Activities for Kids

The South Sound’s Top 15 Playgrounds

From medieval castles, to nautical play structures and seaside swings, click through the gallery to discover the best playgrounds the South Sound has to offer.

By Rachael Brandon August 22, 2017

Thanks to our record dry streak and long summer days, Seattle kids are loving the extra play time at their favorite parks. But if you’ve done the local playground circuit enough your smartphone thinks you work at the neighborhood tot lot, maybe it’s time to branch out into new territory. From medieval castles, to nautical play structures, to seaside swings and lakefront lunch spots, click through the gallery to see the best playgrounds the South Sound has to offer.

George B. Kandle Park

The big draw to this park isn’t the playground (which is nice too, but we’ll get to that later) it’s the rockin’ wave pool that’s gonna grab your crew’s attention. Kandle Park is an awesome summertime hangout and a terrific alternative to the more intense outdoor waterparks in the area. The pool features a zero-depth entry that makes it easy for minis to get in on the fun, plus complimentary life vests, a toddler pool with several spraypark features and a grass lawn to have a picnic on. Located just outside of the pool is a really great playground where you’ll find a little something for everyone, including both a toddler and a super-tall play structure, slides, swings, and a small skate park, plus another mini splash pad.

Pool Hours: Daily, June 17-Sept. 4, 2017. Full session: noon-5 p.m.; half session 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m.; evenings 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $10/Adults for full session; $8/Adults for half or evening session; $8/Youth (5-17) for full session; $6/Youth for half or evening session; 4 & under Free

2323 N. Shirley St.
Tacoma, Wa 98406
Online: metroparkstacoma.org/kandlepark

photo: Andrea B. via Yelp