Best Rainy-Day Parks and Playgrounds Around Seattle and Beyond
Photo:
Point Defiance Park. Photo: iStock
Point Defiance Park, Tacoma
Tacoma’s showpiece Point Defiance Park has enough play options to occupy kids for a week, and with several covered shelters to pop under and heavy tree cover, it’s great for unpredictable weather. Climb and slide at the playground, get sandy at revamped Owen Beach, hike through old-growth forest on the Inside Loop Trail or fish at the pier. The Dune Peninsula features awesome slides (bring a towel if you want to try these on a wet day).
If you have more time, visit the critters and sharks at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, including its nature play area just for tots.
Suit up to stroll parts of Five Mile Drive (mostly closed to cars) and pause at bluff-top viewpoints for dramatic storm-watching across Dalco Passage and the Tacoma Narrows.
Location: 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma. Free parking at many lots inside the park. Follow signs to your destination. Buses stop inside the park.
Warm up: Cozy up at The Antique Sandwich Co., three blocks south of the park’s main entrance on North Pearl Street. Its milkshakes are a welcome treat in any weather.
Next stop: Mount Baker
