Updated 6/2021
It’s our annual guide- the biggest, wettest list of outdoor wading pools, spraygrounds, fountains, and water features in the South Puget Sound. For the sake of my sanity, I’ve only listed public, outdoor venues. Here they are, listed by city:
Please note that I am still waiting on information from several spots. Parks departments are super understaffed right now, which is affecting openings as well as their ability to answer calls about their openings! Please do check back, and feel free to let me know if you have the scoop on any!
As always, links are provide so YOU can confirm details, including any Cover related information. Thanks for doing that!
SeaTac
Angle Lake Park – ?? Waiting on Confirmation Spray park is traditionally open Memorial Day through Labor Day. I have a phone call in but have not yet been able to confirm whether it is open for 2021. If you know, let me know! Spray park hours are typically 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. There is also a swimming area here but no lifeguards.
Burien Town Square Plaza ?? Waiting on Confirmation Last year the water feature here was not turned on, but a sprinkler option at Lake Burien Park was offered as an alternative from 2-4PM Mondays and Fridays. I am still working on getting information for this year.
Federal Way
Town Square Plaza Park Not yet open. Park guy, John, says it should be open July 1st. This park opened in the summer of 2016. Our awesome readers say it’s a lot of fun, as is the playground. Note there is not shade here, so bring your own sunscreen and umbrella! *Note there is a park with a similar name in downtown Kent. This is a different park.
Renton
Henry Moses Aquatic Center – Scheduled to open June 26th. You must have reservations this year! No walk up admission.
From their site: What to expect for Summer 2021
3 open swim sessions, lap swim, water walking and Half-Pint Splash-N-Play.Guests will have access to the lazy river, water slides, activity pool, wave pool, and lap pool. Lounge chairs will be available during each open swim session with recommended sanitization procedures.
Swim lessons, season passes, group tickets, and all rentals will not be offered for Summer 2021
Kent
Town Square Plaza – ?? Waiting on confirmation In previous years the Spheres that shoot water here are open as long as they’re working!
- Park plaza open daily dawn to dusk.
- Fountains operate from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, from the third Monday of May to the first Monday of October, except for maintenance needs.
- Restrooms open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, from the third Monday of May to the first Monday of October, except for maintenance needs.
Note from SFM: These are prone to maintenance issues, so go with a back up plan.
Auburn
Les Gove Park – CLOSED for repair. They are hoping for a mid summer opening, but no firm timeline right now.
Enumclaw
Mud Mountain Dam and Park CLOSED for repair. The staff I spoke does not think it will open this year as they are not yet sure what is broken.
Puyallup
Pioneer Park – ON/OPEN. 10am-8pm, daily. This is in Pioneer Park by the library, right downtown, across from the Anthem. You can park at the surface lot behind City Hall or on the bottom floor of the building-it’s the one with the Subway and Elements Froyo. It is typically open daily until Labor Day.
Pioneer Park Sprayground
Tacoma
Franklin Park Photo by Russ Carmack
Metro Parks Tacoma – Spraygrounds will open on June 26th! This is an earlier opening than regularly scheduled and just announced!
From their fb post:
Our maintenance staff were passionate about making them available to the community and have put a lot of time and effort into repairing and readying the systems while short on staff and resources. The early opening is able to occur because of the hard work of this crew.Point Ruston ?? Waiting on confirmation-Readers are reporting it is NOT on yet. There a little sprayground on Ruston Way at Point Ruston. It’s south of the theatre and a great place to hang out with an amazing view of the Sound. There is also a really cool playground nearby. Note that you now have to pay to park in the garage here, though some merchants validate.
Fircrest – OPEN Area’s tot pool option-You will need reservations for the wading pool and regular pool. Link has detailed information on how to do that for both residents and non residents.
Outdoor Pools – Kandle Park and Stewart Heights Pool are two awesome outdoor pools in Tacoma. Metro Parks Tacoma hopes to open them in early July.
Pt Defiance Zoo Several readers report that it is on! There is a small lily pad splash pad in the kids’ zone at the Pt. Defiance Zoo. There is a small changing tent, but I would make this your last stop, because they will get wet. We haven’t yet confirmed if this is on; typically zoo staff turn it on when it’s hot out.
Gig Harbor
Skansie Brothers-Waiting on Confirmation There is an interactive water feature at the renovated Skansie Brothers Park on the waterfront. You can see some more pics and reader tips on our Facebook page. still working on confirming this one. If you know, please let me know!
Gateway Park–OPEN The splash pad at Gateway Park is open!
Yelm
On! A newer splash pad is next to the playground at Yelm City Park next to the community center. Yes, it’s open!
From their site: The Splash Pad will be opening May 28th, 2021 and will run until September 6th, 2021! HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday- Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Monday: CLOSED
Olympia/Lacey
Open! From the site:
COVID-19 IMPACTS: Sprayground Opened with Modified Use
As of June 15, 2021, the Woodruff Park Sprayground has reopened for use. Please observe the current COVID-related guidelines for using the facility, as posted at the park. Water play visitors are not required to wear face coverings, but they must stay physically distanced from one another unless they are from the same household or are fully vaccinated.
Currently closed for repair but scheduled to open for the summer of 2021.
From their site:
COVID-19 Impacts: Fountain Opening Soon with Modified Use
The Fountain is currently closed for repairs and will open for 2021 as soon as those are complete. Once it is up and running, please observe the current COVID-related guidelines for using the facility, as posted at the park. Water play visitors are not required to wear face coverings, but they must stay physically distanced from one another unless they are from the same household or are fully vaccinated.
East Bay Public Plaza – Closed with no opening planned for 2021. The East Bay Plaza stream runs between the LOTT Wet Center and the Children’s Museum. From their Fb page: 2021 Schedule: LOTT does not anticipate opening the stream this summer. State and local guidance allows for certain water features to open, but only if health screening, social distancing, and masking requirements can be effectively managed and enforced. Due to the staffing resources required, it is not feasible to open the stream at this time.
Tanglewilde Pool Closed for 2021 according to their site.
The South Sound is also blessed with many parks where you can take a dip in a lake or the chilly Puget Sound. If you’ve got a favorite place to keep cool, leave a comment and let us in on it! If you know a spot for water play I missed, let me know! *Keep in mind that despite our warm weather right now, lakes, rivers, and the Sound will be Very cold and rivers may also be running swiftly. And, of course, you should designate one adult to have eyes on children in the water. I know…..you knew that….
For indoor swimming fun, check with your local high school or parks department. Or, try an indoor pool with water park style features! You can click on the link below for our favorites! Note that this particular guide has not been updated since Covid. Most indoor pools are open but many are requiring reservations.
