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Perfect treat-and-play outings with kids
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, rushing from one festive activity to the next. But if you ask nearly any kid (mine included) what a perfect day would include, I can almost guarantee that a sweet treat and a romp on a playground would make the list.
So if you find yourself running around the South Sound this season, we invite you to take a break, grab a sweet treat to share and let the kids burn off the sugar on the playground.
Use the arrows above the image to see our entire list of perfect treat-and-play pairings, or skip to the city you want to visit first:
First stop: Maple Valley
More places to eat and play in the South Sound:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2020, and updated most recently in December 2024 by ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, with new spots for South Sound families.
Maple Valley
Play at fabulous Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley, then take your pick of two treat shops where you can indulge your kids’ sweet tooth. Or visit both — conveniently, they are right next door to each other.
Crown Donuts
Location: 23330 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd. S.E., Suite C, Maple Valley
This is the spot for doughnuts in Maple Valley. One fan describes Crown’s doughnuts as “melt-in-your-mouth goodness.” Don’t miss the festive holiday donuts (with sprinkles!). And while there are plenty of sweet offerings here, the shop also features savory options, such as breakfast burritos. Like most doughnut shops, Crown Donut opens early and closes early, so plan accordingly.
Lydia’s Cakes & Confections
Location: 23330 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd. S.E., Suite B, Maple Valley
If it’s afternoon or you’re in the mood for cake, stop by Lydia’s. Owner Lydia is a cake artist who was voted Best of Western Washington for wedding cakes a few years ago. She has since opened a storefront where she sells cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, bars and brownies. All delish. (Note that Lydia’s is currently only open Tuesday–Friday.)
Lake Wilderness Park
Location: 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley
Lake Wilderness Park has something for everyone. A large play area with climbing structures and swings, tennis courts, grassy spaces and trails around the shoreline of Lake Wilderness are just a few draws. The Lake Wilderness Arboretum regularly hosts story walks for your strolling-and-reading pleasure.
Next stop: Puyallup
Puyallup
Puyallup families know and love Pioneer Park. It’s a great place to slide, climb and play all day long. Fuel the play with a scoop of handcrafted ice cream from a charming shop up the street.
Lick Homemade Ice Cream
Location: 105 Second St. S.W., Puyallup
This sweet shop just opened this year, and it’s just what downtown Puyallup has been missing. Rotating flavors of ice cream include traditional options alongside more creative ones. For the holiday season, you can expect to see eggnog, Andes peppermint and creme brulee. Over the summer, I tried a golden Oreo and lemon combination that I am still thinking about. Choose a cup or waffle cone for your scoop, or go for an extra indulgence by having it sandwiched between two fresh-baked cookies.
Pioneer Park
Location: 324 S. Meridian, Puyallup
Pioneer Park offers a huge play structure and plenty of greenspace, making it the ideal spot for a midday break. It’s also right by the library, if you want to pick up a few new reads for bedtime. (Puyallup’s seasonal farmers market is held here as well, making this an extra-fun stop in summer.)
Next stop: Kent
Kent
In Kent, enjoy an adorable macaron or three, and stroll around the koi pond at a nearby park.
Sweet Themes Bakery
Location: 317 W. Meeker St., Suite A, Kent
Sweet Themes Bakery doesn’t have seating, but no matter: Just order your gorgeous baked goods and gobble them up at the park. Decorated sugar cookies in a variety of themes, cute little macarons, cupcakes and cake pops are just a few of the offerings. Coffee drinks are available for tired parents.
Kaibara Park
Location: First Avenue between West Smith and West Meeker streets, Kent
This tiny Japanese-style park is right by the railroad tracks, a short walk from the bakery. Parents will appreciate the peaceful vibe, and kids will love watching the koi swimming in the pond. This is a small greenspace, but the path around the pond and a waterfall feature make this a pleasant stop for parents and kids alike.
Next stop: Black Diamond
Black Diamond
This sweet cupcake stop in Black Diamond warrants a visit all on its own, but we’ve got a wiggle-busting play stop to go with it.
Gracene’s Cupcake Boutique
Location: 30800 Third Ave., Black Diamond
Gracene’s is located in a super-cute blue building with a giant, lit-up cupcake above the sign that beckons to you as you drive along Maple Valley–Black Diamond Highway. Gracene’s offers cookies and cupcakes that are made fresh daily in a variety of flavors. The cupcakes are a smaller size, great for kids who don’t need a giant sugar bomb. Gracene calls them “three to four bites of pure deliciousness.” I personally recommend the Almond Joy flavor — it is divine. The only seating is outdoors on the deck, so plan on taking your cupcakes to go if the weather is bad.
Civic Park at Ten Trails
Location: 23089 S.E. Fir St., Black Diamond
This playground is part of the Ten Trails development but you don’t need to live there to visit the playground. It’s open to the public and a blast for kids.
Next stop: Tacoma
Tacoma
Try some delectable bakery treats at a legendary Tacoma spot, and then burn off the sugar with a romp at Wright Park or Melanie’s Park.
Corina Bakery
Location: 602 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma
You’ll notice the incredible wedding cakes that this bakery produces, but even if you don’t need a treat that’s anywhere near that fancy, Corina will set you up with some kid-pleasing deliciousness. We recommend the triple chocolate chunk sea salt cookie. You in? We thought so. This bakery also features gluten-free cookies, brownies and other items, as well as vegan pies and cookies.
Wright Park
Location: 501 South I St., Tacoma
Wright Park is arguably the prettiest park in Tacoma. With walking and biking trails, a spray park in summer, a horseshoe pit, play structures and more, this park is always worth a visit! The park’s lovely W.W. Seymour Conservatory is a fun and fascinating place to explore on any day.
Editor’s note: The playground and spray park at Wright Park are currently closed for repair, but families can still enjoy other areas of the park.
Melanie’s Park
Location: 1147 Dock St., Tacoma
If you want to pick up a sweet treat before you head to the waterfront, Melanie’s Park is just a short drive away from Corina Bakery. At this epic park, you’ll find a 36-foot climbing tower with a twisting, turning slide. And on a clear, sunny day you’ll be treated to a view of the mountain.
Final stop: Enumclaw
Enumclaw
Ready for a sweet treat with a view of the mountain? Head to Dwight Garrett Park with a scoop of ice cream or shave ice in hand, and you’ll have a magical afternoon.
Sweet Necessities
Location: 1215 Griffin Ave., Enumclaw
Kids will love the gourmet ice cream here, whether they opt for traditional, kid-friendly flavors such as chocolate or branch out and try huckleberry. This shop also sells candy and other treats.
Sasquatch Shave Ice
Location: 1157 Griffin Ave., Enumclaw
More than 20 flavors of shave ice await at this laid-back shop. Opt for a single flavor like passion fruit or cherry, or try one of the shop’s signature combinations. Top it off with sweetened condensed milk, popping candy, marshmallow fluff or sprinkles.
Dwight Garrett Park
Location: 2222 Porter St., Enumclaw
Dwight Garrett Park offers a play structure, skate park, tennis courts, pickleball courts, greenspace and a basketball court. While the kids play, parents can enjoy the view of Mount Rainier.
