Keeping Cool at Spray Parks
Sometimes the Power of Outside means looking for fun ways to keep cool in the hot sun. While many pools and lakeside beaches are on offer, there are days when that can all feel just a bit too much for parents of littles. This is where spray parks present an ideal alternative. While you still need towels and sunscreen, this lower-key activity is ideal for a quick and easy afternoon cool-off for all ages!
The Encompass team put our collective heads and experiences together to bring you a great list of Spray Parks on the greater Eastside of Seattle. Invest a couple of hours, or make a day of it, and try out some of these fun adventures!
Grass Lawn Park – 7031 148th Ave NE, Redmond
Filled with several play structures, bike paths, and ball fields, Grass Lawn also features a small sensory-activated spray area, perfect for crawlers and early walkers.
Sammamish Commons – Lower Commons – 801 228th Ave NE, Sammamish
This one can be easy to miss if you don’t know where to go, so we’ll give you a tip –from 228th, head west on S.E. 4th to 222nd Ave. S.E. and park in the lower lot. This brings you to the lower park where you want to be for a fun playground, sweeping picnic area, and a button-operated splash pad.
Crossroads Park – 999 164th Ave. NE, Bellevue
This water-themed landscape offers a variety of play features including ‘spitting’ frogs, ‘squirting’ clams, and of course, the favorite – a ‘spouting orca’ perfect for climbing on to cool off. There are also plenty of other playground features plus a large grassy area for picnics, throwing or kicking a ball around, or simply watching the kids play.
Redmond Town Center Fountains – 7525 166th Ave NE, Redmond
While these fountains have been around for ages, they recently went through an upgrade, making them safer and more play friendly. Grab a coffee or ice cream at a nearby shop and relax while the kids splash around!
Feriton Spur Park, Cross Kirkland Corridor, 509 6th Street S, Kirkland
Among pickleball, basketball, and volleyball courts, a zipline, and an urban garden, sits a splash pad where kids can dance and run barefoot through all the sprayers.
Tukwila Community Center Spray Park – 12424 42nd Ave S., Tukwila
With fountains to run through, water spouting from below and pouring from above, as well as fish to ‘aim and fire’ water, this is a great interactive spray park for all ages. Plenty of tables, benches, and grass to enjoy a picnic while you’re at it.
Worth the drive!
Auburn Rotary Water Playground at Les Grove Park – 910 9th St. SE, Auburn
This community water playground is part of the larger Les Grove Park, which also features the Discovery Playground & Sensory Garden. This barrier-free playground offers fun for children of all ages and abilities. Les Grove is worthy of a day excursion for the whole family!
Willis Tucker Spray Park – 6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish
Power spinners and domes, soakers, a splash palace . . . Willis Tucker has no shortage of spray options for water play. Parents can join in the fun or relax and watch their littles from a number of nearby picnic areas. There’s also a regular playground for those needing a break from the water.
