Looking for fun yet cheap ways to cool down and chill this summer? Want an excuse to show off that new swimsuit or bring the kids on some outdoor adventures? Lather on that sunscreen and grab your towels – here’s a list of all the open pools and free splash pads in the area for anyone to enjoy.
Indoor Pools
Noyes Indoor Pool
8235 GOOD HOPE RD
Admission is $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for kids under 11 at this indoor pool. It offers basketball hoops and diving boards, as well as classes for water exercise and splash dancing. Open year-round.
Pulaski Indoor Pool
2701 S. 16TH ST.
The heated facility costs a daily admission of $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for kids under 11. Pulaski hosts water exercise and Aqua Zumba courses, as well. Open year-round.
Outdoor Pools
Cool Waters Aquatic Center
2028 S. 124TH ST., WEST ALLIS
With water slides galore for the adventurous and a zero-depth entry for those just gaining their sea legs, plus plenty of logs and lily pads for kids to climb on, Cool Waters Aquatic Center is great for families. Admission ranges from $4.50 to $11. Open through Sept. 7, closed on Mondays except for Labor Day.
David F. Schulz Aquatic Center
1301 W. HAMPTON AVE.
Featuring a lazy river for relaxation and water slides for thrill-seekers, the David F. Schulz Aquatic Center is operational from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for open swim, then 9-11 a.m. for lap lanes. Admission ranges from $5 to $10. Open June 20-Aug. 23, closed on Wednesdays.
Pelican Cove
2201 S. SEVENTH ST.
Offering open swim from 12:30-4:30 p.m. and night swim from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Pelican Cove also has water slides and sprinklers for cooling off in the summer heat. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Open June 20-Aug. 16, closed on Thursdays.
Sheridan Pool
4800 S. LAKE DR.
With drop slides and a wading area, Sheridan Pool offers plenty of play opportunities for families, with admission a $6 for adults and $4 for kids. The facility is open 12:30-4:30 p.m. for free swim, then 5:30-7:30 p.m. for night swimming. Open through Aug. 16, closed on Tuesdays
Wilson Pool
4001 S. 20TH ST.
With an Olympic-sized facility that includes disability access and diving boards, Wilson Pool is ideal for those wanting to swim laps and build up their endurance. Admission rang from $4-$6. Open June 20-Aug. 22, closed on Sundays.
Tosa Pool at Hoyt Park
1800 N. SWAN BLVD., WAUWATOSA
This pool includes a slide for the kids, and throughout the summer you’ll find plenty of special events to enjoy at the adjacent beer garden. Open daily through Sept. 7.
Splash Pads
Carver Splash Pad
911 W. BROWN ST.
Besides the splash pad Carver Park also has several sports facilities and an extensive playground. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Clark Square Splash Pad
2330 W. VIEAU PL.
Just south of Mitchell Park, Clark Square Park offers its own splash pad. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Dineen Splash Pad
6901 W. VIENNA AVE.
Dineen Park also includes an 18-hole disc golf course, as well as basketball and tennis courts and soccer fields. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Gordon Splash Pad
2828 N. HUMBOLDT BLVD.
Named after the family that once owned the sweeping grounds, Gordon Park overlooks the Milwaukee River and is right near the historic Pierhead Lighthouse. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Lucille Berrien Splash Pad
3629 N. 16TH ST.
Honoring the memory of the first Black woman to run for mayor in Milwaukee, Lucille Berrien Park includes a splash pad as well as a basketball court. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Madison Splash Pad
9800 W. GLENDALE AVE., WAUWATOSA
With a reservable picnic area and a 9-hole golf course, Madison Park also has a baseball field and basketball courts. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Moody Splash Pad
2201 W. AUER AVE.
A bit northeast of Sherman Park, Moody Park has both a splash pad and basketball courts. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Washington Splash Pad
1859 N. 40TH ST.
This park is one of three designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and hosts live music during its Washington Park Wednesdays summer series. It’s also home to an Urban Ecology Center location, which serves as a hub for environmental education and community engagement. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Wading Pools
Alcott Wading Pool
3751 S. 97TH ST.
Besides the wading pool, you’ll also find tennis and basketball courts and walking trails. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Algonquin Wading Pool
7850 N. 51ST ST., BROWN DEER
This Brown Deer park includes a playground for the kids. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Cooper Wading Pool
8701 W. CHAMBERS ST.
Cooper Park also boasts a recently refurbished playground that is fully ADA accessible and baseball fields. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Greene Wading Pool
4235 S. LIPTON AVE., ST FRANCIS
With both tennis and basketball courts, Greene Park is also open to dogs and offers plenty of verdant trails. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Harriet Tubman Wading Pool
4750 N. 48TH ST.
Named after the abolitionist and activist, Harriet Tubman Park features a playground and wading pool. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Indigenous Peoples’ Wading Pool
7301 W. COURTLAND AVE.
Indigenous Peoples’ Park offers Little League baseball fields for rent and an playground, besides the wading pool and picnic tables. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Jacobus Wading Pool
6501 HILLSIDE LN., WAUWATOSA
A designated National Recreation Trail, Jacobus Park is suited for people looking to stretch their legs and do some scenic scouting. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Kops Wading Pool
3321 N. 86TH ST.
Having amenities for both disc golf and field sports, Kops Park is an eight-acre community space. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
La Follette Wading Pool
9418 W. WASHINGTON ST., WEST ALLIS
Besides its wading pool, La Follette also has a playground, basketball and tennis courts and a pavilion for events. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Lindsay Wading Pool
4360 N. 87TH ST.
With rentable sports fields and picnic areas, Lindsay Park also has a playground for the little ones. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Lyons Wading Pool
3301 S. 55TH ST.
Named after a Milwaukee County Board member, Lyons Park is noted for its protected hiking trails, optimal for birdwatchers, with a creek snaking its way through. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Rainbow Wading Pool
700 S. 119TH ST., WEST ALLIS
With a brand new playground and a wading pool, Rainbow Park also offers hiking trails. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Saveland Wading Pool
3700 S. SECOND ST.
Formerly a part of an amusement park several centuries ago, the Saveland Park now stands out for its scenic lagoon. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Sherman Wading Pool
3000 N. SHERMAN BLVD.
With baseball diamonds and basketball courts, Sherman Park also has a playground and community garden. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Smith Wading Pool
5462 N. 33RD ST.
Smith Park is centered around a lodge crafted from pine. There is also a colorful playground and basketball courts, with a pavilion and sports fields for rent. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Tiefenthaler Wading Pool
2501 W. GALENA ST.
Tienfenthaler Park has a fully furnished playground and basketball courts, welcoming pet owners to bring their animal companions. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Tippecanoe Wading Pool
1411 E. WARNIMONT AVE.
Tippecanoe Park has a special cricket ground for the often-overlooked sport and a paved path apt for biking and running. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Walker Square Wading Pool
1031 S. NINTH ST.
One of the first public parks created in Milwaukee, Walker Square also features a seasonal farmers market. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Wedgewood Wading Pool
7201 W. WEDGEWOOD DR.
Wedgewood Park offers a wading pool, playground, and picnic spots suitable for families of all ages. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
West Milwaukee Wading Pool
5000 W. BURNHAM ST. WEST MILWAUKEE
West Milwaukee Park, in addition to a wading pool, features a playground with climbing ropes and a tire swing. Open through Aug. 16, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. when the temperature is above 72 degrees.
Know somebody making an impact in Milwaukee?
