We know when the sun shines and the temperatures climb local families look for water! Whether you want to get your toes wet and fill your sand pail, take the plunge in an indoor pool, or run through sprayers, we've got a full list of great ways to cool off!
LOCAL BEACHES
Lake Sammamish State Park (Issaquah) requires an annual Discovery Pass, but you can use that pass for access to great trails in the area as well. The park has a snack shack for ice cream, etc. Kayak rentals and a playground. A new bathhouse opened in 2015, and a new destination playground will open in 2016; you can find out more at lakesammamishfriends.org.
Timberlake Park (Issaquah) is a little slice of clean, sandy beach on Lake Sammamish. It's a 1/2 mile (easy, flat) hike from the small parking lot. There's a portable restroom and picnic tables, but not much else.
Pine Lake (Sammamish) is a great park with plenty of recreation options and shade. The beach is made of small pebbles - not as soft as sand but still plenty fun for the littles. I suggest water shoes to spare your feet. In addition to the beach, there's a swimming area accessed via the dock. Life guards are on duty.
Beaver Lake (Sammamish) is a beautiful waterfront park but there isn't any swimming access. You will find plenty of shade, hiking trails, and great spots for a picnic lunch.
Rattlesnake Lake (North Bend) is our favorite place to explore along the water's edge and throw rocks! You can also wade in or take a swim - at your own risk. There's no doubt you'll enjoy the amazing 360 degree vista!
Sandy Cove Park (Snoqualmie) is located along the Snoqualmie River. While it's not intended for swimming, bring your pail and shovel because there is a trail that leads to a sandy beach. You'll also find plenty of grass and picnic tables.
WORTH THE DRIVE BEACHES
Chism Beach (Bellevue) is a small beach area, which makes it a great destination with multiple children. There is a play structure on the sand, lots of grass area and shade.
Pack your sunscreen, beach toys, kites, lunches, and friends and head to Everett's Jetty Island. The trip starts off with a 3-minute boat ride to the 2 mile island. The best part is all the sand!
Houghton, Juanita, and Waverly Beach Parks - all in Kirkland - feature sand beaches, enclosed swim areas, playgrounds, and nice views.
Pack your sunscreen, beach toys, kites, lunches, and friends and head to Everett's Jetty Island. The trip starts off with a 3-minute boat ride to the 2 mile island. The best part is all the sand!
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton has an awesome play area, walking trails, picnic areas, and kids can even look at the Boeing planes flying around the lake.
Houghton, Juanita, and Waverly Beach Parks - all in Kirkland - feature sand beaches, enclosed swim areas, playgrounds, and nice views.
Idylwood Park (Redmond) is located on the shores of Lake Sammamish, and there's a swimming beach, bathhouses, and restrooms ... plus a playground!
Newcastle Beach Park (Bellevue) includes a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards. There's also a large open field, a train-themed playground, and short trail loop. You'll also find outdoor showers, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Vasa Park Resort (Bellevue) charges admission ($4.50 for adults, $2.25 for children 6-14, 5 and under is free), but it's worth it when you factor in the swimming area with diving boards and waterslides, lifeguards on duty, great playground, and clean bathrooms!
LOCAL POOLS
Julius Boehm Pool (Issaquah) is nearby and at just $10 for the entire family, the price is right!
Another indoor pool is Si View Pool where you pay just $9 for your family to enjoy Public Swim from 1:45 to 2:45 pm Monday through Thursday.
WORTH THE DRIVE POOLS
Snohomish Aquatics Center features zero-depth entry, shallow water area, warm-water pool, lazy river, spray-play area, enclosed waterslide, plus a surf-simulation machine! You pay just $17 for the entire family to enjoy a two-hour open swim session. Arrive about 30 minutes before the start of the session because the number of entries in limited.
Henry Moses Aquatic Center allows for tons of wet and wild fun in the great outdoors - with sunny and shade spots. "The leisure pool includes popular features such as a zero-depth entry, wave machine, water spray play area, lazy river, island lagoon, two water slides, a water play structure, toddler water area, and numerous spray features." There are two sessions each day: 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Prices are a bit more expensive: Ages 1 to 4 - $8 and Ages 5 and up - $14
LOCAL SPRAY PARK
You simply cannot miss Dana's all-time favorite - Sammamish Commons {Spray} Park. Located just behind the Sammamish Library, it's a fantastic park, in an amazing setting, with swings, a huge sandpit, and a simple spray pad that kids really love.
WORTH THE DRIVE SPRAY PARKS
The Crossroads Water Spray Playground (Bellevue) features a variety of water themed features such as spitting frogs, spouting orcas and squirting clams. This is a popular attraction and parking can be difficult to find.
Les Grove Park (Auburn) is the coolest park I have ever seen! There's a barrier-free Discovery Playground which accomodates children of all abilities plus a colorful and soaking Spray Park.
-----------------------------------------------
Macaroni Kid Snoqualmie Valley - Issaquah is your best source for kid activities and family fun in Issaquah, Sammamish, Preston, Fall City, Snoqualmie, and North Bend. Be sure to check the CALENDAR for a complete list of local events - guaranteed to entertain, educate & exhaust your kids & family.
Click Submit an Event from the home page to submit your events! And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for last-minute updates, news and fun ideas!
Macaroni Kid Snoqualmie Valley - Issaquah is your best source for kid activities and family fun in Issaquah, Sammamish, Preston, Fall City, Snoqualmie, and North Bend. Be sure to check the CALENDAR for a complete list of local events - guaranteed to entertain, educate & exhaust your kids & family.
Click Submit an Event from the home page to submit your events! And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for last-minute updates, news and fun ideas!
Don't miss our Business Directory. Your guide to photographers, birthday parties, classes & enrichment programs, schools, health care & more!
Get a weekly dose of all this goodness by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.
