SUP by a dock at Green Lake

Hop on, cool down: Your guide to beating the heat in the Seattle area

Publish Date

Whew! Is it hot in here or is it just me? 

If you’re looking to “chill out” this summer, here are some no-traffic, air-conditioned rides to get you to some cool ways to beat the summer sizzle.

And the best part? Most are within a mile of the 1 Line!

Green Lake

Is it hot enough for ya? Then go jump in the lake. Green Lake Park is a great place for swimming with lifeguards, paddle boarding, kayaking, rowboats and paddle boats. And for families with small children, there’s a wading pool where they can splash to their heart’s content.

University of Washington

You don’t have to dust off your old calculus textbook, or pretend to be a grad student to rent canoes, kayaks or rowboats by the hour and explore Lake Washington and Union Bay. Located right behind Husky Stadium, you can enjoy the refreshing lake breeze.

UW Canoe Rentals close to Link light rail!

International Fountain at Seattle Center

Take light rail to the Westlake station, then hop onto the Seattle Center Monorail.

Okay, so not a traditional splash pad, the International Fountain is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. Plus, you have the whole Seattle Center as your playground.

Yesler Terrace Park & Spray Park

Just a 15-minute walk from the International District/Chinatown light rail station or just 5 minutes from the Yesler & Broadway stop on the First Hill Streetcar line.

Looking for a splash-tastic time? This fantastic spot is located right in the heart of Seattle with a seasonally spray park has sweeping views to downtown, Elliott Bay and Mount Rainier.

Mount Baker Park Beach

It’s a bit of a walk from Mount Baker Station, but well worth it. Tucked away on the shores of Lake Washington, this park beach has lots of ways to cool off. Enjoy a sandy shore for towel-spreading, a swimming area with lifeguards, public bathrooms, a swimming dock and shady areas.

Jefferson Park Playground

This fantastic spray park close to Beacon Hill Station is where kids of all ages can splash to their heart's content and turn those hot summer days into a watery wonderland. With an expansive play space with two of the longest zip lines in the city, this park has something for everyone.

Angle Lake Park

Looking for a way to escape the summer heat near Angle Lake Station? Look no further than Angle Lake Park. It has a sandy, refreshing beach, roped-off swimming area, and a spray park for the kiddos and the young at heart.

Did we miss something in this list? Tag us @SoundTransit on social media or email us at lifestyle@soundtransit.org!