Summer is HERE in Seattle, and it feels great! We’ve got hot temps and lots of sunshine, and since my preschooler is done with school next week, I’m trying to plan lots of outdoor activities. Here are eight of our favorite places to go to cool off during the summer.
8 Spots to Cool Off in Seattle and Summer Water Fun for Kids
1. Alki Beach. West Seattle’s coastline is famous for its boardwalk and sandy beaches — it almost feels like a Southern California beach on a busy Saturday. We love to ride or rent bikes along the path, build sandcastles and play in the water. Grab lunch from one of the cafes or venture into downtown West Seattle for the most delicious twice-baked croissants of your life.
2. Crossroads Park Splash Pad. This is an awesome splash pad that’s worth driving to Bellevue for. They’ve got a giant orca whale, and other sea creatures to climb up and slide down on, lots of water spraying equipment, and fun splash toys to play with. There’s also a ton of grassy lawn space for picnics and a nice playground.
3. International Fountain, Seattle Center. This fountain is as old as the Space Needle; both were built for the 1962 World’s Fair! It’s a silver dome sculpture that sprays massive jets of water high up into the air — fun to run around and get super wet, right in the shadow of the Needle.
4. Lynnwood Recreation Center and Pool. Some days it’s just too darn hot to go outside, so why not cool off indoors? (Also a fun destination in the winter because of the heated waters!) The Lynnwood Recreation Center and Pool feature a lazy river, water slides, a family hot tub and a water playground. Kids ages 2-12 are $4.25; adults are $5.25.
5. Grass Lawn Park. Another great park with fun water features — this one is in Redmond, and it’s huge. It has a variety of playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and, of course, a popular splash pad.
6. Juanita Beach. This public Lake Washington beach in Kirkland has it all — kayak and paddleboard rentals, a playground, a wide and roomy beach and a great view of Seattle. Of all the Lake Washington beaches we visit, this one feels the least crowded.
7. Tukwila Splash & Spray Park. If you’re south of Seattle, this is a great spot to check out on a hot day. It’s close to the Tukwila Community Center and has all the spray fountains your kids have ever dreamed of.
8. Green Lake. This tiny lake, right next door to the Woodland Park Zoo, is great to swim in any time. Bring bikes or scooters and ride around the lake path, or stop at the north end of the lake to check out the Wading Pool — it’s the biggest in Seattle! You can also grab a treat at one of the nearby bakeries and restaurants.
There are our 8 Top Spots to Cool Off in Seattle and Cool Summer Fun for KidsAre we missing any? Share your favorite Seattle cooling-off spots in the comments!
Looks like an awesome place to visit in the summer. We live quite far from Seattle. Although we do have water parks here too, what I would really want is to be at the beach and soak in some sun!
This looks like a lot of fun. I am going to be heading to Seattle later this year. This might be a good one to add to the ‘to visit’ list.
I hope you have a memorable trip!
This look like super fun parks. My children just love water parks in the summer time!
Wow, these are really a good resource and I can’t wait to go to the beach, By the way, I love your photos
Seattle has a lot of lovely places and it would be nice to go there for the summer and just enjoy what it has to offer! These are all awesome suggestions!
Wow I had no idea that Seattle offered so many spots to cool off. Love the idea of heading to cool places this summer to get away from the heat.
You make me wish I lived closer to Seattle! All of these look like great places to visit.
Ah, it can be a magical place when the sun shines! 🙂
Being from the east I don’t think about the pacific northwest beaches too often but like the rest of the area it looks beautiful. I think I would like to visit there in summer when it is warm and dry.
Thanks for sharing these places. It’s a great resource for people to keep cool in the city. I mean, even Seattle has to get hot at times.
These are great suggestions. Splash parks are always a ton of fun during the summer months.
This is a great resource for having fun in the sun in Seattle. Thanks for sharing it with us!