When the heat of summer hits, it’s time to head for the water. From ground geysers and soak stations to lap pools, fun fountains and outdoor oases, we’ve rounded up the coolest public splash parks, splash pads and swimming pools in Colorado Springs that guarantee a refreshing escape from those scorching summer days. These aquatic hot spots are perfect for kids and family fun. So grab your swimsuit, slather on that sunscreen and let’s dive in.
Note that these community splash pads are free, while the public swimming pools require the purchase of at least a day pass. All are subject to weather, so always doublecheck hours and current conditions. Now, back to that splashing.
Splash Pads in Colorado Springs
Aga Park and Splash Pad
When in Fountain in the summer, pop by the 4,000-square-foot water park in Aga Park for a refreshing respite. Featuring a water tunnel, sprayers, water jelly, aqua jumpers, dumping bells and much more soaking fun, Aga Park is one of Fountain’s most popular parks. Get there early to beat the crowds and the heat.
Park is open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
415 W. Alabama Ave., Fountain
fountaincolorado.org
Deerfield Hills Spray Ground
Designed for family fun and cooling off during hot days, the splash park at Deerfield Park and Community Center promises plenty of watery fun thanks to soak stations, water jellys, a water wall and over 50 individual spray nozzles. Plus, families can rent out the splash park for celebrations. The Deerfield Hills Spray Ground is open June 1 through Labor Day each year. Hours vary by day and shift to weekends only once school is back in session beginning in August, so be sure check the website for the most up-to-date info.
Spray ground sessions are 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
4290 Deerfield Hills Rd.
coloradosprings.gov
First & Main Town Center Fountain
The splash fountain at First & Main Town Center is a little summer oasis for beating the heat. Located front and center of the vibrant east-side shopping center, the fountain welcomes visitors of all ages to splash and play in its cool waters. It’s a great spot for the kids to play while parents shop.
3305 Cinema Point
firstandmaintowncenter.com
The Splash Pad at Panorama Park
Cool down at the recently renovated Panorama Park, one of the newest splash parks in Colorado Springs. The reimagined community park was a welcome upgrade for the community in Southeast Springs that reopened in August 2022. Its amenities include a bike park, universally accessible playground, a climbing boulder and, of course, the splash pad. Parents can join the kids in splashing — or relax on nearby benches and enjoy the — of course — panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range.
4540 Fenton Rd.
coloradosprings.gov/panoramapark
Julie Penrose Fountain at America the Beautiful Park
You can’t miss the four-story, circular Julie Penrose Fountain, aka the Continuum, standing on the edge of downtown — especially when its 366 water jets are spraying. The structure rotates about four times per hour as kids and adults splash and wade below the sleek representation of life-giving water movement between the earth and atmosphere. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 24 to Aug. 11, then open on weekends only till Labor Day.
Spray sessions are 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30-3:30 p.m., and 4-5 p.m.
126 Cimino Dr.
coloradosprings.gov
Uncle Wilbur Fountain at Acacia Park
Outside of performance times, the Uncle Wilbur Fountain appears to be just a large blue bubble set on a colorful mosaic pedestal. But several times an hour during summer, the blue dome raises as Uncle Wilbur, his dog and sousaphone come to life playing music and spouting water at kids and park visitors. This fantastic fountain sits on the corner of Tejon and Bijou in the downtown Acacia Park. Since the new Acacia Park playground opened in 2022 right next to the Uncle Wilbur Fountain, this is a hot spot for kid-centered fun. Open daily, noon-6 p.m, from May 24 to Aug. 11, then open on weekends only till Labor Day.
Spray sessions are 12-2 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m., and 5-6 p.m.
115 E. Platte Ave.
coloradosprings.gov
The Water Hole at John Venezia Park
Since opening in 2017, this has been one of the most popular splash parks in Colorado Springs, thanks especially to its large, uber-popular spray ground and splash pad. The Briargate attraction delivers big splash for even the littlest, all in keeping with the park’s ranch theme. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sessions are 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.
3555 Briargate Pkwy.
coloradosprings.gov
Public Swimming Pools in Colorado Springs
You can find several public aquatic centers and swimming pools in Colorado Springs all over town.
Cottonwood Creek Family Center YMCA
With a strong focus on family, fitness and fun, the Cottonwood Creek Family Center YMCA offers a range of activities and programs for people of all ages, including a variety of swimming amenities at Cottonwood Creek Park. From the indoor wave pool and lazy river to swim lessons and water exercise classes, there’s a whole lot of aquatic fun to be had here. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular swimming pools in Colorado Springs. All local YMCA pools are free for members. Day rates are available for nonmembers.
Rec swim is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
3920 Dublin Blvd.
ppymca.org
Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center
The Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center is an indoor swimming pool that is open year round. It offers a wide range of water fun, including swim lessons, lap swimming, water aerobics and synchronized swimming. But you don’t have to sign up for a class to enjoy this indoor pool and kiddie pool. Instead, you can enjoy open swim hours to freestyle as you please. No reservations are necessary for open swim. Walk-in rates and punch card prices vary by residency. Note: The Manitou pool and fitness center will be closed Aug. 18, 2025 to Jan. 2, 2026 for a roof construction project.
Open swim Monday – Saturday, 1-3 p.m., 3:15-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.
202 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs
manitousprings.recdesk.com
Monument Valley Pool
Pick up a day pass at the outdoor Monument Valley Pool for a refreshing day of summer fun. YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region members have included access to the pool, but anyone can purchase a single day pass to enjoy the pool too. This is a simple pool set in the leafy, historic Monument Valley Park. But it’s a great spot for the kids to swim their energy out or soak up some summer sun — with sunscreen on, of course.
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 12-6 p.m.
220 Mesa Rd.
ppymca.org
Widefield Recreation Center
Dive into some refreshing fun at the Widefield Recreation Center’s indoor swimming pool. The six-lane pool offers year-round swimming, and there is a diving well. Outside, there are two lively outdoor splash pads and baby pools for summer fun. Be sure to register for a scheduled time slot at the pool beforehand to ensure you get a spot.
Summer open swim hours are every day 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. with additional times on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 5-6:30 p.m.
Hours are different different the rest of the year.
755 Aspen Dr.
parksandrec.wsd3.org/aquatics
Wilson Ranch Pool
With awesome waterslides, a chill lazy river, exhilarating whirlpool and a zero-entry recreational pool among its amenities, Wilson Ranch Pool will keep you cool and having fun. The area includes a pool deck and a small grass area with chairs to relax in when you need a break from the water. And the scenic Westside foothills location is hard to beat.
Open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
2335 Allegheny Dr.
ppymca.org
Woodland Park Aquatic Center
You can swim and splash up the pass at the Woodland Park Aquatic Center. Serious swimmers can practice their strokes in the dedicated lap pool. Kids and families can play in the Leisure Pool which features a zero-entry splash zone with fountains, a lazy river and a water slide. Aquatic fitness classes are available too. The center has a number of punch pass options to suit your swimming needs.
Open swim hours are Monday through Friday, 12-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
111 N. Baldwin St., Woodland Park
city-woodlandpark.org
Clubs and Resorts with Day Pass Swimming Pools
You don’t have to be member to enjoy these waterpark and fitness swimming pools in Colorado Springs.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park & Resort
While afternoon thunderstorms can squash outdoor splash park fun, that’s not a worry at Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park. These are the biggest, most adrenaline-pumping water slides in town. But if you and your kids prefer mellower waters, you can lull your worries away in the lazy river or bob and float in the wave pool. This water park is the ultimate cool-down spot in the Springs. You also don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy it. Great Wolf Lodge is open year-round. Book a weekend staycation or a purchase a full- or half-day pass to beat the summer heat or bask in a tropical-feeling winter oasis.
Open daily 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
9494 Federal Dr.
greatwolf.com
LifeTime Fitness
Member or not, everyone can enjoy the impressive resort-style swimming pools at Lifetime Fitness. Purchase a one-day membership pass and get access to a large resort-style outdoor pool with wide-angle views of the Front Range and an indoor pool. Both have zero-entry sections perfect for the littles. The pool even has a shallow sun shelf area with an umbrella shaped fountain for kids to splash around in. LifeTime is primarily for members, but you can purchase a one-day membership to sample the pools.
Outdoor Family Swim is Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
4410 Royal Pine Dr.
lifetime.life
VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa
VillaSport has just about everything for fitness and family recreation, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools at its 130,000-square-foot club near Powers and Woodmen. The resort style amenities include two 26-foot waterslides, splash fountains, pool basketball hoops, an adults-only lap pool and lounge area, an indoor-outdoor whirlpool and poolside cafe. There’s a full menu of swim lessons and aquatic fitness classes too. VillaSport members enjoy all the perks, but you can purchase a non-member day pass to visit.
Family swim in the Outdoor Recreational Pool (lifeguards on duty and waterslides open) is Monday – Friday 4 – 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Other hours vary by pool.
5904 Prairie Schooner Dr.
villasport.com/colorado-springs
Military Swimming Pools in Colorado Springs
Ivy Indoor Pool, Fort Carson
The Ivy Pool features a lap pool, zero-entry family pool, diving boards, water slides and a mushroom fountain. Day passes are free for active duty military.
Main Pool Open Swim Monday – Friday 1 – 7 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Kiddie Pool Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
6415 Specker Ave, Building 1925, Fort Carson
carson.armymwr.com/aquatics
Nelson Indoor Pool
AS OF JULY 2025, NELSON INDOOR POOL IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
The Nelson Indoor Pool is a full aquatics center at Fort Carson that includes lap swimming, a zero-entry family pool, splash fountains and more.
Contact Fort Carson for current recreational swim hours.
1446 Nelson St, Building 1446, Fort Carson
carson.armymwr.com/aquatics
Ellis Outdoor Pool, Fort Carson
AS OF JULY 2025, ELLIS OUTDOOR POOL IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
From cannonballing into the deep end, perfecting your stroke in the early morning to sunbathing and hanging out with friends, military personnel and their loved ones can find camaraderie and fun in the summer sun at Ellis Outdoor Pool. The Ellis pool is closed Monday and Tuesday. Day passes are free for active duty military.
Recreation Swim: Wednesday- Sunday, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.,
5954 Ellis St., Building 1231, Fort Carson
carson.armymwr.com/aquatics
Cool Off in Colorado Springs Waterfalls
There are plenty of creeks and waterfalls along the trails of the Pikes Peak region. Explore some of our favorites with these 7 Beautiful Waterfalls in Colorado Springs and 3 Worthy Waterfall Hikes.
This article was updated in July 2025.
