When the sun gets too strong, duck into the campus's air-conditioned options. Spend an hour with hands-on exhibits and the IMAX screen at the Pacific Science Center, then grab a quick, casual meal at the Armory food court.
Spray Parks Worth the Trip Across Town
Spray parks dot neighborhoods all over Seattle. These three pair water play with enough to keep you busy for a whole afternoon.
Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill
Start with Jefferson Park, one of the city's biggest family draws. Its playground blends a spray park with slides tucked into hillsides, geometric climbing boulders and curving paved paths, all with views that stretch over the city to the Olympic Mountains.
Older kids and adults find plenty here too, including a skate park, a public golf course and even a cricket pitch. Afterward, stroll down the hill to Beacon Avenue for fried chicken sandwiches and soft serve at Milk Drunk. Perihelion Brewery welcomes children and pours house-made juices alongside its beer.
Yesler Terrace Park
Close to downtown, Yesler Terrace Park is another standout spray park. Stop here if you are staying near the city center and want a quick cool-down without a long trip.
Donnie Chin International Children's Park
Head to the Chinatown-International District for one of the most memorable urban play spaces in the city. Kids can climb a wiggly bronze dragon sculpture by artist Gerard Tsutakawa, bang on colorful drums and cool off under a spray tower. Then browse the wide range of eats at the Uwajimaya food court, and visit the Wing Luke Museum, which shares Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history through exhibits young visitors enjoy.
Swimming and Sand in West Seattle
Colman Pool at Lincoln Park
Ready for more than splashing? Make your way to Lincoln Park, home to Colman Pool, an Olympic-size pool filled with saltwater. Keep an eye out for Bruun Idun, a giant troll sculpture made from recycled materials by Danish artist Thomas Dambo with the artist Coyote of the Muckleshoot Tribe, since spotting it makes a fun bonus for kids.
Alki Beach
Spend a sunny afternoon at Alki Beach Park, with one of Seattle's longest stretches of sand and a busy paved boardwalk for walking and rolling. Nearby, kids can climb a ship at the playground and find a whale tail sculpture by Washington artist Rich Beyer. When hunger hits, beachside food ranges from hot dogs to fish and chips.
Planning Your Wading Pool Days
Water features in city parks usually run on a seasonal schedule, and days and times can shift with weather and staffing. Before you pack the towels and snacks, check the Seattle Parks and Recreation website to see which wading pools and spray parks are open and when.
- Go early or late on the hottest days, when spray parks draw their biggest crowds.
- Bring a change of clothes, because the International Fountain soaks everyone nearby.
- Pair water play with food, using the nearby spots above to turn a short splash into a full outing.
Shady and Indoor Escapes When the Heat Lingers
Not every hot afternoon calls for water. Wander the wetlands and rest in the shade of giant sequoias at the Washington Park Arboretum, and on weekends, sip tea in the Japanese garden's teahouse. Discovery Park offers 12 miles of mostly wooded trails, plus the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.
Downtown, slip into the Seattle Central Library, a cool refuge and an architectural landmark. Take a tour, relax in the vast Living Room space and catch events for kids and adults.
