Stairs and Slides Tacoma: Perfect Day Out for Families at Point Defiance Park

Six sets of Stairs and Slide that kids can run up and slide down here in Tacoma, Washington

Looking for a super fun, family-friendly outdoor activity near Seattle? Get ready for an awesome adventure at the Point Defiance Slides, also known as Stairs and Slides Tacoma. This spot is perfect for kids to burn off some energy while parents soak in gorgeous views of the Puget Sound.

Located on the Dune Peninsula, this unique play area feels like a life-sized game of Chutes and Ladders—except it’s real! With six long staircases to climb and a variety of slides to zip down, kids (and yes, even grown-ups!) will love racing up and sliding down again and again.

What Makes the Point Defiance Slides So Special?

The Point Defiance Stairs and Slides are located at the end of the new Wilson Way Bridge, a stroller-friendly pedestrian bridge that links Ruston Way with Point Defiance Park. It’s more than just a bridge—it’s a scenic pathway with epic views of the marina, ferry boats, and Mount Rainier on clear days. At the bottom, you’ll find the slides, nestled into the hillside with easy access and lots of room to play.

Before you head out on your sliding adventure, take a sneak peek with our immersive 360° virtual tour photo—explore the Point Defiance Stairs and Slides from the comfort of your home and get a thrilling preview of all the fun that’s waiting for you!

Family Tips for Stairs and Slides Tacoma

If you’re planning a trip to the Point Defiance Slides, here are some tried-and-true tips to make the most of your adventure:

🎢 Speed Thrills

The slides are fast! You’ll be surprised by how quickly you pick up speed—so hold on tight and get ready to laugh all the way down.

A joyful toddler girl slides down one of the hillside slides at the Stairs and Slides playground in Point Defiance Park, Tacoma. This creative and nature-inspired play area is built into a forested slope, allowing kids to climb up stairs and zoom down long, winding slides.

👖 A Tight Squeeze, But Worth It

While the slides are on the narrower side, adults can still manage a go if you’re brave enough to squeeze in with your kids. (Spoiler alert: it’s totally worth it.)

POV looking down one of the tall slides at the Stairs and Slides playground in Point Defiance Park, Tacoma. This unique and adventurous play area features a mix of staircases and slides built into a hillside, offering fun for kids and families in a natural park setting.

🚗 Convenient Parking

There’s a parking lot right at the base of the stairs and slides. Or, for a scenic stroll, park inside Point Defiance Park and walk across the Wilson Way Bridge—it’s stroller-friendly and adds to the adventure.

Mount Rainier views near the Stairs and Slides at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma offer a stunning natural backdrop to this kid-friendly playground. Families visiting the Seattle-Tacoma area can enjoy an exciting outdoor activity that combines hillside slides, stair climbs, and breathtaking scenery. With six unique slides built into a forested slope, kids can play for hours while parents soak in the views. Convenient parking is available at the base of the slides, making it easy for families with toddlers and young children to access the area. It’s a perfect stop during a Pacific Northwest family adventure.

😌 Rest and Watch

There are a few picnic tables and benches at the bottom of the Point Defiance slides—perfect for taking a breather or keeping a watchful eye on the kids as they run up and slide down again and again.

👶 Stroller-Friendly Access

The bridge connecting Ruston Way and Point Defiance Park is smooth and stroller-accessible, making it easy to bring even your littlest adventurers.

Part of our family-friendly guide to the Stairs and Slides in Tacoma—if you park at Point Defiance Park, you can enjoy a scenic and easy walk to the playground area. In this photo, a toddler and dad walk hand-in-hand along the paved path toward the hillside slides, with the added bonus of being near Point Ruston’s waterfront shops, dining, and splash pad. The stroll through the park is stroller-friendly and perfect for young kids, making it a great way to combine nature, play, and family bonding all in one outing.

🚻 Plan Ahead for Potty Breaks

Heads up—there are no restrooms right at the stairs and slides! Your closest options are inside Point Defiance Park, near the duck pond, or over at Point Ruston. If you’re traveling with little ones, we highly recommend packing a portable potty in the car (we do!). It’s been a total game changer for these mini road trips.

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OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty
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The OXO 2-in-1 Go Potty is a versatile solution for potty emergencies at home of on the go. It's designed for standalone use with disposable bags anywhere or as a potty seat on toilets, making it an essential tool for road trips and park adventures with kids. It's perfect for those "I need to go potty" emergencies.

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🌞 No Shade, So Be Prepared

There’s very little shade in the Tacoma stairs and slides area, especially on sunny days. A little prep goes a long way in keeping everyone comfortable and sun-safe.

Don’t forget:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Or even a small umbrella for extra sun protection
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🧺 Bring Snacks or a Picnic

Climbing those stairs over and over is a workout—your kids (and you!) will get hungry. Bring snacks or even a picnic to enjoy at one of the tables. It’s a great way to recharge between the stairs and slides and soak in the views.

The bridge to the Stairs and Slides at Point Defiance Park offers stunning views overlooking the nearby boat launch and Puget Sound. It’s not just a path to playtime—it’s also the perfect spot to pause and enjoy the natural beauty of Tacoma’s waterfront. Families can bring snacks and take a break on the benches along the bridge, soaking in the sights of boats, the water, and even glimpses of Mount Rainier on a clear day.

Don’t Stop at the Slides – Explore More of Point Defiance!

A toddler walks along a wooden bridge through the peaceful duck pond at Point Defiance Park, surrounded by water, ducks, and greenery. This quiet nature path is perfect for young kids to explore. For families visiting, a helpful restroom tip: the main bathroom at Point Defiance Park is conveniently located right next to the duck pond.

🦆 The Peaceful Duck Pond

Just a short stroll from the slides, the Duck Pond at Point Defiance is a calm and shady spot that kids always love. You’ll often find ducks and turtles lounging near the water, and in springtime, you might even see ducklings paddling around! With benches around the pond, it’s a great place to take a relaxing break or enjoy a quiet snack.

The famous rose tunnel in the Rose Garden at Point Defiance Park features vibrant blooming roses arching overhead as a mom and toddler walk hand-in-hand beneath it. This iconic garden path is a favorite photo spot and a peaceful place for families to stroll, surrounded by fragrant flowers and lush greenery. A beautiful and kid-friendly stop while visiting the park.

🌹 Point Defiance Rose Garden

Depending on the season (typically late spring through summer), the Point Defiance Rose Garden is absolutely worth a visit. It’s bursting with colorful blooms, fragrant pathways, and charming archways—perfect for a family photo or a peaceful walk. Kids love spotting butterflies, and parents love the serene atmosphere. It’s located near the duck pond, so you can easily see both in one loop.

Point Ruston Waterfront is a family-friendly destination in Tacoma featuring wide, car-free paved walkways ideal for kids biking or riding scooters. In this photo, children ride alongside their family while enjoying the scenic Puget Sound views. Families can bring their own bikes and scooters or rent them from nearby vendors. With its safe pathways and fun atmosphere, Point Ruston is a must-visit spot for any Seattle-area family vacation itinerary

🌊 Ruston Way Waterfront – Walk, Play, Splash!

After you’re done sliding, cross back over the Wilson Way Bridge and head to the Ruston Way Waterfront for more fun and scenic views. This beautiful paved path is perfect for a family walk, scootering, or biking along the shoreline.

The Point Ruston Waterfront Playground, shaped like a boat, is a popular spot for families with young kids. Set along the scenic waterfront, this small playground features fun climbing structures, swings, and plenty of space to play while parents enjoy the Puget Sound views. Its unique design and location make it a favorite stop along the Point Ruston paved walkway.

Don’t miss these kid-approved highlights:

  • Playground: There’s a small but fun playground near the Point Ruston shopping area, great for little ones to burn off even more energy.
  • Free Splash Pad (Summer Only): During warm months, the free splash pad is a huge hit with kids—bring a change of clothes or a towel and let them cool off with fountains and sprays!
  • Shops & Treats: Point Ruston also has family-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream stops for a sweet treat after all that running around.

Whether you’re sliding, strolling, or splashing, this area offers a perfect blend of nature, play, and relaxation. It’s easy to spend an entire day here without ever getting bored! Check out our full guide of things to do at Point Defiance Park with kids

The summer splash pad at Point Ruston Waterfront is a free and fun-filled activity that’s perfect for families visiting Tacoma. With water jets shooting up from the ground, kids can cool off and play safely while parents relax nearby with views of the Puget Sound. Located along the scenic, car-free waterfront promenade, this splash pad is just steps from family-friendly dining, the waterfront playground, and ice cream shops. It’s an ideal stop to include on any Seattle family vacation itinerary—especially when combined with a visit to nearby Point Defiance Park for a full day of outdoor adventure and kid-approved fun

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re local to the Seattle area or visiting Tacoma for the day, the Point Defiance Slides are a must-do for families. With beautiful views, playful slides, and a great mix of nature and activity, the Stairs and Slides Tacoma experience is one your kids won’t stop talking about.

So pack your sunscreen, grab a towel, and head out for a day of adventure at Point Defiance Park—where memories are made, one slide at a time!

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