5 Swimming Lakes for South Sound–Area Kids and Families

Lake Tapps is a huge man-made lake that's well-known for boating and fishing, and it also features two family-friendly swimming areas: one on the north end and another on the southern side. It offers amazing views of Mount Rainier on clear days!

Allan Yorke Park, at the south end of Lake Tapps, is another park in which you could enjoyably spend a whole day. In addition to swimming, it offers two playgrounds, trails, picnic tables, tennis and volleyball courts, a skateboard park and even seasonal outdoor concerts.

Find it: Allan Yorke Park is located at 7203 W. Tapps Highway E., Bonney Lake.

Details to note:

• No lifeguards
• Concessions available
• Boat and paddleboard rentals are available.
• Free parking

North Lake Tapps County Park, at the north end of the lake, features a sandy stretch of beach with a swimming area. This popular park has many features: seasonal concessions, hiking trails, restrooms, picnic tables. There is a fee to park. Note that the parking lot fills up fast and the gates close when full, so go early or in mid-afternoon when some families are heading home.

Find it: North Lake Tapps County Park is located at 2022 198th Ave. E., Bonney Lake.

Details to note:

• There are no lifeguards on duty.
• Concessions available
• No boat or paddleboard rentals
• Parking costs $7.

Lake Tapps tip: This lake is glacier-fed and the water temperature is a consistent 50 degrees, although the surface of the lake will be warmer. Life jackets are recommended because even strong swimmers can become tired quickly in cold water.