One of the many great views of the lake one the Bosque trail
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Lake Meridian Park

4.5
·3k reviews·Kent, United States

A vibrant city park featuring a modern playground, clear swimming lake, picnic spots, and scenic paths.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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One of the many great views of the lake one the Bosque trail

Lake Meridian Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant city park featuring a modern playground, clear swimming lake, picnic spots, and scenic paths.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"Amazing swim area you can see right thru the water and they have some amazing BBQ's."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast, especially on holidays and sunny days. Beat the rush for a prime spot!

🦆 Watch for Geese

Geese and ducks frequent the park, so be mindful of droppings, especially if walking barefoot.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,692 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exciting New Playground

Exciting New Playground

Main park area

A fantastic spot for kids with plenty of play structures and open grassy areas for running around.

Crystal Clear Swim Area

Crystal Clear Swim Area

Lakeshore

Enjoy the clean, clear water perfect for swimming and cooling off on a warm day.

Scenic Sunset Views

Scenic Sunset Views

Lakeshore

Experience breathtaking sunsets over the lake, offering a picturesque end to your day.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Parking

Parking at Lake Meridian Park can be challenging, especially on sunny days and holidays. Arrive early to secure a spot, or consider visiting on weekdays. The playground and swim area are popular, so timing is key for a relaxed visit.

Seasonal Restroom Availability

Be aware that restrooms may be closed seasonally, particularly in cooler months. Check ahead if you have young children, as one reviewer noted a single, unmaintained restroom was the only option in early November.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Beautiful sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Prime swimming and picnic time
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Lake Meridian Park?

How is the park for swimming? My girlfriend and I are 30 and looking for a non sketchy place to relax in the sun.

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast, especially on holidays and sunny days. Beat the rush for a prime spot! Reddit

🦆 Watch for Geese

Geese and ducks frequent the park, so be mindful of droppings, especially if walking barefoot. Reddit

reddit.com

Just moved, some questions

For reference, I'm not far from 167&212th. Just moved here from the city and I'm loving it so far, could really use help with a few questions though. 1. Any good fishing spots nearby? 2. Where's the closest BLM land so I can bump-fire a SKS into a television or whatever 3.…

reddit.com

Does anyone know of any fun things to do around or in the kent area?

Lot's of things! Here's a list: (these are only in Kent, WA) Lake Meridian - Paddleboard, or picnic. ShoWare Center - hosts many events, mostly ice hockey Kent Station - huge shopping mall in downtown kent, includes movie theater. Carpinto's Brothers - market full of…

🚽 Check Restroom Status

Restrooms may be closed seasonally. Confirm availability before your visit, especially with kids. Reddit

☀️ Perfect for a Full Day

With a playground, swim area, and picnic spots, you can easily spend the entire day here. Reddit

reddit.com

Paddle boarding spots?

Hello! My husband and I just moved to Kent (near Panther Lake) and love paddle boarding. What are some good spots for us to check out? Is Panther Lake an option? Lake Youngs? Shadow Lake? Thanks in advance!

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking fills up fast, especially on holidays and sunny days. Beat the rush for a prime spot! Reddit

🦆 Watch for Geese

Geese and ducks frequent the park, so be mindful of droppings, especially if walking barefoot. Reddit

🚽 Check Restroom Status

Restrooms may be closed seasonally. Confirm availability before your visit, especially with kids. Reddit

☀️ Perfect for a Full Day

With a playground, swim area, and picnic spots, you can easily spend the entire day here. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lake Meridian Park is a beloved community spot, praised for its excellent playground and clear swimming area, making it ideal for family fun. Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty and picnic facilities, though parking can be difficult, and restroom availability may vary seasonally.

"There is so much for the kiddos to do on the playground. An amazing swim area you can see right thru the water and they have some amazing BBQ's. Only thing is there isn't much parking so the early bird gets the worm."

Lovina Rainey

"My favorite park but a bit overpopulated geese and ducks make some mess there so be careful with walking barefoot. Restrooms usually clean, same with picnic and barbecue area."

Veronica Holmes

"Beautiful Park, beautiful scenery. I felt compelled to write here to make parents of small children aware of the restroom situation. We visited on November 2, so all the restrooms are evidently closed for the season with the exception of one. It was filthy, covered in trash, and the toilet was overly clogged, full of human waste and toilet paper, and not flushable. We have a potty trained toddler, and I wouldn't let her near it. We opted to leave the park early in search of a bathroom at the nearby Starbucks, grocery store, or restaurant."

Audrey Mann

What People Like

Great playground
Clear swim area
Beautiful scenery

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Seasonal restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake Meridian Park is located in Kent, Washington. You can typically reach it by car via local roads. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Reddit

Information on public transportation routes to Lake Meridian Park can vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for King County Metro or other regional transit providers for the most up-to-date information.

The park has a main entrance with access to the playground, picnic areas, and the lakefront. There's also a boat launch area for watercraft enthusiasts. Reddit

While specific accessibility details can vary, many city parks aim for accessibility. Paved paths and accessible playground equipment are common features, but it's advisable to confirm directly with park management for detailed information.

The best strategy is to arrive early, especially during peak seasons and on weekends. Weekday mornings are generally the least crowded times for parking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lake Meridian Park is generally a public city park, meaning there is typically no entrance fee for general access. However, specific amenities like boat launches might have associated fees. Reddit

Park hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Kent Parks and Recreation website for the most current operating hours, as they may differ throughout the year. Reddit

Yes, picnic shelters are often available for reservation. Contacting Kent Parks and Recreation in advance is the best way to secure a shelter for your group, especially for larger gatherings. Reddit

Typically, pets are allowed in city parks but must be kept on a leash. Always check the specific park rules regarding pet access and waste disposal to ensure compliance. Reddit

For larger events, gatherings, or commercial activities, a permit may be required. It's best to contact the Kent Parks and Recreation department well in advance to understand permit requirements. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Lake Meridian Park offers a variety of activities including swimming in a clear lake area, enjoying a modern playground, picnicking with BBQ facilities, and walking on lighted paths. There's also a boat launch for water sports. Reddit

Yes, the playground is described as exciting and suitable for kids, with ample grassy areas nearby for them to play. Reddit

Absolutely! The park features a designated swim area with water so clear you can see through it, making it a popular spot for cooling off. Reddit

Restrooms are available, but be aware they may be closed seasonally. One reviewer noted issues with cleanliness and availability during the off-season. Reddit

Yes, the park has a boat launch, making it suitable for boating activities. Fishing is also a common activity on lakes, though specific regulations should be checked with Washington State Fish and Wildlife.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The park offers BBQ grills and picnic shelters, making it ideal for bringing your own food and having a picnic. There are no on-site restaurants. Reddit

Yes, the park is equipped with BBQ grills, perfect for a cookout. Remember to bring your own charcoal and grilling tools. Reddit

You'll find various dining options in the surrounding Kent area. Nearby shopping centers and commercial districts offer a range of restaurants and cafes. Reddit

Bring your own food, drinks, picnic blanket or chairs, and any necessary serving utensils. Don't forget trash bags to keep the park clean. Reddit

There is no mention of a concession stand at Lake Meridian Park. It's best to come prepared with all your food and beverage needs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lakeshore offers beautiful views, especially during sunset. The playground area provides fun shots of kids playing, and the open grassy areas are great for scenic backdrops. Reddit

Yes, Lake Meridian Park is known for its beautiful sunset views over the water, making it an excellent location for photographers. Reddit

Nature photography, family portraits, and candid shots of children enjoying the playground and water are popular. The scenic lake views are also a draw. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other park visitors' privacy. Reddit

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but is great for capturing vibrant playground action. Reddit

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