Summer is quickly approaching, and with it comes less stress, more sunshine, and more free time to plan adventures with the whole family! We’ve compiled a list of parks, outdoor and indoor fun, and day trips to help your family find the perfect hidden gem in Pierce County for summer weekends.
Click the photos to be redirected to site pages for these destinations and locations.
Seymour Conservatory
316 South G St. Tacoma, WA 98405 | Wednesdays – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Seymour Conservatory, a staple of Wright Park since 1908, has recently reopened after being closed for renovation for the last year! The renovation has transformed the historic gem into a brighter, warmer, more accessible place for families to discover plant and animal species.
Point Ruston Sprayground and Cycles
5115 Grand Loop Tacoma, WA 98407 | May 28 – August 28, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Point Ruston is a great destination to spend a family fun day at! With a children’s sprayground and a variety of bike rental options available at Wheel Fun Rentals, it’s sure to be a high-energy day of discovery and joy.
Lowell Johnson Park Old Swimming Hole
9717 114th Ave Anderson Island, WA 98303 | May 30 – September 5
Ferry over to Anderson Island from Steilacoom to spend the day at Lowell Johnson Park’s freshwater sandy beach! It has two swimming areas designated for “big kids” and “little un’s,” a volleyball court, and picnic areas. This beach has capacity limits, so plan your trip accordingly!
Bradley Lake Park
531 31st Avenue Southeast Puyallup, WA 98374 | 7 days a week, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Located in the center of town, Bradley Lake Park includes walking trails, ballfields, an inclusive playground, covered picnic areas, and fishing areas. Fishing is restricted to juveniles under age 15, seniors, and disabled persons, so this lake is the perfect spot for teaching your young person how to fish.
Family Climb Night at Edgeworks Climbing
6102 North 9th St, Ste 100 Tacoma, WA 98406 | 4th Saturday of every month, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Family night at the climbing gym is all about meeting and learning from other parents, making connections, and sharing the responsibility of supervising the kids while you climb. $12 day passes with free gear rental include bouldering access.
Kobayashi Park
6420 Chambers Creek Road W University Place, WA 98466
Kobayashi Park is a beautiful location to have a picnic, walk a trail, and listen to the rushing water of Chambers Creek and Leach Creek. Plan an afternoon with the family to escape your urban surroundings and take in the serenity and curiosity of the natural world.
Victor Falls
18212 Rhodes Lake Rd E Bonney Lake, WA 98391 | Closes at dusk
Victor Falls is one of the few significant waterfalls to be found in the Puget Sound metro area, falling 70 feet in a broad curtain of water. The surrounding park offers viewpoints, picnic tables and a portable restroom.
Kiwanis Park
6000 Main St SW Lakewood, WA 98499
Home to the largest skate park in Lakewood, Kiwanis Park’s 12,000 square foot, in-ground, concrete skate area is the perfect place to take your young skateboarder or biker to encourage their interest! The park also includes play equipment and a walking path, making it a great destination for a family afternoon.
Joemma Beach State Park
20001 Bay Rd SW Longbranch, WA 98351 | 6:30 a.m. – dusk
Joemma Beach State Park is a 106-acre, marine camping park with 3,000 feet of saltwater frontage on South Puget Sound’s Key Peninsula. Joemma is known for its fishing and crabbing and offers 19 primitive tent sites for interested campers.
