It’s one thing to read a 100-degree forecast, and it’s another to feel it nearly every day. This summer’s been blistering so far, and if you’re considering trudging through the humid heat, it’s likely just so you can find somewhere to chill out.
Luckily, the OKC area has no shortage of pools, water parks and splash grounds. Whether you prefer to swim, splash or fully sink in the water, we’ve got you covered on the 405’s best aquatic offerings! Just don’t forget drinking water and sunscreen — the cool pools can only do so much to save you from the sun.
Earlywine Aquatic Center | 3101 SW 119th St., OKC
This southwest OKC staple features two considerable waterslides, including a blue-and-yellow bowl slide that swirls and dumps riders out from the bottom, and a smaller red one for younger kids. Swimmers can spray one another with water toys or get drenched by tumble buckets and water curtains. If the pool doesn’t chill you enough, you can also snag a snow cone nearby at Trailer Trash Treatz. Open Tuesday–Thursday, 1–7 p.m.; Friday– Saturday, 1–8 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m. $5 youth (ages 3-17), $6 adults (ages 18-54), $5 seniors (ages 55+).
Will Rogers Aquatic Center | 3201 N Grand Blvd., OKC
At this community water park, either wade in the waters at the pool’s zero-depth entrance or practice your breaststroke in the lap lanes. You can perfect your diving form at the diving well, although a classic cannonball is never out of the question. Concessions are available inside the center, but Shimmers Sno Cones on North May isn’t too far of a drive. Open Tuesday–Thursday, 1–7 p.m.; Friday– Saturday, 1–8 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m. $5 youth (ages 3-17), $6 adults (ages 18-54), $5 seniors (ages 55+).
Hurricane Harbor Oklahoma City | 3908 W Reno Ave., OKC
If the thrill of the wind as you zoom down a flume slide is your way of cooling down, Hurricane Harbor OKC offers an all-day affair of water rides. You can race your kids down multi-lane slides, or cruise with them along the park’s lazy river. There’s even a stone plank to walk, which might fulfill a few pirate fantasies. Open in July Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 12–6 p.m., August Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m, Sunday, 12–6 p.m. Starting $29.99 one-day ticket.
Northeast Community Pool | 1226 NE 33rd St., OKC
This free public pool provides a simple splash with easy-to-swim depths and two slides. A small spray ground lets you get soaked without the commitment of submerging in the pool. Swimmers can also dry off at the Northeast Park’s playground. Open Tuesday–Thursday, 1–7 p.m.; Friday– Saturday, 1–8 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m. Free.
Westwood Family Aquatic Center | 1017 Fairway Dr., Norman
The expansive community water park includes a classic 50-meter pool, a walk-in wading pool and an enclosed splash pad with giant buckets that drops gallons of water on swimmers. Spiral down one of its large slides, which feed into the 500-foot-long lazy river. Continue coasting on your tube into the various waterfalls, or switch to the smaller spray grounds for some light fun. Open Monday–Saturday, 1–8 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m. $8, $6 seniors (ages 55+), free ages 3 and under.
Scissortail Park Splashgrounds | 300 SW 7th St., OKC
If you’re in need of a quick, uncomplicated douse of cold water, you can’t go wrong with the splash grounds at Scissortail Park. With its central location and ease-of-access, anyone can enter and play in the sprayed water from the metal, hairlike structures. Walk, don’t run, and leave behind any food, drinks or glass containers before splashing around. Open daily, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Free.
Sunrise Splash Pad | 550 S. Yukon Pkwy., Yukon
For some fun in the sun for the littles one, the Sunrise Splash Pad is a prime spot for small water action. Swing through spray rings or feel the cold blast from water geysers. You can take control with a water sprayer, which adds an element of excitement to the small grounds. Open daily, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
Barnett Field Splash Pad | N Kelley Ave. & W Main St., Edmond
This wide, 3,000-square-foot splash ground gives you all the room you need to cool off. With its creative steel design, including spray rings and pseudo-trees that drop water from their leaves, there are plenty of unique ways to soak off the sun. If you don’t want to partake in the water-filled fun, or simply need a break, the Edmond splash pad offers shaded canopies as well. Open daily, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Free.
