Playgrounds! Every parent’s go-to when we’re not sure what to do. Nine times out of ten your kids will enjoy it. Not to mention, a fabulous way to get the wiggles out and promote a good nap time or bedtime. But we all know some playgrounds are superior to other playgrounds. Parents have preferences. Kids have preferences. Luckily, there is no shortage of playgrounds in the area, so we always have a somewhere to go.

Someday I hope to have a post about each park on this list with an in-depth look at what’s there and tons of photos. Until then, I thought I’d give the quick 411 on each park (Does anyone really use 411 anymore? Did that just age me?).

If I missed something that you think is important to acknowledge, please write a comment. I will be trying to keep this post current, so I’ll make periodic updates to it and can include anything you guys want added.

Lastly, we live in North Tacoma with a 2-year-old and 5-year-old, so some of these parks we frequent more because they are just closer to home and better for my kids ages. So all that said, let’s dig in.

The 411 on Playgrounds

Kandle Park

This is one of our regular go-to parks. Click the link to get the full post.

Puget Park

This is one of our regular go-to parks. Great for little ones. Click the link to get the full post.

Fircrest Tot Lot

AKA Gene Goodwin Memorial Tot Lot. Click the link to get the full post.
Okay, okay this is a Tacoma parks list, and technically this is Fircrest…but I thought I’d include this one since it’s a great park and why not!

Point Ruston Promenade

Pros:

Note: Many of the pros are also the cons here since it’s on the waterfront.
This is along the waterfront so you can enjoy a beautiful view but also incorporate bikes/scooters/walk into the cutting since it takes you along the promenade and then onto the Dune Peninsula of Point Defiance.
The playground is created to be a ship so kids get into the imaginative play.
You can also include some splash park in the summer (if it’s open), or grab food/coffee at Point Ruston.

Cons:

This is on the waterfront and can be very windy and cold on stormy days. On the flip side, this is fantastic on a warm, sunny day and everyone shows up and it can be quite crowded.
Parking is tricky since it’s part of the Point Ruston center. You’ll most likely have to play to park unless you shop in one of the stores or restaurants. It’s also a bit of a haul from the parking lot out to the playground.
There are many distractions to pass to get to the playground (for instance, you don’t want to do the splash park…but you have to walk right by it to get to the playground unless you take a long route around and even then if your kid is older, they’ll figure it out).
There is lots of space for kids to wander. Yup, this is where I lost Caleb for like 15 minutes and lost my mind (long story that ends well).

Tacoma Nature Center

Pros:

A totally different and great playground experience with all the playground structures incorporated into nature themes like a log slide, rocks to climb, steps up a tree, etc.
Near is the walking trail and the indoor nature center (check if indoor is actually open during covid before going).
A nice variety of play equipment for young and old ages (although maybe more for older kids than younger).
Opportunities for learning with the water “stream” (very small), water pump, and all the nature!

Cons:

If you ever just want to go on the hike/walk you have to convince your kids they are not going to the playground.
There is huge potential to lose sight of your kid since it’s large and has lots of nature.
There is water…cool yes, so potentially also a pro, but also I had a friend who’s kid fell in.
If you go and want to talk with another mom while your kids play, and your kid is younger, then it most likely won’t happen.

Wright Park

Pros:

It’s a big playground with structures for both younger and older kids. Plenty of swings, lots of slides, climbing opportunities, and even some serious spinners.
A good amount of sun and shade for all seasons.
There is a spray park for summertime. This can be a con if you’re wanting to avoid water, though, because it’s right next to the playground.
If you’re looking to change things up, you can talk a nice walk on the rock-paved trails and go explore the pond with ducks. Or, go up to the conservatory!
There are bathrooms available.

Cons:

While I’ve never encountered anything myself, I hear this can be known to have some drug usage in the night (heard stories of a needle or so being found).
Parking can be hard when it’s crowded as it’s all street parking.
It’s wide open so there is more of a change for escapees…but I feel like I have a better time corralling the kids here than some other parks. It does have a slight wall around the backside so that can give kids more of a barrier/border.

Titlow Park

Pros:

There some shelters and tables here which are great for shade on sunny days or shelter on rainy days. This is where we had Caleb’s 5th birthday and it worked great for a party.
There is so much to do here besides the playground. We actually prefer these other features over the playground:
- Trail: There is a circle trail that will do a complete circle so you don’t have to backtrack. With perhaps some carrying, a two-year-old can do it.
- Beach: You can hunker down at the beach while the kids play with rocks, climb driftwood, or search the beach for shells/sea creatures. Maybe they are brave for a small plunge. Brr!
- Train: While it can be loud, everyone stops to watch the train pass by every so often. Then you give a “choo choo!”
- Lagoon: Maybe a lagoon? Not sure the term, but a body of water that’s not the beach is there as well. Usually you can find a few ducks to watch.
- Spray Park: A nice play for some water fun on summer days.
There is a bathroom!
Parking is plentiful.

Cons:

For some reason the kids aren’t as gun-ho on the playground here. Maybe it’s the setup or the type of equipment? It’s pretty spaced out with three tiers of playground. The middle climbing structure is frustrating because my kids desperately want to climb it but aren’t quite good enough to do it - I end up helping (or just dragging them off). Eh, I’m not sure but there is some weird mojo here where the kids don’t play as much. *Shrug* maybe it’s just me.
When it rains, the bottom “boat” play area can get swampy muddy…likes swimming along. Bring a change of clothes and change of shoes.
In the summer, the spray park is popular and can be rather crowded.

Garfield Park

Pros:

Tucked away in a neighborhood so it’s quieter and less traffic going by the playground.
Mostly closed in except for two entrance spots, but otherwise free to run without too much worry of them getting lost/outside.
Randomly there is exercise equipment, which can be dangerous so be careful and watchful, but the kids get a kick out of it.
There is a nice, big loop track that you can walk/ride around as well as a big grassy field.
There is also a trail that goes past the gulch for a mini adventure - you’ll have to turnaround at the end as it just leads to a neighborhood.
Swings, slides and much to climb. There is a playhouse type play structure that can be fun for the littles ones.
Street parking, but never a problem.

Cons:

The playground is spaced out in a way that I feel inhibits good playing, but it’s better than Titlow.
One little vent: It’s soooo close to being enclosed…why not put a gate at the entrance? It would save me running after my toddlers every 5 minutes.
No bathrooms.

Jefferson Park

Pros:

The spray park here is our favorite in the summer. It’s not huge, but there is plenty of space for sitting and it’s generally not too crowded like some of the other spray parks.
More grassy areas for open play and a decent spot for bikes and scooters.
Parking doesn’t seem to be a bit problem as there is street parking all around the neighborhood (and it’s free).
There is a bathroom!

Cons:

The playground here is pretty lack-luster. It’s good for a small play time, but there isn’t that much in the way of play structures.
Honestly, we don’t come to this park for the playground, so I’m making another bullet point to emphasize this fact. It’s more like, “hey we came for this thing and oh sure, let’s play for a bit now.”

Jane Clark

Pros:

My favorite thing about this park is how close it is to our house, but most of you don’t live in my neighborhood I suspect, so let’s move on.
This park is not too large but not too small, which is great because you can keep a good eye on your kids and it’s not as hard to lose sight of them.
Decent play structures for younger and older kids. My two year old just got the hang of the bigger slide and both kids tend to have a circular route for a bit - go up the wavy slide and down the big slide. Repeat. Four swings available - two baby and two big kid.
Generally this park isn’t very crowded and parking is never a problem (street parking with a tiny lot).
There is is large field if you want to bring a ball (or stomp rocket) along with you for a change of pace.

Cons:

There is a big field, so kids can wander but it’s pretty open so there isn’t as big of a worry of losing sight of them.
No bathrooms here unfortunately.

Vassault Park

Pros:

There are basically two structures - one for bigger kids and another for younger.
Huge fields nearby for running/balls/etc as well as a big loop trail around the fields. This would be great for biking with new bikers.
Tennis courts and baseball fields. There is often soccer happening here. Bring a ball! We’ve brought out stomp rocket here, too.
A dedicated parking lot!
Bathrooms near the baseball field (a little further away, but still…you’ve got ‘em!)

Cons:

It’s a smaller playground, but it has the essentials.
There are distracting elements like the big field and when sports are happening, it can be busy in the field area.

Baltimore Park

Pros:

Generally, this is pretty empty since it’s not very well-known.
Some good rocks for climbing, a little play structure great for toddlers, and swings.
A nice field with a gravel track around it, which is great for toddler biking.

Cons:

Super, super small playground with limited play structures.
No bathrooms.

Wapato Park

Pros:

FYI: We don’t frequent this playground as often as it’s further from home.
I love that you can walk, ride bikes, or scooter around the lake and then end up at the playground for a bit.
There is good play equipment for kids old and young.
Dedicated parking lot for this park.
It’s great for watching the seasons (fall leaves, spring cherry blossoms) - lots of good photo opportunities.

Cons:

The playground spacing between play structures is odd. I feel like it’s hard to watch two kids here.
This park, in general, can have some sketchy characters. Just don’t stay late and be mindful of your surroundings.
For me, this park is a bit too far from home for frequent visits.