With a Watery Playground and Beach, This Family-Friendly Park in Washington Is the Best Summer Day Trip

Are you looking for a family-friendly activity to help you beat the heat this summer? Outdoor swimming in Washington is a great way to get outside while staying cool, and Tenino's quarry swimming pool is a fantastic day-trip destination if you're in the Olympia area.

You'll find the Tenino Quarry Pool inside the marvelous Tenino City Park. As one of the only quarry pools in the state, this Tenino park offers guests of all ages a completely unique outdoor experience. It's one of Tenino's small-town gems, and it draws as many as 5,000 people from all over Washington each summer.

But the picturesque setting isn't the only thing that makes this quarry unique. If you're curious, interpretive signs explain the Tenino pool's history. Here's a quick rundown: Before it was a public pool, this spot was a sandstone quarry, operating from the late 1800s into the early 20th century. In the 1920s, workmen abandoned the site when they unexpectedly tapped an underground spring, causing the 100-foot well to fill. To this day, work equipment remains at the bottom of the pool.

For years, it was an unofficial gathering spot where locals would meet up and hang out on warm summer days. In 1946, the town decided to purchase the property, adding amenities over time and implementing rules for public safety. A recent four-year renovation breathed new life into the park, adding inclusive upgrades like a splash pad and kiddie pool.

Safety comes first, and the pool has lifeguards on-site to supervise merrymakers. Speaking of merrymakers, this park can get crowded. As many as 700 people can show up on a hot day. Those wanting to swim in the deep area must take a test. But don't be spooked by the dark-colored water. While this pool isn't chemically treated, the deep hue results from the water's depth. This depth also means that the water is cold, typically 50°–54°F. As such, I recommend visiting on a hot day. If you're bringing kids or are aren't all that interested in plumbing the deep end's inky water, Tenino's quarry pool offers plenty of other fun options.

Are you looking for a place to do some outdoor swimming in Washington? Check out Tenino's quarry pool. This unique spot has been a favorite among locals for years, and its reputation as a unique swimming hole has also attracted visitors from out of town, as well. All that swimming will certainly help you work up an appetite. Fortunately, the park allows guests to bring in outside food, meaning picnics in the sunshine. So, pack your to-go snacks and sense of adventure for a day of al fresco fun. If you're looking for another options, you're in a great spot for it. Tenino is home to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the Evergreen State: Don Juan's Mexican Kitchen.

What are some of your favorite Washington parks for spending a summer day? We'd love to hear about them.