As the weather warms up and summer approaches, Kansas City’s best pools are opening their gates for family fun. Whether you prefer splash pads, water balloons, or relaxing poolside, you’ll find plenty of ways to cool off in the city. My kids always look forward to their favorite summer activity: swimming! Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips to make pool outings more enjoyable, and I’m excited to share them with you:
Pro Tips for a Smooth Pool Day:
- Always Pack a Swim Bag: Keep it stocked with swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, snacks, diapers, wipes, life jackets, and a bag for wet clothes. I keep mine in the trunk so it’s always ready for an adventure.
- Quick Wash After Pool Time: Throw your wet swimsuits in the washer as soon as you get home. This way, they’ll be clean and ready for the next outing.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Check for resident discounts at local pools. They can save you a lot of money over the summer!
- Find Toddler Swim Times: Many pools have special toddler swim hours for kids under 5, usually before they open to the public. These are perfect for younger swimmers.
- Attend Pool Events: Throughout the summer, local pools host fun events that are perfect for families looking to mix things up.
Public Pools in Kansas City
Here’s a roundup of the best public pools in Kansas City, offering everything from family-friendly swim times to discounts for residents. Find the one nearest you and make a splash!
Kansas Public Pools
- De Soto Aquatic Center (32907 W. 84th St.)
- Hours: May 24 – Aug. 31, 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm
- Day Pass: $5 (individual), $2.50 (seniors 62+), Free (children under 2 with guardian)
- Splash & Play: Saturdays, June 7 – Aug. 9, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, $1 admission for ages 5 and under
- Fairway Pool (6136 Mission Rd.)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 9, with limited weekend hours through Sept. 7
- Day Pass: $6 (residents), $10 (nonresidents), Free (children under 2)
- Baby Pool Hours: Weekdays, June 1 – Aug. 7, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
- Gardner Aquatic Center (215 N. Center St.)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 2, then weekends only starting Aug. 3
- Day Pass: $8 (ages 3-61), $6 (twilight after 5:30 pm), Free (ages 2 and under, seniors 62+)
- Kansas City – Parkwood Pool (950 Quindaro Blvd.)
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, noon – 7:00 pm; Sunday, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Admission: $1
- Leawood Aquatic Center (10601 Lee Blvd.)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 9, with limited evening and weekend hours through Sept. 7
- Day Pass: $7 (residents), $11 (nonresidents), Free (children 1 and under)
Lenexa Pools
- Ad Astra Pool (8265 Maurer Rd.)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 2, noon – 7:30 pm
- Day Pass: Free (age 2 and under), $7 (resident adults), $10 (nonresident adults), $4 (senior residents), $6 (senior nonresidents)
- Flat Rock Creek Pool (13120 W. 103rd St.)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 2, noon – 7:30 pm
- Day Pass: Free (age 2 and under), $7 (resident adults), $10 (nonresident adults), $4 (senior residents), $6 (senior nonresidents)
- Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center (8801 Greenway Ln.)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 2, noon – 8:00 pm, weekend hours through early September
- Day Pass: $9 (resident adults), $13 (nonresident adults), $4 (senior residents), $6 (nonresident seniors)
Olathe Pools
- Black Bob Bay (14570 W. 151st St.), Frontier Pool (15909 W. 127th St.), Mill Creek Pool (320 E. Poplar St.), and Oregon Trail Pool (1750 W. Dennis Ave.)
- Day Pass: $7 – $12 depending on location and residency, Free (children under 2)
- Library Card Discount: $5 admission at select pools
- Olathe Splash Pass: $55 for unlimited access to all pools
Overland Park Pools
- Stonegate Pool (9701 Antioch), Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center (11950 Lowell), and Youngs Pool (8421 W. 77th St.)
- Day Pass: $8, Free (children 2 and under)
- Prairie Village Pool (7711 Delmar)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 2, reduced weekday hours later in the season
- Admission: $10
- Roeland Park Aquatic Center
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 9, noon – 7:00 pm, with evening hours later in the season
- Day Pass: $7 (residents), $9 (nonresidents), $6.50 (seniors), Free (children 2 and under)
Shawnee Pools
- Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center (13805 Johnson Dr.)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 9, evening hours later in the season
- Day Pass: $6 (residents), $10 (nonresidents)
- Splash Cove at Jim Allen Aquatic Center (5800 King Ave.)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 9, Monday – Saturday, 10:30 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday, 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm
- Day Pass: $6 (residents), $10 (nonresidents)
Missouri Pools
- Lee’s Summit Pools
- Summit Waves (120 SW Blue Parkway)
- Hours: May 23 – Aug. 23, Monday – Friday, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Day Pass: $11 (resident), $15 (nonresident), Free (children 3 and under)
- Kansas City, MO. Pools
- Budd Park Pool (5001 St. John Ave.), Gorman Pool (1101 NE 47th St.), Grove Park Pool (3001 E. Truman Rd.), Line Creek Community Center Pool (5940 NE Waukomis Dr.)
- Admission: $5, with discounts for residents and season passes
Get Ready for Summer Fun
Swimming is one of the best ways to beat the heat in Kansas City. Whether you’re looking for toddler-friendly hours, resident discounts, or free admission for little ones, there’s a pool for every family! Pack your swim bag, find your nearest pool, and dive into summer!
For the most up-to-date pool hours, fees, and special events, be sure to visit the websites for each pool.