When the weather gets hot, you want to stay cool! Whether you want to get your toes wet and fill your sand pail, take a plunge into a pool or run through sprayers, here's a full list of ways to cool off.
RIVER AND LAKE BEACHES
Find river access to the Skykomish River from Lewis Street Park or Al Borlin Park in Monroe. Follow the network of trails through Al Borlin Park to the river, or use the convenient parking lot at Lewis Street Park. A pedestrian bridge connects the two parks near the southwest corner of Al Borlin Park, leading to a grassy picnic area. Restrooms and a small playground are also available at Lewis Street Park.
Play by the river at the confluence of the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers in Carnation. Park at Tolt - John McDonald campground and walk the short paved trail past the bathrooms. The trail turns to gravel and in less than 50 yards, take one of the spur trails on your right to the Snoqualmie River. The north half of the beach is sandier and provides a gradual drop off perfect for wading, but there is not a lot of shade. Alternatively, park in the parking lot off Highway 203, just north of Tolt Hill Road and Remlinger Farms and find a spot to play in the rocky Tolt River. It's popular to create your own mini wading pool with the river rocks! You can even make a weekend of it and stay overnight in one of the park's many campsites, RV sites, yurts or even a cargo container.
Cottage Lake (18831 N.E. Woodinville Duvall Road, Woodinville) offers a variety of recreational activities. Not only does this park have opportunities for swimming, but you also can go boating, fishing, play on the playground, picnic or bring bikes to pedal around the system of trails.
Lake Tye (14964 Fryelands Blvd., Monroe) has a little bit of everything, so if the kids tire of playing on the lakefront beach, there's a skate park, playground, trails around the lake, ball fields, as well as restrooms, picnic tables and a concession stand that now offers kayak rentals. Lake Tye also serves as a hub for many of Monroe's summer concert and outdoor movie events.
Flowing Lake (17900 48th SE., Snohomish) is a wonderful destination offering a designated swim area, playground, picnic areas, restrooms with an outdoor shower (perfect for cleaning off before heading back to the car) and camping opportunities. Note that a day use fee is collected at this park and can be purchased at the entrance.
Lake Roesiger Park (1608 S. Lake Roesiger Road, Snohomish) is a quieter alternative to Flowing Lake as it has no motorized boat access. Enjoy swimming, a picnic and hiking the trails or playing in the large grassy field. Make a reservation and pack your sunscreen, beach toys, kites, lunches, and friends and head to Everett's Jetty Island. The trip starts off with a three-minute boat ride to the two-mile island. The best part is all the sand! POOLS Cottage Lake Pool (18831 N.E. Woodinville Duvall Road, Woodinville) is operated by the Northshore YMCA and is open June 20 through Labor Day. The pool features outdoor swimming with a water slide 6 days a week. Check the schedule for recreation and family swim times. Make a day of it and have a picnic and play at Cottage Lake Park.
Snohomish Aquatic Center (516 Maple Ave., Snohomish) features a zero-depth entry, a shallow water area with a toddler-approved play structure, a warm-water pool, a lazy river, a spray-play area, an enclosed waterslide and a surf-simulation machine! Pay $17 for the entire family to enjoy a two-hour open swim session.-áArrive about 30 minutes before the start of the session because the number of entries is limited. SPRAY PARKS
Willis Tucker Spray Pad (6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish) Throw on a pair of shorts or swimsuit and join the kids dodging the tricky soaker, silverflow cannon, aqua dome, water jelly, aqua jumper, power spinner, power volcano, water domes and splash palace at Willis Tucker Park's spray pad. There are three reservable kite shelters adjacent to the spray feature, playground and sand box perfect for keeping an eye on the kids while they play.
The Water Playground at Forest Park (802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., Everett) has 16 interactive water features and an area designed just for toddlers. The water playground is adjacent to a large grass area with a playground and picnic benches. About the Author
Erin Chamberlain is a local mom and publisher of the free weekly e-newsletter, Cherry Valley Macaroni Kid, which gives parents the scoop on all kid activities and family fun in Carnation, Duvall, Redmond Ridge, Cottage Lake, Monroe, Sultan and surrounding communities. Subscribe for free at www.cherryvalley.macaronikid.com.
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