ML Interest Tag: splash

Rashida Jones Kept Her Pregnancy (and Birth) a Secret & She’s Been a Mom for Months

by Erica Loop

Some of this year’s most notable celebrity have gone under the radar. Remember how Kylie Jenner managed to make it all the way through three trimesters without letting her secret slip? Reportedly, Rashida Jones gave birth months ago—making the 42-year-old Parks and Recreation actress yet another member of the celeb secret pregnancy club.

According to Us Weekly, the actress gave birth to her first child with boyfriend Ezra Koenig “several months ago.” The couple has been dating since 2016, but never actually confirmed that they’re together. Yep. Jones and her Vampire Weekend lead singer beau are still yet to go completely public with their relationship.

This isn’t to say that they’re hiding their love. But Jones, unlike plenty of other celebs, hasn’t made a point of splashing her dating life all over Instagram or Twitter. She also skipped the seemingly obligatory celebrity IG baby announcement.

According to E! News, Jones gave birth to a baby boy named Isaiah Jones Koenig back on Aug. 22. This is the couple’s first child.

That means you won’t see a bunch of baby bump pics dotting her Instagram feed. Seriously—Jones posts photos of herself for her 1.5 million followers, but if you look closely, you’ll notice all of her IG photos have something in common: They’ve each been shot to cleverly conceal any possible baby bump, allowing her to make it through nine months of pregnancy without any pregnancy speculations or questions.

Congrats to the new mom!

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Rashida Jones via Instagram 

 

RELATED STORIES:

Kate Hudson’s Mom Goldie Hawn Did the Craziest Things While Her Daughter Gave Birth

We’re Pretty Sure Richard Gere & His Wife’s Pregnancy Announcement Is the Coolest

Jessica Simpson Is Pregnant & Her Kids Are Psyched to Be Big Siblings

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Take the Plunge! Best Bay Area Swimming Pools

by Kate Loweth

Summertime means swim time so get those swim suits packed up and ready for a day at the pool. From north to south we’ve gathered some of the best spots for you to get your guppies splashing. Cool off at a pool near you!

photo: Yatmandu via flickr

San Francisco

Charlie Sava Pool
Named after a famous local swim coach from the 1940s, Sava Pool is clean and well maintained and has an outdoorsy feel thanks to its glass ceiling and windows; special noise-reducing equipment keeps the echoes down. The water is four feet deep at its shallowest. Recreation swim times are Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturdays 12:30-2 p.m. and Sundays 1-2:30 p.m.

2695 19th Ave.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

Hamilton Swimming Pool
This indoor recreation center has been voted one of the cleanest and most popular public pools in the city and the children’s area is a huge hit with its swirly water slide. Enjoy family swim time Monday through Friday, 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m., and Saturdays 1–3 p.m. Children have to be at least 48 inches tall to ride the water slide.

1900 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

photo: silvereye via Flickr

North Beach Swimming Pool
North Beach has two pools: one cool, for lap swimming, the other warm for family fun. Set at 85 degrees and 3 feet at its shallowest, the warm pool is perfect for young swimmers. There’s plenty of natural light from the many windows and skylights. You can change in one of the private curtained stalls and dry your swim gear in the spinner. The lockers are a decent size, but remember to bring your own lock. The staff are sticklers about having exact change for admission. Family swim times are Monday and Wednesday 3:30–5 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 12:15–2 p.m., with an additional open swim Friday at 5:45–7 p.m., and Saturday 1:30–3 p.m.

651 Lombard St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

Mission Pool
If you are going to brave an outdoor pool in San Francisco, it only makes sense that it be in the Mission, where the temperature is always at least five degrees warmer than any other neighborhood. The Mission Community Pool welcomes you with the iconic “New World Tree of Life” mural on it’s outside wall. It has four lanes and is open for recreation swim Tuesday through Friday, 2–3:30 p.m., Saturday 1-2:30 p.m. and Sunday 12:30–2 p.m. The pool is closed on Mondays.

1 Linda St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

photo: Tim Dorr via flickr

East Bay

Richmond Swim Center
With the Richmond Plunge closed for the time being, families have switched their swim schedule to the Richmond Swim Center. Tot splash takes place Mon.-Fri., 9:45-10:45 a.m. Family swim hours are Sat.-Thurs. 1:30-3:45 p.m.

4300 Cutting Blvd.
Point Richmond, CA
Online: ci.richmond.ca.us

San Ramon Aquatic Center 
Even if it’s outside your area code, this outdoor water wonderland is well worth a day trip for some serious summer fun. The huge pool complex offers an amazing splash pad featuring slides and shooting water, an Olympic-size pool with a goosebump-inducing water slide and a medium-sized pool perfect for tubing or kick-boarding around. There’s also a shaded grassy area ideal for picnic lunches. During the summer months, the schedule is packed with open swim times (up to three per day) with a mid-morning hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays dedicated to Toddler time.

9900 Broadmoor
San Ramon, CA
Online: ci.san-ramon.ca.us

photo: Kathyrn L via Yelp

El Cerrito Pool
This outdoor pool complex has three distinct areas: A lap pool, a shallow pool with fountain for playing around, and a splash pad. Heated locker room floors are just one of the many perks of this impressive public pool. Recreational swim is every day from 1:15–3:15 p.m. with extended hours on Saturday and Sundays.  The splash park is open morning and afternoon every day except Sunday, but check the schedule for hours and modifications.

7007 Moeser Ln.
El Cerrito, CA
Online: el-cerrito.org

photo: Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

Robert Livermore Recreation Center
This pool is so spacious, it even offers kayaking courses! Surrounded by a deck and grassy area with lounge chairs and plenty of shade structures, this is a perfect summer hang-out. The lap pool is open year round and in summer there’s a fabulous shallow activity pool with play structure, waterfalls, water cannons, plus at 22-foot-long spiral water slide.  A special toddler time runs for two hours MOn-Thurs. for under fives starting at 9.15 a.m. Open swim time takes place Mon.-Thurs. 1-6 p.m. and Fri.-Sun. noon-6 p.m.

4444 East Ave.
Livermore, CA
Online: larpd.org

Rankin Aquatic Center
This pool is both fun and affordable. Settle in with a cooler (there is no concession stand) and watch the kids have the time of their lives as they splash around in the amazing activity pool with slides and a giant water bucket feature. The place is clean and well staffed but go early to get the shade. Rec swim is Mon. 1-4 p.m., Tues.-Fri. noon-4 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. noon-5 p.m.

100 Buckley St,
Martinez, CA
Online: cityofmartinez.org

photo: Kathryn R via Yelp

Peninsula

Giammona Pool
This gorgeous pool, which is part of the Westmoor High School, opened in 2010, and has been raved about ever since. It’s clean and warm and has a diving board and viewing deck, spacious locker rooms, plenty of showers and a handy spin dryer for all those soggy swimsuits you’ll be taking home. Recreational swim times are Friday 5:30–7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30–2:30 p.m.

131 Westmoor Ave.
Daly City, CA
Online: dalycity.org

Herkner Memorial Pool
When Herkner opens its gates, it’s the official sign that summer has come to Redwood City. This popular solar-heated outdoor pool hosts a 45 minute baby session at noon Monday to Saturday to allow swimmers under five to get used to the water without too much splashing. Don’t forget the swim diapers! Alternatively, bring the whole clan for the summer rec swim, Mon.-Sat. 1:15-3 p.m. The pool is closed on Sunday.

1315 Madison Ave.
Redwood City, CA
Online: redwoodcity.org

Rinconada Pool
This pool has all the fun of the beach without the sand. The toddler pool can keep kids happily splashing for hours with its gentle gradient and myriad water features. There’s a slide, a jetty, water jets, a mushroom style waterfall, and some very cool aqua-bicycles with water squirts. There are lifeguards on duty and the pool is open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. noon-6 p.m.

777 Embarcadero Rd.
Palo Alto, CA
Online: cityofpaloalto.org

photo: Menlo Swim and Sport

Burgess Park Pool Complex
Bring a picnic and set yourself up in the shade under the oak trees. There are three pools here, one for laps, one for open swim time and a baby pool. The tot spot is 3 ft at it’s deepest and kept at a toasty 87 degrees with plenty of fun splashy water fountains and falls. If the kids have outgrown the shallow end, the recreational pool is open for play noon until closing time every day of the week with doors opening at the earlier time of 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

501 Laurel St.
Menlo Park, CA
Online: menloswim.com

Palo Alto JCC
For non-members, a day at the Palo Alto JCC comes with a higher price tag than most other pools listed, but the facilities include an indoor and outdoor pool with lots of fun features. There’s a slide, fountains and a giant frog slide in the baby pool.

3921 Fabian Way
Palo Alto, CA
Online: paloaltojcc.org

photo: Burlingame Aquatics

South Bay

Rengstorff Pool
Weekends here are busy with families enjoying everything this pool has to offer. Surrounded by parks and playing fields with BBQ grills that can be reserved ahead of time, this child-friendly pool has a shallow area, a swim zone and a slide. There’s limited lap swimming, and once the morning swim lessons are done, the open swim hours are 1-3:15 p.m. during the week and 1:30-6 p.m. at the weekend.

201 S Rengstorff Ave.
Mountain View, CA
Online: mountainview.gov

Morgan Hill Aquatics
With two large waterslides, a water play feature, splash pad, diving boards, a full size competition pool and another pool for free swim, this is the hottest place to stay cool in the South Bay. There’s a grassy area with palm trees around the perimeter of the pool and lots of loungers, so stake out your spot and stay the day. Find the schedule here.

16200 Condit Rd.
Morgan Hill, CA
Online: morganhill.ca.gov

photo: Fair Swim Center

Fair Swim Center
This is a perfect spot for kids to get acquainted with swimming. Surrounded by a large grass field, picnic areas and lots of shade, the little ones can splash away in a shallow pool with beach entry that has a fun mushroom waterfall. There’s a slightly deeper pool with a squirt gun designed for recreational swimming. In addition, there’s a spacious lap pool. Bring a picnic and settle in to enjoy the hot summer days.

1350 Bacchus Dr.
San Jose, CA
Online: sanjoseca.gov

photo: Kathryn R via Yelp

Marin County

Mill Valley Recreation Center Swimming Pool
Everyone loves this sparkling-clean indoor pool with its big windows and retractable roof for warm summer days. Little ones feel right at home splashing and playing in the shallow “cove” area where wide steps descend gradually into the water, and for kids 48 inches tall, the spiral water slide is always a big hit.

180 Camino Alto
Mill Valley, CA
Online: cityofmillvalley.org

Marinwood Community Center Pool
The double-flume waterslide is just one of the draws of this pristine community pool. Grassy area for picnics, a smaller pool dedicated to little ones 7 and under and poolside lounge chairs and umbrellas make this a perfect place to camp out as long as the SPF lasts. To get in on the crowd-free morning tot sessions (the 3 hours prior to open rec swim), you must become a member or purchase a punch pass.

775 Miller Creek Rd.
San Rafael, CA
Online: marinwood.org

photo: Gabrielle L via Yelp

McNear’s Beach Pool
This feels like more of a getaway than any other community pool, since it’s located right on the coast and also offers a rocky beachfront, sandy patches to dig and build, and even a fishing pier. The two pools—a main pool and a shallower toddler pool—are fenced in and clean, and only open during the summer months. A snack bar serves up hot dogs, ice cream, chips and candy, and a small video arcade offers some indoor fun. The pool is open Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and weekends, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; it’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Lifeguards are on duty at the swimming pool, but not at the beach.

201 Cantera Way
San Rafael, CA
Online: marincountyparks.org

Hamilton Community Pool
This beautiful eight lane pool was revamped in 2010 and has a fun activity pool with a play structure and slide. Surrounded by lawns and sun loungers and with a great view of the bay, this pool is a perfect summer escape.  The pool is open from mid May through end of September, with public swim times during the summer from noon-6 p.m.. Check the schedule for details.

203 El Bonito Rd.
Novato, CA
Online: cityofsanrafael.org

photo: Kathryn R via Yelp

Terra Linda Community Pool
Non-swimmers can spend a happy afternoon in the toddler pool here with it’s fountain sprays and spouts while parents relax on loungers nearby. The changing rooms were renovated and a new inflatable added in 2016. Check the schedule here.

670 Del Ganado Road
San Rafael, CA
Online: cityofsanrafael.org

—Kate Loweth, Erin Feher and Emily Myers

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These Wine Glasses Float in the Water & Stand in the Sand

by Shahrzad Warkentin

photo: Odditymall

When you’re chasing kids around the beach or splashing with your family in the pool, you need your hands free, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on enjoying a tasty beverage. These awesome wine glasses can float and stake in the grass or sand, so you always have a place to put your drink when mom duty calls.

photo: Odditymall

The Beach Glass is an acrylic, shatter-proof glass meant for use outdoors. It features a spiked stem that allows it both to float in the water and easily be placed upright in the sand, grass or even snow, without worrying that it will topple over or spill. Instead of leaving your glass behind on a table and forgetting about it, you can easily enjoy your drink while you play with the kids on the beach or in your backyard.

photo: Odditymall

The Beach Glass comes in a variety of colors including, clear, teal, orange and sea green. It is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, because who has time to hand wash glasses. It’s available on Amazon starting at $9.99. Beach Glass also comes in a Caribbean-style, which looks more like a regular glass for cocktails or any beverage.

photo: Amazon.com

Could you use these glasses? Tell us in the comments below.

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A 1,000-Foot-Long Slip ‘n’ Slide is Coming to Town

by Kelly Aiglon

If a splash pad mades you say, “Whee!” then get ready for something that will make you say, “WHOA!” We’re talking about Slide the City, a summer event featuring a 1,000-foot-long slip ‘n’ slide through the center of town. That’s nearly a quarter of a mile of splashing, coasting, laughing fun. It happens soon in Rockford and Algonquin (totally worth the drive, promise).

Whoosh! Let’s Go
This is your chance to whiz down a Guinness World Record-breaking slide, most aptly described as the world’s biggest slip ‘n’ slide. Ages five and up (and at least 46 inches tall) can tackle this force of H20 nature, which hits Algonquin on August 15 & 16 and Rockford on September 5-7.

True to its name, the three-lane slide jets through the center of the city. In Algonquin, it starts on a hill located through the old downtown, right along the Fox River. In Rockford, the slide goes across Morgan Street Bridge, which crosses the pretty Rock River.

Glide, Slide & Stay to Play
Just like a slip ‘n’ slide, this slick vinyl attraction is kept wet by overhead sprinklers and has no depth. At the end of it, you cascade into a splash pool. Call it the grand finale!

At both events, there will also be a festival area with bounces houses, face painting and live entertainment. Enjoy it after you take your trip down the slide. The festival is open to all ages and you don’t need to slide to attend.

Know Before You Go … 
You’ll want to wear a swimming suit to go sliding. But not just that — also bring swim shoes (instead of flip flops, which tend to fly off and get lost). You can also bring your own inner tubes or floaties. In fact, they’re encouraged because they made the trip down smoother and even more fun. Leave cell phones and bags behind, though; there will be lockers to use onsite, if you need them.

Have fun, everyone!

Tickets start at $20 for one slide.
For tickets to the Algonquin event, click here.
For tickets to the Rockford event, click here.

What is YOUR favorite water slide? Let us know in the comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

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Red Tricycle Writers’ Secrets for Summer Fun

by Kelly Aiglon

The stories you read on Red Tricycle are written by fun-lovers and explorers — much like you! Now, on the cusp of summer, they’re filling their calendars with sunny family adventures. And they’re willing to share their secrets. Click through our album and see what our local Red Tricycle team recommends you do during the hot, bright and totally exciting months ahead.

Mistie Lucht

"Our summer fun will be focused on water! We love the all-family appeal of Raging Waves Water Park. From water slides to the lazy river, we spend all day here and never get bored. Our favorite swimming spot is Chicago’s Pulaski Park Pool. Not only is there a large, warm pool that starts three feet down to a deep end, there is also a water playground with zero-depth entry to just 1½ feet deep. Slides, tunnels and spray will keep little ones splashing for hours. Lastly, we love Adams Playground Park. We head here on hot, humid Friday evenings after an early dinner and splash and play until the water shuts off at 8 p.m. Walking through the dusky streets of Lincoln Park (with a stop for ice cream on Armitage Avenue, of course!) is a wonderful way to spend a summer evening with the kids."

Mistie's Company: Playground Pointers

What are YOU up to this summer? Let us know in the Comments!

 

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16 Signs You’re a Capitol Hill Parent

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Capitol Hill isn’t often associated with kids, fun and playtime. But if you’re a parent raising your brood in the shadow of the Statue of Freedom, the Hill might just be the best place in town. Awesome libraries, picturesque parks, perfect pop tarts, and the best sledding in town. Here are 16 signs you’re raising your mini-Senator on the Hill.

1. While watching Meet the Press your five year old cruises by and yells out, “Our neighbor’s on TV!”.

2. Your kids think everyone buys their fruits and veggies at Eastern Market.

Photo: karen Schuld via Flickr

3. Your kids know what August Recess is, and that school starts at the end of it.

4. During walks your kids frequently run into congressmen and senators and have no idea who they are, just that they have a super cute pup.

Photo: MarkScottAustinTX via Flickr

5. You know that a MOTH isn’t just an insect (it also stands for Moms on the Hill). 

6. Pop Tarts come from Ted’s Bulletin not Kellogg’s.

Photo: Hilary Riedemann

7. If your kiddos get into a playground fight you’re terrified they’ll push a Member of Congress’ kid.

8. Everyone knows Capitol Hill is the best place to go sledding – even if there is a ban.

Photo: valkyrieh116 via Flickr

9. During the summer your kids’ second home is William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center. Shhhh…splashing around is free for D.C. residents.  

10. Your local library is America’s Library.

Photo: US Department of Education via Flickr

11. You’ve already strategized about school lotteries even though your daughter is still in diapers.

12. Your kids know exactly which metro stops are for groceries, museums or playgrounds.

Photo: Lars Plougmann via Flickr

13. The kids beg to go to Union Station whenever they hear Thomas the Train.

14. Lincoln Park is a real park…not a band or a place in Chicago.

Photo: Hilary Riedemann

15. No matter the weather, it’s always summer at the Botanic Gardens.

16. The White House is not just the white house next door.

Photo: ehpien via Flickr

Are there any other signs that you’re a Capitol Hill parent? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below. 

—Hilary Riedemann

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Hidden Parks & Gardens of the Peninsula

by Jenn Wade

You spent summer splashing around Stafford Park, picnicked and played at Washington Park, and ventured to the Junior Museum & Zoo at Rinconada Park. Now what? Time to check out the Peninsula’s hidden gems. They may be just around the corner from your house or a few short miles from your family’s favorite hood. Either way, these (formerly) secret spots are worth exploring!

Kohl Mansion, Burlingame

Why it’s great: The 100 year old estate’s English rose garden will allow you to indulge in the fantasy of a refined afternoon drinking tea and eating finger sandwiches (that aren’t PB&J). Once you come back to reality, it’s still a pretty dreamy place. The rose garden is shaped like a maze making it perfect for hide and seek while manicured lawns, a fountain with live fish, majestic oaks and a creek provide endless entertainment.

Where: 2750 Adeline Dr., Burlingame. Entrances at Hoover or Alvarado Sts.

Good to know: It’s also the location of Mercy High School and gets busy during drop-off and pick-up periods.

Photo Credit: Jenn Wade

Have other hidden gem suggestions for Peninsula parents? Be sure to share them in the comments.

—Jenn Wade

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10 Splash-tastic Ways to Dabble in Water Play

by Gabby Cullen

Water cools off little fingers and toes — and it’s also a super tool for young, exploring minds. Think beyond the bath and introduce your baby to engaging, safe water play. From container scooping games to ice cube tray tricks, these 10 creative ideas will make a splash during play time. Click through our slideshow for the details!

Get the Scoop

Babies can’t ask for more than water and colorful scooping tools. Using everything from measuring cups to toys with depth, they'll discover the idea of empty and full. Use a bucket to contain the activity (and the splashing!). Your little one will be captivated from start to finish. Get tips for play from Tinker Lab.

Photo courtesy of Tinker Lab

 

We at Red Tricycle encourage learning. That said, babies should never be left near water unattended. All of these activities should be experienced with parental supervision. 

How do you make time for water play? We want to know!

— Gabby Cullen

 

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Make a Splash: 5 Family-Friendly Outdoor Community Pools

by Kristina Moy

Even at the height of summer, Seattle weather can be fickle. But when the mercury does begin to rise or heaven forbid… a full-fledged heat wave hits the Emerald City (gasp!), Seattle families flock to local watering holes to cool off. While a trip to the beach or spray park is always fun, nothing screams “summer” more than splashing around in an outdoor pool. And even though there are just two (yup) outdoor public swimming pools in the city of Seattle, and neither is, shall we say, in a convenient location, don’t throw in the towel just yet. With just a wee bit of effort, the quintessential outdoor pool experience is just a short dive (er, drive) away.

Colman Pool in West Seattle
This setting is quintessential Seattle (unbelievably stunning) and the facility offers plenty of floaties and even a corkscrew slide. It’s a 10 – 20 minute hike to get down to the pool, literally, so make sure kiddos are wearing decent walking shoes (i.e. no flip flops). The pool underwent major renovations last year so if you haven’t been in a while you will be pleasantly surprised. Also note that Colman pool does not have a wading area for little ones. Which is great! This is an experience in which you want to fully submerge. Note: Occasionally, the pool hosts swim meets so be sure to check the online schedule before you go.

Colman Pool
8603 Fauntleroy Way Southwest
Seattle, Wa 98136
206-684-7494
Online: seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/colman.htm

Cost: $3.75 to $5.25; $1 extra for slide (under 1 free)

Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool in Magnolia
The great thing about this Magnolia pool is that there are actually two pools. One smaller, warmer, shallower pool perfect for teaching little fish how to swim, and the other is a big deeper pool, fit for big kids who are ready to careen down a 50-foot slide. This is a newer facility with all the things you want and expect for a classy pool experience: clean locker rooms, decent snack bar and plenty of lounge chairs. Which all adds up to this being a super-popular place. Check the online schedule for themed family swimming nights throughout the summer.

Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool
2535 32nd Avenue West
Seattle, Wa 98199
206-684-4708
Online: seattle.gov/parks/aquatics/mounger.htm

Cost: $3.75 to $5.25; $1 extra for slide (under 1 free)

Henry Moses Aquatic Center in Renton
Short of driving 45+ minutes south to Wild Waves, the Henry Moses Aquatic Center is your next best bet for a water park-type of experience. With a 9,000-square-foot leisure pool with wave machine, two 26-feet high water slides, a six-lane lap pool, and a concession area, they aim to please. Note: the higher rates for non-Renton residents. In other words, if you’re not a local, plan on paying double for admission or find a local to tag along with.

Henry Moses Aquatic Center
1719 Maple Valley Highway (Cedar River Park)
Renton, Wa 98057
425-430-6780
Online: rentonwa.gov

Cost: $4 to $14 (under 1 free)

Peter Kirk Pool in Kirkland
Ahh, Kirkland. With your kid-friendly parks and adorable lakefront shopping and district, you’re quite lovely this time of year. The pool, conveniently located in the center of town right near the library, is no frills, but that’s they way we like it. Make a day of it and stay late for one of their family swim nights (see schedule for details) filled with pool games, crafty activities and music!

Peter Kirk Pool
340 Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland, Wa
425-587-3335
Online: kirklandwa.gov/depart/parks/Aquatics/Peter_Kirk_Pool.htm

Cost: $4/person

Vashon Pool on Vashon Island
Yes, you will need to take the ferry to get there. But you won’t be disappointed. This is a fun, unfussy community pool located on a rustic, unfussy island. Swimming with your family at this pool is just one of the many destinations you’ll make when you explore Vashon Island with little ones this summer.

Vashon Pool
9600 SW 204th Street
Vashon, Wa 98070
206-463-3787
Online: vashonparks.org/section_facilities/facilities_facilities_pg6.htm

Cost: $6/person; discount punch cards available

Seattle Wading Pools
Wait – there’s more! No, actually, there isn’t. Seattle Parks and Recreations’ numerous wading pools are just that – fit for wading, not swimming. Consider them an easy and exhilarating alternative to filling up your own plastic backyard wading pool – the city actually encourages you to come as a water-saving measure. Participating wading pools are filled with water only on hot days (above 70 degrees) and only in certain parks, so check online or call the wading pool/spray park hotline to see if your neighborhood park is on the list. Tots and wee ones will have a great time splashing around, and parents need only worry about getting their ankles wet. Oh, and bathing suits or swimming diapers are required. But we didn’t need to tell you that.

Online: seattle.gov/parks/wadingpools.asp
Wading Pool Hotline: 206-684-7796

Insider Tips: On those rare hot Seattle summer days, expect outdoor pools to be crowded, so plan accordingly: Check family swim hours online, arrive early and don’t be surprised if you have to stand in line. Also: big kids who want to swim in the deep end will need to pass a swim test (varies by pool; usually two widths of crawl stroke). Most pools charge an extra dollar to use the water slides, and take cash or check only. Want the pool to yourself? Go when it’s overcast or even raining. Hey, you’re getting wet anyway!

Where will you be swimming this summer? Let us know in the comments section below. 

– Kristina Moy & Allison Ellis

Photos courtesy of Kristina Moy, Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool Facebook page, King County Parks Your Big via Flickr and Seattle Parks & Recreation 

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