Parks in Sammamish Offer Kids and Parents Space, Amenities - Making Them Ideal Summer Destinations

Now that the sun is finally out, I am eager to get my kids back outside to play. This week’s column highlights some of the options for outdoor play available on the Plateau at Sammamish parks and nearby. 

Located at 228th Avenue Southeast at Southeast 24th Street

Ideal for: Kids who like to swim, play dates and families who need some shade.

Pine Lake Park sits on the shores on Pine Lake. The park was a former private resort that evolved into a popular King County Park and is now managed by the . The park is a . The lake is popular with both swimmers and people who like to fish off the park’s dock. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer.

The park hosts the popular Pine Lake Summer Concert series Thursday nights starting in July.

Sammamish moms know this is a great place to meet up for play dates because seating is available close to the play areas. Pine Lake’s playground is ideal for sun-sensitive kids. The canopy of trees keeps the park shaded even in the summer months. The park’s main playground is also great for families with both toddlers and older kids as it has a large “big kid” play structure adjacent to a play area that appeals to little kids.  

If your child likes to play with Matchbox cars or mini skateboards, bring them so they can enjoy the park's wonderful "mini skateboard park" on the play table next to the playground.

The park has on-site indoor restrooms where you can also change your kids in and out of wet bathing suits. There are no concessions on site but you can stop at the nearby ,, Quiznos or for beverages and meals for a park picnic. 

If you have a dog, head to Beaver Lake Park instead, as off-leash dogs are not welcome at this park.

Downside: The parking lot inside the park fills up fast on a hot summer day and then visitors must use the overflow parking located across the street. Plan accordingly on a hot summer day. If you get stuck parking at that overflow lot, you'll have to cross busy 228th Avenue with your kids in tow and hike into the park. Bring a big bag for your stuff and consider a jogging stroller as well as little kids may not want to hoof it all the way back. Pine Lake is home to a number of resident birds so you will want to encourage your kids to shower off as soon as they get home and wash their hands really well before having snacks. The park also is home to lots of bugs, and moms sometimes spend much of their time on play dates waving away the park's mosquitos. 

25101 SE 24th St. at the intersection of Southeast 24th Street and 244th Avenue Southeast. 

Ideal for: Nature lovers, family reunions and families who like to fish.

Beaver Lake Park is largely open space and acres of forest on the shores of Beaver Lake. The park has two entrances, a playground, large pavilion and lodge that you can rent for family reunions and other group gatherings. 

The park attracts many residents in October to the annual Nightmare at Beaver Lake community fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sammamish.

Downside: Finding the park the first time can be tricky. If you bring your dog, note that the off-leash areas are divided into big dog and small dog areas.

801 228th Ave. SE

Parking is available near the  and . Or you can drive over to the parking lot located on 222nd Place Southeast. Take 228th Avenue, watch for the train caboose in the backyard and turn onto Southeast 4th, then watch for the little brown sign that says Lower Commons Park and turn left onto 222nd Place Southeast.

Ideal for: Kids who need to cool down, active kids and families who want a little peace and quiet.

This oasis in Sammamish is truly a hidden gem, tucked behind the library and City Hall. If you park at the library you’ll walk down the steep winding path or several sets of stairs to the park, which features a playground, water spray play area and a huge amount of open space. The circular path around the park makes it inviting to kids on scooters and moms and dads pushing jogging strollers. I have visited this park many times during the summer with my kids and have always found it blissfully under used. The large covered picnic area offers shade and a great gathering area.

Downside: There are no indoor restroom facilities – none – in the park. If your child needs to go to the bathroom suddenly your choices are hike back up to the library – if it's still open – or have him or her use the portable toilets the city has stationed throughout the park. This is not a good park at all for your family if you are in the middle of potty training a child or you have a child or family member with mobility issues as both parking lots require you to hike to the play and picnic areas.

21302 NE 16th St at NE 16th Street and 214th Avenue Northeast, adjacent to .

Ideal for: Families with dogs and baseball, tennis and soccer players.

This is Sammamish’s “field of dreams” and you’ll find the parking lot to be full during the baseball season. It is also the “sledding park” for the neighborhood on snow days during the winter. Parents with many kids love this park as younger siblings can play at the playground while the older sibling plays soccer or baseball. The park’s indoor restroom is clean and well lit. The park welcomes well-behaved dogs and even offers “poop bags” and special disposal areas for dog waste. The park has a large covered picnic area as well. The circular path around the picnic table runs up and down a slight hill, making it an ideal training route for kids learning to skateboard, use a scooter or improve their bike skills.

Downside: The parking lot can fill during sports seasons and so you may end up parking on the busy street. Better if you have little kids to park down at Margaret Mead and then hoof it up the path to the park.

Neighborhood pocket parks

Sammamish has a number of “pocket parks” operated by neighborhood associations and often restricted for use by residents. The Issaquah Highlands neighborhood boasts 23 neighborhood parks and miles and miles of trails, which it generously shares with the public. The Timberline neighborhood has several of these parks, including one with a tennis court. If you live in a development with a neighborhood park, these are good places to hang out with your kids to meet your neighbors.