When the mercury climbs, what better way to cool off than at an outdoor pool, fountain,or beach? From Kenmore to Renton, here are some great Eastside spots for splashing around.

In Kirkland, check out the open swim times at Peter Kirk Pool, right next to the Downtown library. There’s a big pool as well as a baby/wading pool for the little ones. Pool times for Open Swim and Family Swim vary throughout the summer. Be sure to call first or check the online schedule for open swim times before you head down, and don’t miss the Family Fun Nights complete with games and music!

Bellevue has an awesome water spray area at Crossroads Park – featuring giant,  squirty orca whales and sea anemones on top of a cushy surface. The rest of the park also has a great playground and picnic tables. The water spray area operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is open from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm every day.

The fountains at Redmond Town Center are always a fun place for kids on a hot day, so if you’re out shopping, don’t forget to pack the suits and towels. Also in Redmond, don’t miss Grasslawn Park’s splash pad (pictured), located at the lower part of the park where there are also plenty of shady spots for a picnic! (Psst: park on the 148th side if you want to be close to the water.)

Hidden away on the Plateau, the Sammamish Commons Park (by City Hall & the new library) has a splash park in the Lower Commons Park. If you park up at Upper Park, expect a pretty long (10-15 min) downhill hike to the playground & water area. Or, you can utilize the brand-new lower parking lot instead (from 228th head west on SE 4th to 222nd Avenue SE). The lower park has a splash pad, playground, and porta-potties, and everything is open from dawn to dusk. PS: If you hit this park on a Wednesday, don’t miss the farmers market going on from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the upper part of the park. The water area is available from Father’s Day to Labor Day.

Renton has a splash-tastic outdoor water park with pools, waterslides, spray & splash toddler areas, concessions and locker rooms. Check out the Henry Moses Aquatic Center for hours and rates.

Willing to go beyond the Eastside? Plan an outing up North to Snohomish’s Willis Tucker Park with an amazing spray pad! The spray pad opens at the end of May and open play times are 10:00 am – 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

Eastside Beaches:

If you prefer to cool off at a beach, there’s no place like the Eastside. Check out some of these popular lakefront beaches, most of which (except where noted) operate from dawn until dusk and have playgrounds and summer lifeguards:

Bellevue/Lake Washington:  Chism Beach, Meydenbauer Beach Park, Clyde Beach Park, Enatai Beach (no playground, but has seasonal canoe/kayak rentals), Newcastle Beach

Bellevue/Lake Sammamish: Vasa Park Resort (Open May 15 – Oct. 15, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm)

Redmond/Lake Sammamish: Idylwood Park

Issaquah/Lake Sammamish: Lake Sammamish State Park (Summer schedule: 6:30 am – dusk)

Sammamish/Pine Lake: Pine Lake Park

Renton/Lake Washington: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (7:00 am – dusk, swimming beach opens June 16 and lifeguards will be available from noon – 8:00 pm through Labor Day.)

Mercer Island/Lake Washington:  Luther Burbank Park

Kirkland/Lake Washington: Houghton Beacth Park, Waverly Beach, Juanita Beach, Marina Park (no playground, but this is where the summer concerts are!)

Kenmore/Lake Washington: St. Edward State Park (Unfortunately, the Carol Ann Wald Memorial Pool is closed indefinitely–but the park is still open from 8:00 am – dusk throughout summer!)

– Angie J. Ballas