When school is out, parks are in!

Metro Parks Tacoma first began offering organized playground activities for children in 1927 and the tradition continues today.

From June 16 through August 22, kids 5 to 12 years old can enjoy a nutritious Subway lunch served at noon followed by a supervised playground program until 2 pm. 

Daily organized activities include staff-led games, sports, arts, crafts, and water activities. Pre-registration is not required, youth can drop in whenever they choose. 

The program is located at Franklin Park, Jefferson Park, Portland Avenue Park, SERA Playground, South Park, Verlo Playfield (formerly McKinley Playfield), Wapato Park and Wright Park.

During the peak summer season three playground sites—SERA Playground, Verlo Playfield and Wright Park—will feature a premiere program that extends the daily staff-led games and activities until 5 pm Monday through Friday and 12-4pm on Saturdays.

The Simplified Summer Food Program for Children is offered via contract with the  [Kids playing tug of war] U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Lunch will be served from 12-12:30 pm at the sites listed online without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Meals are available at no charge while supplies last. Meal program information can be found at: MetroParksTacoma.org/free-summer-meal-program/. 

Additional free meal sites may be available throughout Tacoma as provided by organizations other than Metro Parks Tacoma.

For information about the playground program visit MetroParksTacoma.org/playgrounds or call 253-305-1022.