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

Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, Federal Way

Open: Open daily for summer starting June 16, 2023

Water temp: Varies among the different attractions.

Overview: Located just off I-5 in Federal Way, the Puget Sound region’s biggest water park features water attractions for every level of ability and comfort. Check out ride names and height/ability restrictions before you go to find out if this destination will suit your family. Highlights include the Mountain Dew Slide Complex, a triple slide with three dynamic tube slides offering riders a range of heights and experiences through the twists and turns of Slide Alley. There is also a 500,000-gallon wave pool and the Konga Lazy River. There are more than 60 rides, slides and attractions within the park. For little ones, try Hooks Lagoon, a large pirate-themed water play area with fun spray features that’s perfect for kids 36–54 inches tall. (Note: To experience the Hooks Lagoon Slides, children must be at least 42 inches and under 54 inches in height.)

Tips: Weekdays before school lest out 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. 

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 available. Season pass prices increase as the season progresses so buy early to save the most.

Slidewaters, Lake Chelan

Open: Open now through Sept. 4, 2023

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 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: Open daily June 23–Sept. 4.

Water temp: Between 80–84 degrees

Overview: Located in Birch Bay, Wash., about two hours north of Seattle and near the Canadian border, this family-friendly water park features nine 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 special deals. Reserve a covered spot online. 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. 4, 2023

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 at the Hang Ten Grill or bring your own coolers or picnic basket (no glass containers, tobacco or alcohol allowed).

Reservations: With a max capacity of 1,000 people, it is recommended that you reserve your spot online in advance. You can reserve online up to a week in advance. 

Splash Zone, Ephrata

Open: Open June–Sept. 4, 2023

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 four 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. 

Editor’s note: ParentMap staff contributed to this article, which was originally published several years ago and updated most recently for 2023.