By Sonia Garza
Washington is known for its overcast skies and cool weather in the winter, so indoor pools are abundant. But who wants to be inside a covered facility when the weather is sunny and gorgeous? I certainly don’t. With recent temperatures reaching a scorching 90 degrees or higher, the lure to cool off in the summer heat is greater than ever. What better way to cool off than taking a dip in the pool?
Don’t let the hot days pass you by. Grab the sun block, beach towels and sunshades and head to one of these area outdoor pools and splash parks.
Kandle Park Outdoor Pool
Kandle Park Outdoor Pool, which opened earlier this year on June 13, is Tacoma’s newest outdoor pool. It is also the first wave pool in Pierce County, making it only one of the few existing in all of Washington. This 85-degree pool features a gradual beach-like entry for easy access for all ages and abilities. There is also a separate shallow tot pool. The facility is available to rent for pool parties and allows outside food and beverages as well as swimming lessons. If you love to swim then a swim pass might be just what you need for the summer. The $75 pass ($70 for each additional pass) is good for both Kandle and Stewart Heights pools and are sold on-site at those locations. There is also a free admission swim day on September 7.
Kandle Park Outdoor Pool
5302 N. 26th St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-404-3920
Hours and Prices:
Full Session: noon to 5:00 p.m. daily (adults $10, youth $8)
Half Session: 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (adults $8, youth $6)
Evening: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily (adult $8, youth $6)
(Children ages 4 and younger are free)
Stewart Heights Outdoor Pool
Stewart Heights Outdoor Pool is another one of Tacoma’s fun outdoor pool facilities. Located on the east side and south end of Tacoma, this pool offers a 160-foot water slide, lazy river, zero-depth entry, bubble pool, water basketball, tumble buckets and water play structure. Like Kandle Park’s outdoor pool, Stewart Heights also offers swim lessons and is available for private parties. If you purchase a $75 swim pass for the summer, the pass is good for both Kandle and Stewart Heights pool locations. There is also a free admission swim day on September 7 as well as a Pooch Pool Party on September 12 where dog owners can treat their pets to a cool swim in the pool.
Stewart Heights Outdoor Pool
402 E 56th St.
Tacoma, WA 98404
253-573-2532
Hours and Prices:
Full Session: noon to 5:00 p.m. daily (adults $10, youth $8)
Half Session: 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (adults $8, youth $6)
Evening: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily (adult $8, youth $6)
(Children ages 4 and younger are free)
Fircrest Outdoor Pool
This community recreation center features a large outdoor pool as well as a wading pool with a zero-entry for little ones. The wading pool can be rented out for pool parties. If you live in the Fircrest area and would like a season pass, residents pay $50 for the first family member and $32 for each additional member. Non-residents pay $98 for the first family member and $64 for each additional member. You can also purchase a 10-pass punch card, which is $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents.
Fircrest Outdoor Pool
555 Contra Costa
Fircrest, WA 98466
253-564-8177
Hours and Prices:
Daily: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Residents: $2.25, non-residents: $4.50, children 6 and younger admitted free.
McChord Outdoor Pool
If you’re a military family member, you can enjoy admission to the McChord outdoor pool. This is the only outdoor swimming pool at JBLM. Make sure to read the McChord Outdoor Pool Rules before you head to the pool.
McChord Outdoor Pool
736, 5th St.
JBLM McChord Field
253-982-2807
Hours and Prices:
Open daily: noon to 7:00 p.m.
Franklin Sprayground
Adjacent to Franklin Elementary, this newly renovated 20-acre park has a spray ground, trails and walkways, plaza space and a picnic shelter. It’s the perfect place for a quick cool-down or an afternoon of splashing and fun. Admission is free.
Franklin Park
1201 S. Puget Sound Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98405
Jefferson Sprayground
At close to 15 acres, this neighborhood park has room for team sports, kids play, spray ground equipment, picnicking and a field house for classes. Located between 6th Ave and Proctor, Jefferson Park is a great escape from the main drag on a hot summer day. Admission is free.
Jefferson Park
801 N. Mason Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98406
Kandle Sprayground
If you don’t feel like playing in the pool, Kandle Park’s splash park and other outdoor offerings are sure to keep you busy and cool. Recent updates to Kandle Park include walking trails, a new playground, skate dots, mini-spray ground, wave pool, four 25-meter lap lanes and separate spray pool. Admission is free.
Kandle Park
2323 N. Shirley St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
Norpoint Sprayground
The splash park at Norpoint is only one of the fun attractions this Northeast Tacoma park offers its visitors. In addition to the splash park and big toy, the playground also features rain gardens, eco turf and a skate park. Admission is free.
Norpoint Park
4818 Nassau Ave. N.E.
Tacoma, WA 98422
SERA Campus Sprayground
This more than 75-acre SERA campus is home to the STAR Center, Gray Middle School, the Boys and Girls Club’s Topping Hope Center and the Metro Parks sports complex. Having just opened last year, the SERA Campus Splash Park is Tacoma’s newest (and largest!) splash park.
SERA Campus
6002 S. Adams St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
South Park Sprayground
Originally used for water supply purposes, South Park now offers visitors a different kind of water-centric experience. This forested park, complete with a community center, gardens, sprayground and play equipment, is the perfect setting for splashing around on a sunny day. Admission is free.
South Park
4851 S. Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA 98409
Titlow Park Sprayground
Located along the shores of the Puget Sound, Titlow Park offers visitors more than one way to splash. Meander down the trail to the beach where you can dip your toes into the salty water of the Puget Sound, or stay up top in the park area where the sprayground offers hours of fun for kids of all ages. Visitors of this park will also appreciate the playfields, tennis and basketball courts, picnic area and trails. Admission is free.
Titlow Park
8425 6th Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98406
Verlo Playfield Sprayground
Formerly McKinley Playfield, Verlo Playfield features park favorites like a playfield and playground, as well as a beloved sprayground for staying cool in the summer heat. Admission is free.
Verlo Playfield
4321 McKinley Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98404
Wapato Hills Park Sprayground
Over the years, this South Tacoma park has been the recipient of several upgrades, including the Skip and Laura Vaughn playground and the much-loved sprayground. The park is a favorite for South Tacoma families and visitors alike. Admission is free.
Wapato Hills Park
6231 S. Wapato St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
Wright Park Sprayground
Wright Park, located in Tacoma’s Stadium District, is ideal for a leisurely stroll or taking your kids to the playground. With its 27-acre arboretum featuring a collection of more than 615 trees (including 138 different species and 30 state champions!), it’s easy to spend the day exploring under the shade. But, when it gets too hot, head for the park’s sprayground for a quick cool down. Admission is free.
Wright Park
501 South I St.
Tacoma, WA 98405
Puyallup Sprayground
Pierce County’s newest spray park, this Puyallup sprayground is located in downtown Puyallup’s two-acre park, Pioneer Park. The park offers a wading pool with spray water features during the summer heat. Admission is free.
Pioneer Park
324 S. Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
JBLM Splash Park
Serving the military children on post and off, this water park offers water fun for tiny tots and older kids. However, the splash park is just one of the many features families can enjoy at this expansive park. Admission is free.
JBLM Splash Park
Liggett Avenue
Fort Lewis, WA 98433
Hours:
Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
*All spraygrounds open daily through September 7, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on weekends September 12 through 27, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.