Summer Swimming : New Aquatic Center, Pools, Water Playground

Looking to cool off in the Yakima Valley with the family. How about the new aquatic center in Prosser, water playground in Yakima?

NEW AQUATIC CENTER in  Prosser consists of two pools: One with a standard competition length of 25-yards with 8 lanes for competitions, a dramatic new 27-foot long drop slide, plunging into 9-feet of water, removable float lines for open swim times, and water basketball and volleyball equipment. The second pool is designed specifically for recreational use. This pool will include a zero-depth “beach” entry where the concrete deck slopes gradually down into the water, making movement in and out of the water easy for all ages. Other amenities include a full size interactive play structure within the pool, a 100-foot long water slide and other play features.   We have added the water.  Now...bring on the fun!!!

• Franklin Pool, in Franklin Park, features a 112 foot water slide. There is also a snack shack which offers an inexpensive lunch combo package. Yakima Valley Museum is nearby with a 1930s Style Soda Fountain, a great place for ice cream after your swim . The hours of Franklin Pool recreation swim are Monday through Friday from 12:30-4:30p.m., 7:15-9pm. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 5-7p.m. The fee for youths are $2.00 and adults $3.75.
• Lions Pool is an enclosed pool at 509 West Pine Street. Recreational swim sessions are Monday through Friday 1:30-3:30 and 3:15-4:45p.m. Special Funky Friday Night Swim from 7pm to 8:30 for special rate of .50 for youth and $1.00 for adult, enjoy the 80's music.
• Water Play Grounds in the city of Yakima are free at Miller Park, North 4th Street and "E" Street; Martin Luther King Park, South 8th Street and Beech. 
• Yakima YMCA Indoor Heated Pool features recreational swims open to children of all ages and their families to come and enjoy the swimming fun. Parents do not have to accompany their children, but are encouraged to swim and play together at the pool. The evening and weekend sessions also include the use of a slide.  

• Selah Pool at Wixson Park is open 1 to 4 p.m. and 5:45 to 8:45 p.m, seven days a week. Admission is $2.00 for children 17 and under, $3.00 for adults and $8.00 for families.

• The pool in the city of Naches on Hwy. 12 at Applewood Park offers open June 10-August 26; swim hours daily from 1-3 p.m., 3:30-5:30 p.m., plus 6:15-8 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $1.50 for district residents, $2.00 for non district. While in Naches stop in at Thompson Farm Market for a smoothie!

• The City of Toppenish, well known for its 70 western themed murals and Yakama Nation features opportunities for sightseeing and swimming. The public pool on Asotin Avenue is open June10-August 26 from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week, with various swimming activities. Saturday and Sunday the pool is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under 12. 

•  Sunnyside pool open June 11 - September 5; swim hours are daily ,1:00 to 3:00 p.m., 3:15-5:15p.m. Family swim hours daily, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission is $2 .00 for children 4-7, $3.00 for 8 and older. Sunnyside Darigold Dairy Fair off exit 68 of I-82 East is a great place to stop before or after your swim for a deli sandwich and Ice cream on a hot day.

• Grandview Municipal pool is open  Monday - Saturday June 17-August 11.

Family Fun on the Farm in the Yakima Valley

The abundant agricultural region of the Yakima Valley consists of many communities dotted with family farms. This close knit agricultural based community offers a number of unique opportunities to teach children about farm fresh fruit and produce, experience picking fresh fruit off the trees, celebrate the harvest and learn about farm animals.


There are farm fresh harvest and farm animal related events during the summer:
Thompson's Farm is a family owned farm open for u-pick fruit during the season. walk through the orchards and pick you own farm fresh fruit off the trees. It doesn't get any better than this. 
 Bill's Berry Farm in Grandview, WA features a number of free activities which are always available such as children's play area, country tire swing, and a petting zoo. On festival days there is a barnyard train, Pumpkin Chunkin (fall), and squeeze your own cider activities (fall). These festivals are; The Cherry Festival June 25, Blueberry Daze Festival July 2, Antiques on the Farm July 1-2, Apple and Pumpkin Festival and corn Maze Saturdays September 17-October 22.
 Washington Fruit Place and Gift Shop in Yakima, WA, cherries will be ready to pick: June 28 - July 10. On Saturday July 2 celebrate at the Cherry Festival with a tree cutting by George and Martha Washington, pit-spitting contests, walking tour, cherry tasting, hay rides, U-pick and chocolate-dipped cherries. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dates when other fruit is expected to be available. Peaches ripe: Aug. 15 - Sept. 2, White Peaches ripe : Aug. 15, Nectarines ripe: Sept. 5 - 15, Fuji Apples ripe: Oct. 16 - 25
At the Silbury Hill Alpaca Farm pet an alpaca, learn about animal care and agriculture. Bring a picnic an soak in the farm atmosphere; Grand Opening Weekend is June 25-26. Celebrate The peach harvest by picking your own peaches on August 27-28 and September 3-4. National Alpaca Days, September 24-25. Come and see the quality alpaca products available.

Selah Ridge Lavender Farm in Selah, WA - Join them in the Lavender Harvest Days the second weekend in July as you and your children gather your own u-cut lavender, listen to live music and check out the artisan craft vendors, and lavender products.
Bella Terra Gardens in Zillah WA. Bring the kids to see the goats, Babydoll sheep and chickens. Pick strawberries, black berries, raspberries and blueberries in season. Visit the Heritage barn filled with the wares of local craftspeople and artists. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the fresh country air and fun on the farm.

While you are in the valley, visit the Central Washington Agriculture Museum, the largest in the state, where you can discover how early settlers lived and worked the land to produce their food and grow their crops for an living.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

A Great Trail for Mountain Bikers

One of Central Washington’s great trail experience for mountain bikers is the high desert Uplands area of the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy. Think 360 degree view of the valley and surrounding hills, a short drive from downtown Yakima. Ride the trail through sage brush, grasses and wildflower covered hills.

Directions From Downtown Yakima: West on Summitview to 40th Ave. Turn right on 40^th Ave. to the 2nd light. Turn left on Englewood travel about 3 miles to 80th Ave. Turn right on 80th go about 1/4 mile to West Scenic Drive turn left about 1/2 mile to Scenic Drive parking area.

Trail Map Click here.

Relax after your ride with a pint at the Sports Center Restaurant and Lounge in Downtown Yakima. If you get there for happy hour enjoy half price appetizers and daily specials Monday through Friday 3-6pm. There are many dining choices in Yakima as well as hotels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay in the Yakima Valley a memorable one.



The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.