I've lived in Moses Lake my whole life. I've got a two-year-old son named Ryker and we spend a lot of time figuring out what this town has to offer for families. The answer, it turns out, is a lot more than people give it credit for.
This isn't a listicle pulled off a tourism website. This is what we actually do, what works for different ages, and some things I wish more people knew about. Whether you're a Moses Lake local or just passing through on I-90 and wondering if there's anything worth stopping for, here's the real guide.
Parks
Moses Lake has 48 parks and green spaces if you count the school grounds. I've taken Ryker to most of them and written a full ranked guide if you want the deep dive. The short version: Blue Heron is the best all-around park in town, McCosh is the heartbeat of the community, and Connelly is a giant playground that doesn't get enough credit. If you've got little ones, any of those three are a great morning or afternoon out.
Moses Lake Public Library
This one is free, air conditioned in the summer, and genuinely great. The Moses Lake Public Library at 411 W 3rd Ave does story time regularly and the staff clearly love what they do. Ryker and I go most Fridays when they open. When they have special story times like the Fire Department Story Time we did recently, your kid will walk out with something they won't take off all day. For parents with toddlers this is one of the best free things in town and a great way to spend some quality time together in an environment where access to a platform of great books is just a step away.
McDonald's and Burger King Play Areas
I know, I know. Bear with me. Moses Lake's McDonald's has the big indoor play structure and Ryker calls it the "Big Toys." It is legitimately his favorite place in Moses Lake and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. On a cold day or a rainy afternoon it is a lifesaver for parents of toddlers. If you're willing to make a short drive over to Ephrata, Burger King has an indoor play area too. Both are tried and tested Newton family favorites. What kid doesn't love chicken nuggets and getting to keep them occupied for all of 5 minutes? This is a super low cost and great way to have a good time with the whole trip.
Lake Bowl
Lake Bowl has bowling, an arcade, and now mini putt. This one is better suited for older kids who can actually engage with it, but it's a solid family outing especially on a weekend afternoon. Good for birthdays, good for a rainy day, good for when you need something a little more structured than a park trip.
Fishing
This is where Moses Lake really shines for families and most people don't realize how accessible it is even without a boat.
The fish hatchery is the most underrated family activity in town. If you want your kid to catch a fish with basically guaranteed results, take them there. It's one of those experiences that sticks with a kid.
For bank fishing spots, early spring the spillway out at the sand dunes is great. Later in spring the railroad tracks over by Marr Lake Park is a good bank fishing spot. None of these require a boat, just a rod, some patience, and a kid who's willing to sit still for a few minutes.
Larson Recreation Center
The Larson Rec Center has an outdoor ice rink in winter which is a great cold weather activity for bigger kids. They also have indoor facilities, a track and gym. In the spring and summer they have a pedal bicycle track. Good option that can be used for both good and bad weather activities and is relatively low cost but is better for older kids.
Moses Lake Skatepark
For the more adventurous kids Moses Lake has a skatepark. If your kid is into skating or scooters this is the spot. There are some pretty great features including a full mini ramp, a pipe, and a relatively new concrete bowl. Good to know it's there.
Surf and Slide Water Park
Surf and Slide is the move for summer. Kids of all ages can enjoy it and they offer a summer pass that makes it genuinely affordable for families who want to go regularly. If you're going to be in Moses Lake all summer, the pass pays for itself fast. This is one of those places where you show up, let the kids run, and actually relax a little.
Moses Lake Sand Dunes
A beach day on the south end of the lake at the Moses Lake sand dunes is always a good time. Build some sand castles, swim in the lake and catch some sun. It's your spot. Even without wheels it's a great place to spend a day on the water with the family in the summer.
Day Trips from Moses Lake
This is the part people from out of town never expect. Because of Moses Lake's location in Central Washington, you're within about an hour to an hour and a half of a huge amount of the Pacific Northwest's best stuff.
Skiing and snowboarding, great hiking, hunting, and all kinds of outdoor adventures are all within a day trip distance. You can wake up in Moses Lake, be on a mountain, and be back home for dinner. For families who want the small town life but don't want to feel cut off from the bigger PNW experience, Moses Lake's location is genuinely one of its best features.
Moses Lake is a good place to raise a family. The things on this list are the things Ryker and I actually do, not things I pulled from somewhere else. If you're local and I missed something good, let me know over on the contact page. I'm always looking for the next thing to add to our rotation.
