Summer Swimming: Outdoor Pools and Water Parks in Seattle, Tacoma and Beyond

Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, Federal Way

Open: Open daily for summer through Aug. 31, 2024 (then weekends only until Nov. 3, 2024)

Water temp: Varies among the different attractions

Overview: Located just off Interstate 5 in Federal Way, the Puget Sound region’s biggest water park features water attractions for every level of ability and comfort. Check ride names and height/ability restrictions before you go to find out if this destination will suit your family. Check out our ultimate family guide to Wild Waves for all the tips and insights you’ll need for the perfect family adventure. 

Tips: Weekdays are less crowded. It is recommended to bring your own stroller, as they don’t provide rentals and the park is 70 acres. Rent your own cabana 24 hours in advance (or more, since they tend to sell out on hot days). 

Reservations: Buy tickets online, in advance, for a bit of saving (though you can also buy tickets at the gate). 

Deals: It pays to purchase online, but do it before you are at the park because discount tickets are not available for purchase via mobile devices if you are within the park property. Other deals include group tickets and season passes. Season pass prices increase as the season progresses, so buy early to save the most.

Slidewaters, Lake Chelan

Open: Open now through Sept. 2, 2024

Water temp: 70–80 degrees, depending on the pool

Overview: If you’re headed to the Lake Chelan area for a summer getaway, don’t miss this fun, family-sized water park that takes advantage of the natural topography for its slides (it’s built on the side of a hill). Rides and attractions range from the Bug-A-Boo slide and Aqua Zoo for toddlers to intermediate slides and the lazy river ride for older kids to the Thunder Rapids and enclosed pitch black slide for the ultimate thrill-seekers. There’s even a 60-person hot tub. For tots: There is a zero-depth wading area and Aqua Zoo activity pool by the Lazy River.

Tips: Tuesdays tend to be a little slower than the rest of the week, and the best times to come are late June or the last week of August. Note: Any goggles or sunglasses must have a strap to be worn on slides. 

Reservations: Season passes are available for purchase online, or daily passes available on location.

Birch Bay Waterslides

Open: Closed for the 2024 season, but will be reopening in 2025 

Water temp: Between 80–84 degrees

Overview: Keep this one in mind for your summer 2025 plans! Located in Birch Bay, Wash., about two hours north of Seattle and near the Canadian border, this family-friendly water park features eight slides, a 40-person hot tub (ages 7 or older), kiddie pool, volleyball, basketball and activity pool. For snacks, there is a concession stand. The black slides include the Black Hole and a slide with a 60-foot drop (kids must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 100 pounds to go on the drop). For tots: The kiddie pool, for ages 8 and younger, has three slides.

Tips: Check online for details regarding the 2025 season. Outside food is allowed but no competitor-restaurant food is allowed (fast food and pizza). No coolers, alcohol or glass allowed.

Reservations: Covered and picnic areas are available for reservation online.

Surf ‘n Slide Waterpark, Moses Lake

Open: Open now through Sept. 2, 2024

Water temp: 80 degrees

Overview: Located in Moses Lake, Wash., about three hours east of Seattle, Surf ‘n Slide is known as clean, affordable and toddler-friendly with zero-depth beach entry to the pool, a children’s splash pad with a variety of spray fountains, plus a Treasure Island water play structure and baby octopus slide. Kids and teens interested in more exciting water play will love the Flowrider (surfing simulator, one of only a few in the region), 200-foot slides and sand volleyball courts.

Tips: Use a season pass or punch card to to bypass the line and enter through the VIP entrance. Eat variety of BBQ, pizza, sandwiches, various sides and ice cream at the concession stand. A Hawaiian shaved ice stand is now a permanent fixture at the park! Outside food is allowed as well, but no glass containers, tobacco, alcohol or barbecue grills allowed.

Reservations: Punch cards can be purchased at the lobby. Season passes can be purchased online. 

Splash Zone, Ephrata

Open: Open June 9–Sept. 2, 2024

Water temp: 80 degrees

Overview: Located about three hours east of Seattle in Ephrata, Wash., Splash Zone features two diving boards, Frog Slide (tiny slide), Lily Pads (rope ladder across pool inner tubes), tube slide, water basketball hoops, dry playground and concessions stand. Covered areas with grills can be rented at this park. For tots: Little ones can ease into the pool with the zero-depth entry section of the leisure pool; the tiny Frog Slide is a perfect beginner slide for young kids under 4 feet tall.

Tips: Since temperatures get into the 90s and 100s in Ephrata, bring lots of sunscreen and water, then seek shade under the giant umbrellas or nearby trees. Feel free to bring outside food and drink, but no glass containers or alcohol are allowed. Come and go as needed with unlimited daily in-and-out privileges.

Reservations: Season passes and day passes available.