Summer pool season may be winding down, but before local aquatic centers pull the plug, they’re letting our four-legged family members have a turn!
Dog swims are popping up at pools across the Kansas City area, giving pups a chance to splash, paddle and play before the pools close for the season. Some events separate dogs by size, while others offer open swim times, games and even prizes.
Grab the leash, pack the vaccination records and get ready for one last splash of summer at these Kansas City-area dog swims.
K9s at the Cove
Aug. 15, 7:15-11:00, Splash Cove at Jim Allen Aquatic Center
Before the pool is drained for the season, Splash Cove in Shawnee turns things over to the dogs. Pups can cool off, splash around and enjoy a summer night at the pool. Advance registration is required. Admission is $6 per dog or $3 for season pass holders. CityOfShawnee.org
Paws in the Pool
Aug. 15, 8:00-noon, Flat Rock Creek Pool
Lenexa’s once-a-year dog swim gives local pups the chance to take over Flat Rock Creek Pool for a morning of swimming and socializing. It’s a fun way for water-loving dogs to squeeze in one more pool day before summer ends. Lenexa.com
Too Cool to Drool
Aug. 15, Oregon Trail Pool
Olathe’s annual end-of-season dog swim divides the fun into sessions based on pup size. Dogs under 25 pounds swim from 9:00-9:55, while larger dogs can join sessions from 10:00-10:55 or 11:00-11:55. It’s the perfect opportunity for pups to beat the August heat and make some new furry friends. Olathe Parks & Rec
Doggie Poolooza
Aug. 15, 1:00-4:00, Bonner Springs Aquatic Park
Bonner Springs celebrates the 10th annual Doggie Poolooza with an afternoon devoted entirely to dogs. Pups can swim and play throughout the aquatic park, and there will even be door prizes. Admission is $10 per dog, and one owner per dog may enter the water. BonnerSprings.org
Doggie Dip Day
Aug. 22, 9:00-11:00, Belton Outdoor Water Park
Before the water park is drained for the season, Belton invites area pups in for one final swim. Dogs can splash, paddle and play during this special end-of-summer event. Admission is $5 per dog, humans are free and vaccination records are required. BeltonParks.org
Soggy Doggy Swim Time
Sept. 8, 4:00-6:00, Leawood Aquatic Center
Leawood saves one final pool day just for the dogs! Only four-legged swimmers are allowed in the water. Admission is $5 in advance or $7 the day of the event. Leawood.org
Puppy Poolooza
Sept. 8, 5:00-7:00, Prairie Village Pool Complex
The Prairie Village Pool closes to human swimmers after Labor Day, then reopens for one last evening of summer fun for local pups. Bring your dog out to paddle, play and enjoy the pool before it officially closes for the season. PrairieVillageKS.gov
Pool Party for Pooches
Sept. 8, 5:30-7:30, Mission Family Aquatic Center
Once Mission Family Aquatic Center closes for the regular season, the dogs get their chance to dive in. Pups can enjoy an evening of swimming, splashing and socializing with other four-legged friends. Admission is $6. MissionKS.org
Dog Paddle Day
Sept. 8, 6:00-8:00, Grain Valley Aquatic Center
Grain Valley wraps up another pool season by turning the aquatic center over to its canine residents. Dogs can spend the evening swimming and playing before the pool shuts down for the year. CityOfGrainValley.org
Dog Swim
Sept. 9, 5:00-7:00, Roeland Park Aquatic Center
Roeland Park Aquatic Center opens its gates one more time after the regular pool season ends, this time exclusively for local pups. Bring your water-loving dog out for one final evening of splashing and summer fun. RoelandPark.org
Before You Go
Dog swim rules vary by pool, so check with the host before heading out. Many require current vaccination records, and some have registration requirements or limits on whether owners can enter the water. You’ll also want to bring a leash, fresh drinking water and a towel for the ride home.
Then let your pup make the most of the dog days of summer with one final splash!
More Kansas City Family Fun
There’s still plenty of summer fun left! Mark your calendar for upcoming Touch-a-Truck events around Kansas City, or beat the heat with our favorite indoor play places. Make family nights easier with our guide to where kids eat free around KC, and check the KC Parent calendar for even more events happening near you. As summer wraps up and school routines return, get a head start with these easy homemade back-to-school snacks for kids.