Beat the Heat at the Best Kansas City Splash Pads and Pools

Hot summer days call for plenty of water fun. Splash pads and public pools offer chances for local residents to cool off even on the hottest days. Explore the options below for getting in the water to cool off and relax in a social setting.  

Finding the right spot to cool off, however, is essential. Throughout Kansas City and the surrounding area, you have several options for pools and splash pads perfect for helping you beat the heat.  We’ve put together a list of our favorite local options! 

Kansas City Swimming Pools 

Jumping into a pool isn't just a summer tradition to celebrate weather warm enough for swimming. It's also a fantastic way to cool off, enjoy some fun, and burn a little energy. Pools help you stay social while you enjoy the great outdoors, no matter how hot summer temperatures become.  

Fortunately, Kansas City and the surrounding area offer plenty of pools. You can make a plan to visit both indoor and outdoor pools throughout the area for your summer entertainment needs. 

• Grove Park Pool: This swimming pool, located on Benton Blvd., is part of the larger Grove Park area, making it the perfect place for many summer outings.  In addition to the pool, this facility has rock climbing walls, two water slides, and diving boards for more adventurous swimmers. 
• Fairway Swimming Pool: A short drive outside Kansas City, you'll find Fairway Swimming Pool, which offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for all ages.  This pool facility has diving boards, a lap pool with two lap lanes, a small waterslide, and even a zipline. There's also a zero-depth pool where the youngest swimmers can get wet safely. 
• Park Hill Aquatic Center: At the Park Hill Aquatic Center, you can take advantage of an indoor pool that is open throughout the year, not just during the hot summer months. Here, you can purchase membership packages or choose to purchase a single-day pass. Avid swimmers can come here for regular lap swimming. Swimming lessons are also available at Park Hill Aquatic Center.  
• Merriam Community Center: The Merriam Community Center, just a little way outside Kansas City, offers fitness lessons, aquatics classes, and a host of other options for making the most of the pool. The indoor pool boasts slides, a lazy river, lap lanes, diving boards, and more, making it a popular destination in all kinds of weather. 

With so many pools, both indoor and outdoor, available throughout the Kansas City area, you have plenty of options for helping you stay cool, splash around, and enjoy some fun.  Community pools are a great, cost-effective way to beat the heat.  

Splash Pads in Kansas City 

Splash pads are a great compromise for those days when you might not want to get wet, but the kids do. You can head to a splash pad when you need a quick outing that will help you cool off and reset the mood without all the preparation work that a pool day or beach trip demands.  

Splash pads are also a great option when you simply want to let little ones run around without having to worry about pool safety. The wider Kansas City area offers several splash pad options. Make sure to check availability, since many of them turn off the water as summer ends. 

• Dagg Park: The interactive water play area includes an ocean-themed, zero-depth splash pad area perfect for kids who need to get the wiggles out on a hot day. The "spray ground" is open from 10 am to 8 pm from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend, and on Saturday and Sunday during September.  It is free to visit, but be aware the water may be off on days with average temperatures under 72°F. 
• Thompson Park: At Thompson Park in downtown Overland Park, splash pads are open from May 1 through September 30. If the water isn't going, look for the button on the nearby pole so you can turn them on and let the splashing fun begin! Thompson Park is also home to a variety of other amenities, including a playground, swings, and a carriage house.  
•  Pierson Park: Not only is Pierson Park located directly on a 10-acre lake perfect for fishing, but its nearby community center accommodates as many as 500 people for parties and events. Furthermore, the park's splash pad offers the chance to cool off, whether you're there to get in a little exercise on the walking track or just want to get out with the kids and play for a little while.  There’s even a dog park for safe play with your four-legged friends!  
• Roe Park: Located in Overland Park, Roe Park has multiple amenities perfect for everyone. In addition to the splash pad and playground, Roe Park includes fields, lighted tennis courts, and bike and hiking trails that are great for those who just want to get out and get a little exercise.  

With such a range of options to choose from, you're sure to find a place to cool off on even the hottest days of summer.  Splash pads are a great option for impromptu fun or a reason to visit one of your favorite parks on a particularly hot day!  

Find an Apartment with a Pool  

While there are plenty of splash pads, pools, and other opportunities for fun throughout Kansas City, an apartment complex that includes a pool as part of its community amenities is one of the best ways to beat the heat. Our sparkling pool and sundeck are centrally-located by the offices. They’re readily accessible, so you can enjoy a swim every day if you like. Especially if you like to sunbathe, you may appreciate how it is more private than a pool shared with the wider Kansas City community.  

If you're looking for apartments with pools, check out Retreat at Woodlands Apartments. We offer plenty of community amenities, including a pool for our apartment residents, a clubhouse, and a barbecue/picnic area perfect for making the most of those summer months.   

We have four unique 1 and 2-bedroom floor plans to choose from, and our location is convenient for running errands or your daily commute. Contact our team today to schedule a tour and see everything that the Retreat at Woodlands Apartments has to offer!