The Micoadventure: Epic Adventures Without the Epic Hassle
35. Go Planespotting
Seattle Southside is home to multiple ideal spots to go Planespotting!
Whether you're soaking in the sun at Angle Lake Park while watching the flights come in to or leave from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, enjoying the test flights arriving at the airfield next to the Museum of Flight, or catching a glimpse of seaplanes and test flights departing from Renton Municipal Airport, there are tons of options. Check out our plane spotting blog for more ideas!
Angle Lake Park
A 10 acre lake-front park, is the perfect place to cool off in the summer. Swimming, boating, and fishing are fun activities for the entire family. A spray park play area recently opened with many fun water features. There is also a barbeque area and picnic shelter and plenty of room to play games. Angle Lake Park is home to many community events, including SeaTac International Festival held each year in the summer!
Amenities and features include: spray park boat launch fishing pier playground equipment open recreation area stage picnic shelter barbecue area restrooms swimming
Angle Lake Park is a #SeattleSouthside Gem!
Red Tricycle Spray Park Review:
Hands down we think this is the coolest spray park south of the Ship Canal. The central point of this King of All That Is spray park is a 50-gallon, bright red bowl--accurately named the Mega Splasher--that slowly, silently fills with water, 20 feet above teenagers and tots alike. As the bowl fills, watch the braver kiddos begin to line up under its splash zone, and then get ready for the tidal wave—the bowl slowly tips, and those carefully collected gallons of water wash down towards the sea of kid-manity, completely drenching the ones who dared to stay. It’s great entertainment for you and a cool thrill for the bravest of splashers.
Besides the awesomely entertaining Mega Splasher--the only one in Washington--there are smaller tipping bowls that also spin by kid power, a spray circle, spray guns and various gentle ground sprayers, including four “flowers” that send a sweet spray two feet in the air, and can be turned on with little toes. The spray area is surrounded by a low cement wall, perfect for parents to sip their iced lattes and steer clear of the sun. Bathrooms and water fountains are right next to the spray zone, just the right distance for the potty-trainers who just gotta go.
Insider Mega-Splash Zone Tip: Keep an eye on your tots and steer them away from the Mega Splasher—because of the amount of water, we suggest this area for kiddos 5 and up.
SEA (Sea-Tac International Airport)
Take Flight at the Best Airport in North America
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), or "Sea-Tac", serves Seattle and Tacoma, Washington as well as the rest of western Washington. The airport is the primary hub for Alaska Airlines, whose headquarters is located near the airport, and its regional subsidiary Horizon Air. The airport has service to destinations throughout North America, Europe and East Asia. Enjoy live music, artisan shops, restaurants, fast food, and more while inside the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Need to Know:
- Be TSA Ready: Check the TSA website for the most up-to-date security guidelines to make getting through security a breeze.
- Know Before You Go: Visit Explore SEA to locate your gate along with all nearby dining and retail options.
- Get Where You're Going: Thirty-one airlines serve 91 nonstop domestic and 28 international destinations including Canada, Mexico, and seasonal operations.
The Vibe:
Seattle Tacoma International Airport won the Skytrax Best Airport in North America award in 2022 and 2023, thanks in large part to a suite of improvements that make the airport experience less stressful and more predictable. The airport is also leading the way in accessibility, making the travel experience more comfortable for all. Enjoy live music, delicious local food, and a great variety of shopping while you wait for your flight.
Good to Know:
- Be In The Know: The Port of Seattle regularly updates their travel tips for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on their website.
- Visit the Terminal: The SEA Visitor Pass Program allows those without airplane tickets a day pass to enjoy the restaurants and shopping beyond the security checkpoint.