With scorching temperatures hitting the town, finding a local pool to cool off has become a top priority for some residents. Some people are lucky enough to have a pool in their own backyard (or better yet have friends who have a pool in their backyard). However if you’re not that lucky and still feel the need to lounge by a splash pad or pool, there are several locations nearby where your family can enjoy a refreshing oasis to beat the heat without breaking the bank. In addition to being great places for cooling off on a hot day, they’re also a place to get a little exercise (swimming offers a full-body workout), gets families outdoors and gives kids an opportunity to make new friends.
So grab your swimsuit, towel and sunscreen and spend the day sharing quality time together before school starts.
City of Lakeland Pools
Lakeland offers two community pools (Gandy Pool located at 404 Imperial Blvd. and Simpson Pool located at 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.) with multiple lap lanes, a diving board and shower/changing rooms. Hours of operation vary. At just $4 per visit/guest, a family can enjoy a day at the pool for a song. For more information visit lakelandgov.net.
Barnett Family Park, 730 E. Orange St., Lakeland
Located at the top of Lake Mirror Amphitheater, this park features a splash pad, a playground, a labyrinth, a covered picnic area, restrooms and a multi-purpose field. The splash pad is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. but is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance.
Lake Eva Aquatics Center, 321 S. 6th St., Haines City
This water park is home to a kids’ play area with a zero-depth entry lagoon pool, water slide and splash pad. The center is also home to a competition pool with six, 25-yard lap lanes.The center is open daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Daily admission fee is $5 per person and applies to all guests ages three and older. For more information visit hainescity.com.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa
With two splash pads offering hours of fun and a great way to cool off, it’s easy to see why Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is so popular with the kids. The free park also offers a shaded play area with equipment, a fenced-in dog park and an open area perfect for a game of tag. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Water Works Park, 1710 N. Highlands Ave., Tampa
This riverfront park near Armature Works, a downtown food hall, features open, green space, a dog park, covered and shaded picnic areas, a playground (complete with a spring-loaded dolphin teeter-totter, a rope climber with a crow’s nest pirate tower and more) and a splash pad, which includes an enormous bucket drop that regularly tips and drenches everyone nearby. Even though its name might suggest this is a water park, it’s a city park so there’s no admission fee. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 North Blvd., Tampa
Located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River from the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, this park features a community event pavilion and lawn, a plaza with game tables, a dog park with separate sections for large and small breeds, picnic shelters, athletic facilities and a playground and splash pad. Shaded areas allow families to enjoy the park even on hot summer days. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Metro Lagoons
With two locations to choose from- 16881 Lagoon Shore Blvd. in Wimauma and 31885 Overpass Rd. In Wesley Chapel- Metro Lagoons locations offer acres of beach-lined crystal clear water, a waterslide and access to a resort-style swim up bar. Additional experiences that can be booked separately include a water obstacle course and kayak and paddle board rentals. Lagoon hours vary by day and location. Day passes range in price from $20 – $45 per day and advance sales are strongly recommended due to capacity limits. For more information visit metrolagoons.com.
Adventure Island, 10001 N. McKiley Dr., Tampa
Tampa’s largest waterpark has something for everyone. A splash and play zone for the little ones? Check. A variety of heart-pounding waterslides? Check. A lazy river? Check. A 17,000 square-foot wave pool? Double check. While this is the most expensive option on this list, the park offers a fun card so visitors can enjoy unlimited free visits until December 31. For more information visit adventureisland.com.