Summer Swimming: Outdoor Pools and Water Parks in Seattle, Tacoma and Beyond
Photo:
Tenino quarry pool offers a shallow swimming area for kids. Photo: Carly Brukhman
South Sound-area outdoor pools
Stewart Heights Pool, Tacoma
Open: Summer season July 5–Aug. 31, 2024, open swim Tuesday–Saturday
Water temp: 85 degrees
Overview: A popular outdoor public pool in Tacoma, Stewart Heights features a 160-foot water slide, lazy river, bubble pool (looks like a hot tub but pool temp), water basketball hoops and tumble buckets. For tots: There is a zero-depth entry area.
Tips: There are a limited number of tables and chairs, so get there early if you’d like a lounge chair, or bring your own. Visitors can likewise bring their own food and beverages, but no glass containers (or alcohol) are allowed. Concessions are also available.
Reservations: Admission costs $6–$8 depending on age and selected session; tots ages 4 and younger enter free.
Kandle Pool, Tacoma
Open: Summer season July 7–Sept. 1, 2024
Overview: This addition to Tacoma’s public outdoor pools features a gradual zero-depth entry, a 100-gallon tumble bucket (which fills up and then dumps when full) and Pierce County’s first wave pool, which simulates an ocean wave experience. Open swim is offered daily from 12:30–2:30 p.m. and 3–5 p.m. There is an additional open swim session from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings only. For tots: Little ones will enjoy the separate shallow pool and the free sprayground that sits adjacent to (but outside the gates of) the main pool.
Tips: There are a limited number of tables and chairs, so get there early if you’d like a lounge chair, or bring your own. Visitors can likewise bring their own food and beverages but no glass containers (or alcohol) are allowed. Concessions are also available.
Reservations: Admission costs $6–$8 depending on age and selected session; tots ages 4 and younger enter free. Kandle Pool has multiple tents available to rent for your pool day; check the website.
Edwards Family Aquatic Center, Fircrest
Open: Summer season May 25–Sept. 2, 2024
Overview: This pool is open to both residents and non-residents of the City of Fircrest. Swim lessons and swim team require online registration, but open swim sessions and lap swim times currently do not require reservations. Show up early for popular open swim. The pool sometimes offers special events; check the city’s Facebook page for info and updates or call 253-564-8188.
Reservations: Open swim admission costs $5–$10; tots ages 5 and younger enter free.
Vashon Pool, Vashon Island
Open: The pool offers open swim times on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Water temp: 82 degrees
Overview: This community pool offers drop-in open swim sessions during the summer season. A deep-water swim test is required for youth ages 14 and younger, and kids ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Tenino Quarry Pool, Tenino
Open: After being closed for several years, the Tenino Quarry Pool is open! Hours are Wednesday–Sunday, noon–6 p.m., July–August. Be sure to check the city’s Facebook page for updated info before heading out, as hours are subject to change.
Overview: Against the stunning backdrop of an old sandstone quarry, this 80-foot-deep freshwater pool promises the ultimate deep-water experience. Strong swimmers can bounce off of two diving boards and swim to a waterfall that flows into the quarry. The downside of all that deepness is that the water is cold. Plan this adventure for very hot days. For tots: Thanks to the new renovation, you’ll now find a splash pad, concrete pool deck and 2-feet-deep wading pool with clear, chlorinated water. Perfect for little ones who are not ready for the deep water.
Tips: Kids and teens ages 17 and younger have to pass a swim test before entering the deep pool. Train-crazy kids will also enjoy visiting the old train depot next door (made of sandstone). It’s open on Fridays and Saturdays. There are also trails in the park.
Next up: Water parks around the state
