Photo:
The wading pool at Green Lake opens for summer on June 22. Photo: Seattle Parks and Recreation
On a sunny summer day in Seattle, there is nothing I love more than taking my toddler to a free public wading pool. We can grab our swimsuits and beach towels and pretend we’re on vacation.
Wading pools are shallow, meaning they are generally safer and more chill than the local spray parks and outdoor swimming pools that are popular with older kids. Even though wading pools are shallow, always stay within arm’s reach of young kids when around water.
Seattle Parks and Recreation will open its wading pools for the summer beginning Saturday, June 22, 2024. The days and hours each wading pool is open vary by location, so be sure to check the City of Seattle website to make sure your destination is open on the day you want to go.
Weather-wise, Seattle wading pools — and spray parks — operate when the day’s forecast calls for the temperature to be at least 70 degrees, without rain. For daily status updates, call the wading pool hotline after 9:30 a.m. each day at 206-684-7796 or check the Seattle wading pool Facebook page.
Beacon Hill Playfield
Location: 1902 13th Ave. S.
Pool schedule: Open Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon–7 p.m.
This popular park is located next to Beacon Hill Elementary. It has restrooms and a playground. Sporty families can make a day of it, as the park also offers basketball hoops, tennis courts and a soccer field.
Bitter Lake Community Center
Location: 13035 Linden Ave. N.
Pool schedule: Open Wednesday–Friday, noon–7 p.m.
One of Seattle’s northernmost parks, the wading pool at Bitter Lake Community Center has great views of the lake. This summer, the park will have a new play area and renovated restrooms.
Dahl Playfield
Location: 7700 25th Ave. N.E.
Pool schedule: Open Tuesday–Thursday, noon–7 p.m.
This northeast Seattle park has a small wading pool, a fun playground, a woodsy bog to explore and an exciting bike path encircling the park. Keep an eye out for the rock sculptures created by Seattle artist John Hoge.
Delridge Community Center
Location: 4501 Delridge Way S.W.
Pool schedule: Open Wednesday–Friday, noon–5:30 p.m.
Kids love watching the skaters glide through the skatepark adjacent to the large wading pool at Delridge Community Center. On a windy day, you can fly a kite in the open field.
East Queen Anne Playground
Location: 1912 Warren Ave. N.
Pool schedule: Open Sunday–Tuesday, noon–7 p.m.
Beyond the wading pool, the playground has lots to offer, plus there is plenty of shade and benches for post-wading relaxation. This spot is also known as Little Howe Park.
E.C. Hughes Playground
Location: 2805 S.W. Holden St.
Pool schedule: Open Sunday–Tuesday, noon–7 p.m.
Check out the beautiful views of Mount Rainier at this fun playground that was renovated at the end of 2019. There’s plenty of space to play, with challenges for kids of all ages.
Gilman Playground
Location: 923 N.W. 54th St.
Pool schedule: Open Friday–Saturday, noon–6 p.m.
This park has fantastic climbing structures that will entertain even the most adventurous kids. The wading pool is surrounded by shade trees. Reservations can be made for the tennis courts.
Green Lake Park
Location: Wallingford Ave. N. and E. Green Lake Dr. N.
Pool schedule: Open daily, noon–7 p.m.
Green Lake Park boasts one of the biggest and most popular wading pools in the city. Take a stroll or a bike ride and watch the boats or paddleboarders after wading.
Lincoln Park
Location: 8600 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Pool schedule: Open daily, noon–7 p.m.
It’s hard not to love Lincoln Park in West Seattle, with its beautiful views, tide pools, lush trails and (of course) the wading pool. There’s also a large play area with treehouse elements, accessible play structures and an alcove designed for kids who are sensory sensitive.
Peppi’s Playground
Location: 3233 E. Spruce St.
Pool schedule: Open Monday–Tuesday, noon–7 p.m.
Mature trees and grassy areas surround this wading pool, so bring your picnic blanket and get comfy. Don’t forget to schedule in some playground time — kids can jump, slide and climb on the large play structure.
Powell Barnett Park
Location: 352 Martin Luther King Jr. Wy.
Pool schedule: Open Wednesday–Sunday, noon–7 p.m.
In addition to the wading pool, this park also features a playground, basketball hoops, fields, benches and picnic tables. Pack a Frisbee and dry off with a game on the park’s large field.
Ravenna Park
Location: 5520 Ravenna Ave. N.E.
Pool schedule: Open Friday–Saturday, noon–7 p.m.
A sandpit, play structure and plenty of hiking trails make this popular park a great place to spend a summer afternoon. The picnic areas are reservable.
Sandel Playground
Location: 9053 First Ave. N.W.
Pool schedule: Open Tuesday–Wednesday, noon–6:30 p.m.
Kick off your shoes and run through the large open meadows toward the wading pool at this north Seattle park. Don’t miss the playground!
Soundview Playfield
Location: 1590 N.W. 90th St.
Pool schedule: Open Saturday–Monday, noon–7 p.m.
You can find the wading pool at Soundview on the west side of the park, adjacent to the play area. There are also walking trails, baseball and soccer fields, and open space for a game of Frisbee.
Van Asselt Community Center
Location: 2820 S. Myrtle St.
Pool schedule: Open daily, noon–7 p.m.
Located in Beacon Hill, this community center features public art, a gym and covered picnic area. Make a day of it wading in the pool, playing on the playground and enjoying a picnic in the shade of the trees.
View Ridge Playfield
Location: 4408 N.E. 70th St.
Pool schedule: Open Sunday and Monday, noon–7 p.m.
You’ll find a number of picnic tables shaded by mature trees at View Ridge Playfield, which also offers a play structure, restrooms and drinking fountains. Add all that to the wading pool and it sounds like the recipe for a perfect summer day!
Volunteer Park
Location: 1417 E. Highland Dr.
Pool schedule: Open daily, noon–7 p.m.
Volunteer Park has one of the bigger wading pools in the city. The nearby playground features climbing rocks and a wall, slides, higher swings and a cool sandbox. There is lots of shade to be had.
Wallingford Playfield
Location: 4219 Wallingford Ave. N.
Pool schedule: Open Thursday–Saturday, noon–7 p.m.
Located in the heart of Wallingford, this wading pool is conveniently located close to the park’s restrooms and a fun updated playground.
More fun staying cool in the water |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and updated most recently by family fun editor Meredith Charaba on June 10, 2024 with Seattle wading pool information for 2024, including days and hours the pools will be open. Elisa Murray and Nancy Chaney contributed to this guide.
