Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Splishing and Splashing

UPDATED: June 2023

Move over June-uary, summer is on its way! West Seattle's only spray park is already open,  Colman Pool is opening on June 18th and wading pools on the 25th. I've also included info on lessons when I could find it and a few of off-island favs worth the trek. 

If you have older kiddos, you can also check out my post from last year about paddleboard/kayaking spots on the peninsula. 

Here's a Google map I created too. 

SPRAY PARK—Open now
There's only one spray park in West Seattle and it's open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. To see other locations around the city, go here. Jefferson and Georgetown were two favs.

  • Highland Park
    1100 SW Cloverdale Street
    • Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day
    • Hours: 11AM–8PM
    • Play area and restrooms close by.
    • Parking: On the street.
    • Good to know: Water is activated by a sensor, which is located on a green disc by the buckets.

POOLS

Outdoor

  • Colman Pool—June 24 - September 4
    Lincoln Park—8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
    • Outdoor saltwater pool with a spectacular beach view plus diving board, water slide, ADA lift and portable access stairs. Deep water swim test required for swimmers under 18 years old.
    • Schedule, fees, lessons and more info go here
    • Parking: South lot is closest to the pool. You’ll then have to walk about a half mile down the main path along the beach.
  • Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (Membership-based but offers lessons to non-members too.)
    11003 31st Avenue SW
    • Open swim, swim lessons, swim teams (swim, dive, synchro and water polo). Long waitlist for membership but lessons open to non-members.
  • West Seattle Island Swim Club
    • Backyard swim lessons for ages 3-10.
    • Admiral neighborhood

Indoor

WADING POOLS
Wading Pool Hotline: (206) 684-7796—updated daily by 9:30AM
Website / 
Schedule

Schedules vary by location and pools only open on days when the weather forecast is for 70 degrees or above. They will also close during the day if there's thunder and lighting. It's best to confirm the days and hours of operation online or over the phone before heading out since it's subject to change. Swim diapers are required for kids that are not potty trained.

Delridge—Open June 28-August 18 / Wed, Thur, Fri / 12-5:30PM
4458 Delridge Way SW
  • Play area, skate park and community center with bathrooms all close by.
  • Parking: Main lot by the community center is closest to the wading pool. Street parking and a small lot also available by soccer fields.
EC Hughes—Open June 26-August 20 / Sun, Mon, Tue / 12-7PM
2805 SW Holden Street
  • Play area and restrooms close by.
  • Parking: On the street. Closest to the wading pool is on SW Holden on the north side of the park.
HiawathaOpen June 29-August 19 / Thur, Fri, Sat / 12-5:30PM
2700 California Ave SW
  • Play area and community center with restrooms close by.
  • Parking: Small lot on the south side of the community center but street parking on the north or east side of the park is closest to the wading pool.
Lincoln Park—Open June 24-September 4 / Daily / 12-7PM
8600 Fauntleroy Way SW
  • Play area and restrooms close by.
  • Parking: North lot is closest to the wading pools but street parking can get you even closer, just be aware of no parking signs for the ferry lane.


OUTSIDE WEST SEATTLE—BUT WORTH THE TREK

  • Federal Way Community Center Pool
    876 South 333rd Street, Federal Way
    • Indoor facility. Good option for rainy days.
    • Leisure Pool
    • Two-story water slide (Must be 48") *Currently closed
    • Lazy river
    • Zero-depth water play area
    • Lap pool
    • Swim lessons
  • Henry Moses Aquatic Center
    1719 S.E. Maple Valley Highway, Renton
    • Outdoor facility only open during summer. Mini-version of Wild Waves minus the rides.
    • Wave pool
    • Water slides (Must be 48")
    • Lazy river
    • Zero-depth water play area
    • Swimming pool (lanes and open)
    • Lessons (Not being offered in 2022)
    • Can make reservations online in advance.
    • Check out this review on Seattle's Child. It's from 2020 but will give you a general idea of things. 
  • Jetty Island
    All the way up in Everett but super fun spot. We usually do a once-a-summer trip up with friends. 
  • Tukwila Splay and Spray Park
    12424 42nd Ave South (Tukwila Community Center)
    A fun add-on is to ride bikes from Cecil Moses Park along the Green River trail to the TCC, play/cool off/snack and then ride back. More info in my biking post under Green River Trail.

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