s sprayground is open daily(10AM-8PM) during the summer, and it’s a favorite for all ages. Kids run around and play while keeping cool, and parents can sit back and watch. There is plenty of seating around the water, and you can even use the small concrete wall to sit in a pinch. Admission is free!

Btw, if you’re like me and you’ve been curious about the water quality or usage amounts, you’ll be glad to know I found out that it’s recycled and then sanitized through filtration and UV lights.

If you go: The park is located at 1201 S. Puget Sound Ave. Tacoma, WA 98405 Limited parking spots are available alongside the park.

Sprayground photo is used with permission and courtesy of Metro Parks Tacoma. The other lovely pics and post are from our contributing writer
Tabitha Black- local mom, lifestyle, travel and family blogger at Love, Tabitha  Be sure to check her out! 

Speaking of spraygrounds and playgrounds, don’t forget we’re hosting a reader play date at Les Gove in Auburn Tuesday morning! It’s got a fantastic playground with a sprayground next door, and we’ll have free chocolate milk while supplies last courtesy of Smith Brothers,  and, oh, yeah-the, “Tower princess,” will be there for a FREE meet and greet and the cutest photo ops ever!

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I promise it will be worth the trip to make a summer memory your kids will be talking about forever! You can read more here. You can get free tickets here. We’ll be at the picnic shelter behind the playground-look for our banner. We can’t wait to meet you! Bring a friend (or two)!

Park Report: Sunnyside Beach Park in Steilacoom

July 21, 2016 by Maegen Blue

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!

 

Playground at Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom

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.

sandy beach near Tacoma at Sunnyside Beach

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).

Sunnyside Beach ParkThe 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.

Playground Report: Meadow Crest Playground in Renton

June 27, 2016 by Maegen Blue

 

Writer mom Tiffany has another great park report on a fun spot for kids in Renton that she says is worth the trip for playground loving kids all over!

This unique park in Renton is advertised as a playground for all ages and abilities. Barriers to wheelchairs and walkers such as sand, curbs around equipment and wood chips aren’t a part of this park. Instead, artificial turf, wheelchair ramps, and cushy rubber surfaces make it easier for everyone to get around. I visited recently with my 12- year- old daughter and 9- year- old son.

Saucer on playground at Meadow Crest

The playground has four distinct play areas, each with a sign posting the recommended ages for that particular structure. A wavy walkway goes around the entire play space and is great for trikes or wheelchairs. While taking this path, kids can fuel up at the pretend gas station, or make music on the oversized drums, chimes, noise makers and xylophone.

All of the usual play structures are present, including interactive panels in each area. There are a few unique additions:

Accessible playground in Renton WA

  • The  “Sway Fun” has two large bench seats accessible via a ramp. Kids can sit on the seats opposite one another and move to make the structure sway gently back and forth.
  • A  25 foot- long caterpillar to climb, which is colorful, detailed and very popular among the kids!
  • The swing set in the Active Play area (ages 5-12) is equipped with huge, enclosed seats (like a baby swings, but much bigger) along with a big saucer swing that fits several kids at once.
  • One feature my kids loved was a spinner that was like an open circle set at an angle. They walked on it, sat and spun on it, and balanced–or tried to!   
  • Another big spinner features high sides for sitting upright inside and fits several kids at once for spinning.
  • In the active play area, a long climbing wall which resembles trees and rocks connects to a tube slide.  

Caterpillar at meadow crest

Ample seating and two covered areas for adults and babies is a great feature. A central covered area with picnic tables allows parents to sit in the shade and see almost every play area. Benches are also scattered around the periphery. A bathroom was clean and close by.

This park is definitely worth the trip. Bring a picnic, but don’t bring your dog. Dogs (other than service animals) aren’t allowed; we found out the hard way!   

Meadow Crest Park is at : 3000 NE 16th St, Renton, WA 98056

Hours: Mon-Thurs after 4:30 PM (open to Meadow Crest Early Learning Center only during school hours)  All day Fri-Sun and during school holidays and summer break.

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

For more great places for your summer fun bucket list, be sure to check out our list of Best Playgrounds! 

If you’d like to write a playground review for us, drop a line to soundsfunmom@gmail.com!  Play On!

 

Puyallup Sprayground Opens!

May 25, 2016 by Maegen Blue

Hey, Puyallup, wondering when your sprayground will open?

The sprayground-splash pad has had periodic openings already, but it will officially open for the season on May 26th with a summer kick off party at 5PM.

After that, it will have daily hours beginning May 27th!

Puyallup sprayground

The sprayground is right by the downtown library (Get your books first because wet kiddos and books don’t mix)!

There is also a fun playground with Big slides at Pioneer Park, and on weekends there is one of the area’s best farmer’s markets, which means this place is hopping!

The sprayground isn’t huge, but it’s plenty of fun. My son and his pal had a ball there on one of those really hot days a couple of weeks ago. There are fountain things for little ones to walk by and over, and there are some interactive, overhead features that can dump a Lot of water when kids get them going.

All the kids I saw were having a ball! Tomorrow’s event will also include vendors and other kick-off style fun!

Tomorrow’s event will go on rain or shine unless there is an outright downpour, in which case it will be canceled.

Check the parks Facebook page for updates.

If you’re wondering where to park on a busy day, I suggest the parking garage at city hall, which has ample, underused public parking. You can also find street parking. Parking by the spray park itself will be next to impossible. I don’t recommend changing at the library for various reasons, so my suggestion is you do all your dry play first, then enjoy the spray park, and bring dry stuff they can easily throw over their suits in the car or whatever….If  you’ve got a better routine, let me know!

Thanks to Puyallup dad and city councilman, Tom Swanson for the photos!

Playground Report: The Discovery Pond at the Tacoma Nature Center

May 24, 2016 by Maegen Blue

If you’re not already  a fan of the Discovery Pond Playground at the Tacoma Nature Center, you need to go! Like today!

We first wrote about this fun place for Tacoma area kids when it opened years ago. It’s still just as fun, and not typically crowded.

Tree house on the playground at the Tacoma Nature Center

It’s a nature themed playground that also incorporates natural elements like water and rocks as part of the play. One note: There is a scary sign by the water that indicates it’s not fit for human consumption. Basically, this means that it’s not up to drinking water standards, but I promise if your kids accidentally get wet, they won’t turn green or anything.

water play at the Discovery Pond at the Tacoma Nature Center

That water itself is just a crick, so it’s totally possible to play here without getting wet and dirty, but when my boys were small they were always drawn straight to the water pump, so you may want at least a change of socks.

Other highlights include a tree house and a surprisingly quick slide in a, “Tree trunk.” Note that it can get hot in the summer. My boys still love to play here, and it’s a playground that’s a good fit for all ages, which is always a challenge!

Nature Center

The inside of the nature center is small but definitely worth a stop. There are some interesting exhibits and a corner with puppets and costumes. It’s all totally free, although you can leave a donation.

Just behind the nature center you’ll find a system of mostly flat trails that are great for young hikers.

The playground is available for rent for parties, and every once in a while you may run into a school group. On a typical day, we’ve never found it too crowded at all. The party rental allows for exclusive access to the playground for an hour, so if you arrive during one, just go look at the inside exhibits or do a little hike first.

The Tacoma Nature Center IS right down from Foss High School, so you might avoid the times of day when school is letting out. I’ve never had a hard time finding parking here, but the staff does encourage car pooling as it’s a bit tighter than other Metro Parks Tacoma properties.

If you love it, you’ll also want to check out the nature themed playground at Northwest Trek. You do have to pay Trek admission to get in, but our reviewer thought it was worth it-especially when you add in all other Trek fun! There is also a smaller playground with a nature vibe at Tehaleh in Bonney Lake. Those are open to the public and free!

Playground Report: The Playground At The Center At Norpoint

September 1, 2015 by Maegen Blue

If you’re looking for a fun summer playdate, the playground at the Center at Norpoint is a great choice!

Late August 2015 031

It’s got bright, fun structures for big and little kids, a sprayground, swings for bigs and little and…..

 

Late August 2015 046

Zip Line, baby!

Late August 2015 047

Yep, it’s a way fun playground, and one that is especially good if you have a mix of ages. Do note that this spinning ring thing can get a little crazy-which means it’s the one thing all the kids want to do.

Late August 2015 043

It’s most convenient for readers in Northeast Tacoma and Federal Way, but those of you in places like Milton, Fife, and Edgewood might consider it, too.

I got there in 12 minutes flat from the Fife Pool.

  • A few things to know: It wasn’t crowded at all on our recent visits, but it does get busier on sunny weekends, especially mid day during the summer when day camp kids have their recess time. Even with those kiddos, I found it less crowded than the othe parks with spraygrounds in Tacoma.
  • It is open, which may be an issue if you have a, “Runner,” however there are good sight lines. None of the equipment is tall enough that you’ll lose track of your kids in it.
  • The sprayground is Right Next To the playground. I would bring a change of clothes even if your kids swear up and down that they don’t want to get wet.
  • On hot days, it’s a good idea to bring a tent or something for shade, as it’s quite open.
  • There is a nice bathroom right next to the playground and sprayground.
  • The playground and sprayground are public, Metro Parks Tacoma facilities, and free to all. Parking is in front, and the playground and sprayground are behind the building. You can also take advantage of the facilities at the Center at Norpoint, which include a pool and a climbing wall, but there are fees associated with their use. Henry did a Lego Camp here one summer from some of our Bricks 4 Kidz friends, and had a great time, as always.

You can get more info. on the playground location and hours here! 

Playground Report: The Playground at Point Ruston on the Waterwalk

September 4, 2014 by Maegen Blue

UPDATE:Many additional restaurants have moved into Point Ruston since this was first posted. Readers recommend you get a treat at Dolce Si! There is also now a seasonal splash pad. 

 

The playground at  Point Ruston’s Waterwalk is a little playground with  two big bonuses-an eye popping view and a smooth stretch of pavement perfect for beginning bike riders.

Waterwalk Point Ruston Tacoma

The playground itself is a small, ferryboat themed structure and a nice set of swings. My boys both enjoyed it briefly. Kids who are into imaginative play will want to stay longer. I saw several young cuties who looked like they could easily spend an hour playing, “Captain.”

Playground on ruston way

The best thing about this playground? As the saying goes, “Location, location, location!” If you’ve lived in the Tacoma area as long as I have, you’ll remember this as the spot where the Asarco smokestack used to be (Yes, they’ve done LOTS of environmental clean-up, and more is ongoing).

The Waterwalk is at the end of Ruston Way that’s closest to the zoo. The condos and apartments are private, but the rest of the area is fully open to the public.

The lovely stretch of pavement by the bay is called the Waterwalk. It’s wider than Ruston Way, and it’s been recently paved, so it’s nice and smooth-just great for strollers, bikers, and skaters.

View from waterwalk on Ruston Way

Oh, and the view isn’t too shabby either! We even saw a baby seal on our visit. There are also some interesting art pieces and picnic tables.

There is now tons of parking, and the bathrooms are inside near the Fish n Chips place.

 

 

 

Help! The Playground is a Mosh Pit: Strategies for Dealing With Summer Crowds

July 9, 2014 by Maegen Blue

A trip to your favorite playground can be a little startling in the summer. School is out, and all those big kids have to go somewhere.  Here are my best strategies for having fun on days your regular hang out is a seething kidapalooza. See if I have yours!

Playground Crowds

1.Go Early   Have your fun in the morning, and you’ll beat a significant portion of the crowd, including day care field trips and bored teenagers. Plus, it will be cooler, and your kids will probably be in a better mood.

2. Go Elsewhere   At the risk of stating the totally obvious, most communities have one really popular park, and a bunch of smaller parks that hardly anyone goes to. Head to your park department web site, or the one for a neighboring community and make a little list. Neighborhood parks are often good bets. If you’re a local, Metro Parks Tacoma tends to call these, “Pocket Parks,” There are also a few they call, “Tot Lots.”

3. Go to school  My son’s school has a great little playground, and in the summer there is almost never anyone there. There is something totally delicious about getting to hop on the equipment without having to wait your turn.

4. Go wild   While playgrounds tend to get packed, less developed parks are much less likely to see a whole group, and even if they’re crowded there is room to spread out. For local readers, we’ve been to Owens Beach and Dash Point on days the parking lots were nearly full and easily found room to spread out by walking a bit.

5. Just embrace it! A park full of kids means you might get to skip a day of tag duty. Just teach yours to answer loudly, “Here I am,” when you call and scope out the exits to the play structures.

What’s your favorite less crowded playground? I’d love to hear about if if you’re willing to spill!

Playground Report: The New Playground and Sprayground at the SERA Campus!

June 2, 2014 by Maegen Blue

Hey, South Tacoma, you’ve got a new playground and sprayground!

Playground by STAR Center S Tacoma

[Read more…]

Playground Report: Loyalty Park in Sumner

August 14, 2013 by Maegen Blue

Update 5/2016 -If you haven’t been to this park recently, you should go. Why? Zip Line, baby!

Note that the sand digging toy is gone, but there is now a super cool zip line, as well as some other new toys. I have an updated post on it coming up soon (the pics and info. below are Old…), but for now, just know that you should go!

 

If you’re one of my Sumner area readers, you’re probably already a regular at Loyalty Park.

If you haven’t been, it’s worth the drive for friends near Puyallup and Auburn, especially on a hot day when you can enjoy the shade from one of many lovely, old trees.

 

Picture of Sumner's Loyalty Park

Sumner’s Loyalty Park features lovely lawns and beautiful old trees with great shade on a hot day.

The play area features three nice structures, swings, a ride-on toy, and some sand diggers. Henry Loved these (an old favorite from his preschool years), and I can’t think of another park in the area with them.

 

Playground at Loyalty Park

One of several nice play structures. The biggest has a fun, dinosaur theme.

For grown-ups, the highlights include lovely lawns, ample picnic space, and cool places to sit under those trees I mentioned. It would be a great place for a picnic meetup on a hot day when you can’t make it to any water.  If you’ve got a, “Runner,” you should know that it’s open on all sides, but the visibility is excellent, and you’re in a quiet, residential neighborhood.

 

Picture of sand toys at Sumner WA loyalty park

The play area also includes two digger toys, a unique feature.

Downsides? It’s a fairly popular spot, so you will have company. I also don’t think there is much here to interest kids over 8, although all that grassy space invites a game of tag or frisbee. If you have big kids coming along, just bring some gear or a couple of pals and let them race around while the little ones enjoy the playground.

The park is on the corner of Park St. and Sumner and it’s easy to find. Here’s the listing from the city’s website.  You’ll need to park on street and do be mindful of signage. Not near your ‘hood? I have several posts planned for today, including the scoop on a hidden beach and trail in Tacoma, and previews of weekend activities for readers all over! Have you got a park or playground you’d like to see on Sounds Fun Mom? Want to submit your own review, or tip me off to your favorite spots? I’d love to read them!  Oh, and it is Wednesday-the most jam packed of all the summer weekdays. Check the calendar for a complete guide to your options today.

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