Turn up the heat on your usual water play routine with a trip to one of our favorite spots
Looking to turn up the heat on your typical sparypark adventure? Why not head to the Eastside sparyparks and beaches and pools to play with some friends. If you and the kids are looking for spots to splash and play, we’ve got suggestions that’ll keep you cool when the temps are anything but, from Renton to Snohomish. So grab your floaties, sunscreen and hat, it’s time to visit the best Eastside sprayparks, beaches and pools around. Who knows, you may just discover a few new favortes this summer.
Eastside Sprayparks
Feriton Spur Park
Let the kids run barefoot through the sprayers as you watch (and maybe stay dry) on the sidelines or from the nearby pickleball court (hey, we can dream, right?) on a sunny summer day. Part of the park’s recent renovation, families will also find paved trails, an urban garden, the Kalakala Amphitheater, and the newest location for Chainline Brewing, where they’ll be serving up ice cream alongside frothy brews.
Cross Kirkland Corridor
509 6th St. S.
Kirkland
Online: kirklandwa.gov
Sammamish Commons Park
Hidden away on the Plateau, the Sammamish Commons Park (by City Hall & the library) has a button-operated splash park in the Lower Commons Park. If you park in the Upper Park, expect a pretty long (10-15 min.) downhill hike to the playground and water area. It’s best to park in the newer lot below (from 228th head west on S.E. 4th to 222nd Ave. S.E.) and bring the stroller, so you don’t have to haul towels and gear such a long way. The Lower Park has a splash pad, playground, and porta-potties. Psst! If you hit this park on a Wednesday, don’t miss the farmers market going on from 4–8 p.m. at the upper part of the park.
Dates: June to September
Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m. to dusk
801 228th Ave. S.E.
Sammamish
Online: sammamish.us
Crossroads Park
An easy spray park to love, the Crossroads spraypark is a celebration of aquatic wonders, complete with a life-sized orca to climb on, squirty sea anemones, and spitting frogs. Hang out in the spray park or head off to the awesome playground for tons of summer fun. Psst…this busy (and beloved) summer spot is packed on the weekends for a good reason. We recommend saving this park for the weekdays.
Dates: Open through Labor Day
Hours: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
999 164th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue
Online: bellevuewa.gov
Grass Lawn Park
If you’ve got kids under 5, you won’t want to miss Grass Lawn’s splash pad. The park boasts plenty of shady spots to throw down a picnic and an awesome playground, but it’s the gentle fountains that are perfect for crawlers and early walkers on a hot summer day. And the fountains will surprise and even delight older kids who can try to dodge the sensor-activated sprayers. Psst…park on the 148th side if you want to be close to the splash pad.
Dates: Open through Labor Day weekend (when the weather is over 70 degrees)
Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
7031 148 Ave. N.E.
Redmond
Online: redmond.gov
Willis Tucker Park
Willing to plan an outing up north? You’ll be glad you did if your trip includes a stop at the awesome splash pad at Willis Tucker Park. With features like water domes, aqua jumpers, a power volcano, and the silverflow cannon, you know it’s gonna be good. This is one rockin’ park and a perfect excuse to put on your bathing suit. Insider Tip: To get the water party started, push the top of the yellow pedestal and allow for a 15- to 30-second delay. Also, avoid going from 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. when everything shuts off for daily maintenance. But hey, the kids need naps anyways, right?
Dates: Open through Labor Day
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
6705 Puget Park Dr.
Snohomish
Online: snohomishcountywa.gov
Kirkland Urban
If you’re looking for a spot to cool off while you’re shopping or eating at Kirkland Urban, the fountain is an easy place to do it. The next time you’re in the area, bring along your swimsuits and sunscreen to make it an afternoon. A little incentive for the kids while you get to do your thing too, parents? Sounds good to us!
Hours: Daily, during regular business hours
425 Urban Plaza
Kirkland
Online: kirklandurban.com
Daleway Park & North Lynnwood Park
Lynnwood’s sweet little splash pad at Daleway Park has fun fountains as well as a bucket-dumping tower that will illicit ear-piercing squeals of joy from your tots. And it’s in a nicely wooded park with picnic tables and shady walks—perfect for a hot summer day!
North Lynnwood Park, also known as “Dragon Park,” is located immediately north of Lynnwood Elementary School. This neighborhood park features a super-fun spray park, reservable picnic facilities, and large active play areas for informal games and family gatherings.
Dates: Open June through Labor Day
Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (weather dependent)
19015 64th Ave. W.
Lynnwood
Online: lynnwoodwa.gov
18510 44th Ave. W.
Lynnwood
Online: lynnwoodwa.gov
Hazel Miller Spray Park
Hazel Miller opened in May of 2016 and quickly became a family hot, er, cold spot. The splash-tastic park, in Edmonds City Park, is located next to the park’s play structure (which is also newer and super convenient) and includes a 55-gallon bucket, water cannons, arches that spray water, and a tot-friendly area where little ones can safely splish-splash in the water. The park also boasts a ballfield, walking trails, fire and horseshoe pits, and picnic tables nearby. Pack a picnic lunch or dinner and enjoy the lazy days of summer at this fantastic park, or better yet, check out the Rowlee Shave Ice cart in the lower parking lot for a cool treat.
Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Edmonds City Park
600 3rd Ave. S.
Edmonds
Online: edmondswa.gov/government
Eastside Water Parks
Henry Moses Aquatic Center
Renton has an awesome outdoor water park (think of it as a scaled-down version of Wild Waves) with a lap pool, water slides, a lazy river, a wave machine, and a great toddler spray and play area. The water park also boasts a shade zone and locker rooms to make this trip to Renton even easier! Reservations for all this fun are required. Open sessions will run daily in two, three-hour time slots (noon-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.). Check their calendar for special events throughout the summer like the Parks and Recreation Month celebration scheduled for July.
Good to know: Families with tots should check out Half Pint Play ‘n’ Splash that’s perfect for kids under 5.
Cost: $8-16
Hours: Daily, noon to 7 p.m.
1719 S.E. Maple Valley Hwy.
Renton
Online: rentonwa.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=8838960
Best Eastside Beaches
If you prefer to cool off while digging your toes into the sand, you’re in luck! The Eastside is chock-full of beautiful lakefront beaches. Many have lifeguards on duty (weather dependent) and playgrounds to boot, and many open the last week of June. So grab your shovels, buckets, and sunscreen and get your kids to some beachy goodness, stat!
Chism Beach Park
Of the many sweet neighborhood parks in Bellevue, Chism Beach Park is the largest on the waterfront and it has a great family beach in the lower section. There’s also a small, but workable playground and a nice sandy area along the lake for digging and castle making. The older kids will enjoy swimming out to the floating dock while the little ones splish-splash in the wading area.
Dates: Daily (lifeguards will resume duty in June)
Hours: Dawn ’til dusk
9600 S.E. 11th St.
Bellevue
Online: parks.bellevuewa.gov/parks-and-trails/parks/chism-beach-park
Meydenbauer Bay Park
A secret garden-like park in the middle of Bellevue is Meydenbauer Bay Park. After almost two years of renovation, the seven-acre park boasts a quarter-mile of Lake Washington waterfront, a beautiful swimming beach and swimming platform, a 400-foot-long curved pedestrian pier that extends into the lake, a hand-carry boat launch, paved walkways, picnic areas, and a fantastic playground. The park also features a hilltop overlook with gorgeous views of Seattle, a new beach house with restrooms, changing rooms, and boat rentals (think: canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards), and a lifeguard station.
Dates: Daily (lifeguards will resume duty in June)
Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
450 110th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue
Online: parks.bellevuewa.gov
Clyde Beach Park
For a well-manicured beach right in the city, try Clyde Beach Park. The sloping lawn ends in a mini-amphitheater where you’ll find the pirate ship-themed playground; the beach is just below. And there are lots of great picnic spots here, especially on weekdays when you won’t have to share them with quite as many folks.
2-92nd Ave. N.E.
Bellevue
Online: parks.bellevuewa.gov
Newcastle Beach Park
South of the Mercer Slough, Newcastle Beach Park is the largest beach park in Bellevue. A tree-lined path welcomes you to the beach and a nice grass play area (bring your Frisbee!). There’s also a great playground for the tots and a huge dock that’s so big (300 feet long) you can almost convince yourself it’s a mini-boardwalk. The nice shallow water here gets warm (well, warm for Seattle), so fair warning that it might be even harder than usual to drag the kids out of the water.
4400 Lake Washington Blvd. S.E.
Bellevue
Online: parks.bellevuewa.gov
Enatai Beach Park
Practically underneath I-90, this might seem like an odd location for waterfront fun, but this park has a few unique features you won’t want to miss. First off, there are picnic tables sitting above the boathouse, so you can have your lunch practically on top of the water! And if the kiddos are looking for some boating adventures, you can rent canoes and kayaks here from REI and paddle up the Mercer Slough.
3519 108th Ave. S.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Online: parks.bellevuewa.gov/parks-and-trails/parks/enatai-beach-park
Vasa Park Resort
In East Bellevue, along the shores of Lake Sammamish, is the private Vasa Park Resort. Part campground, part summer camp, part family-friendly park, this is the spot for corporate summer picnics or uber family reunions…or just a fabulously fun day with your little ones. You can swim in the weed-free waters, rent jet skis, slip down water slides, shoot hoops; then shower in the nice and tidy bathrooms before heading home.
Cost: $7/Adults; $5/Kids; Free, Kids 3 & under
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
3560 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. S.E.
Bellevue
Online: vasaparkresort.com
Lake Sammamish State Park
For those close to Issaquah or who’ve had a morning on Tiger Mountain and are looking for a beach, head to the state park at the base of Lake Sammamish. With more than a mile of waterfront, you’ll be sure to find a secluded spot, if that’s what you are looking for. There are oodles of green spaces for lawn games or tag, picnic tables galore, an awesome playground, and tons of parking! Don’t forget your Discover Pass.
Cost: Discover Pass required. $12/one-day pass; $35/yearly pass
Dates: Daily
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-dusk
2000 N.W. Sammamish Rd.
Issaquah
Online: parks.state.wa.us/533/Lake-Sammamish
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
On the very southern tip of Lake Washington, you’ll find the super sunny Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The little ones will love watching the boats coming and going from the busy boat launch, the planes taking off from Boeing’s Renton plant, and grabbing fish and chips from Ivar’s and a milkshake from Kid Valley. In addition to swimming, kids can play on the awesome new playground or walk along the paved trail. It’s a happening place in the summer, so come early for a parking spot.
1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N.
Renton
Online: rentonwa.gov
Idylwood Beach Park
Although dwarfed by its enormous neighbor to the north (Marymoor Park), Idylwood Park is in fact quite idyllic. Located on the northeast end of Lake Sammamish, there’s a nice sandy beach, a nice playground with separate space for toddlers and older kids, and tons of shady picnic tables. Come early or look for the overflow parking lot on sunny days, as this place gets packed!
3650 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. N.E. (between 36th St. & N. 177th Ave.)
Redmond
Online: redmond.gov
Luther Burbank Park
If you’re looking for a beach to bring Fido to, this park is it! There’s a great off-leash area (complete with a hose-off area for your pup post-swim). The playground received a major face-lift a few years ago, complete with a zip line, so be sure to check it out before or after your swim. And if you’re looking to spot some wildlife while you’re there, much of the park has been left undeveloped to foster a variety of animals including 135 species of birds, 50 species of waterfowl, raccoons, beavers, muskrats, tree frogs, and rabbits. Psst…many of these animals live in the wetlands that occupy the north and south ends of the park.
2040 84th Ave. S.E.
Mercer Island
Online: mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/luther-burbank-park
Houghton Beach Park
Eastside families love Houghton Beach. And there’s a good reason why. With great views of Seattle and the Olympics, and a fabulous playground directly next to the toddler-friendly beach (not to mention it’s located super conveniently downtown, right on Lake Washington Blvd.), this is a popular spot for folks looking for sun and surf on the Eastside. OK, there’s actually no real surf here. The launch is only for non-motorized boats, so it’s perfect for beginners who want to rent their first kayak.
5811 Lake Washington Blvd.
Kirkland
Online: kirklandwa.gov
Juanita Beach Park
Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland boasts walking paths, landscaping, public art, and one of the coolest playgrounds around. And that’s just the beginning of this award-winning oasis. The swimming area is enclosed, so it’s great for waders and for folks who want a “pool” experience at the beach. And there’s a weekly Farmer’s Market here on Friday in the summer. If you haven’t been in a while, this spot is definitely worth a second glance.
9703 N.E. Juanita Drive
Kirkland
Online: kirklandwa.gov
Waverly Beach Park
A small park (especially when compared to its big neighbor Juanita Beach), Waverly Beach Park is big on charm. With a fully enclosed swimming area (think U-shaped dock), this is a perfect spot for the kiddos to try out their new back float. There’s also some nice shady spots near the water and this beach has a bit quieter pace than some of the bigger beaches nearby.
633 Waverly Way
Kirkland
Online: kirklandwa.gov
St. Edward State Park
Once a Catholic seminary, this is a park with some history. Go and check out the architecture and grounds, or go on a nice hike before you make your way down to the water for a little dip. The ginormous playground here is not to be missed; there are turrets and towers galore that your princes and princesses will surely love. And did we mention that the recently restored Lodge at St. Edward State Park makes for a great babymoon or parents-only weekend getaway? You’re welcome. Hint: Don’t forget your Discover Pass.
14445 Juanita Drive N.E.
Kenmore
Online: parks.state.wa.us/577/Saint-Edward
Additional reporting by Kristina Moy & Katie Gruver
