St. Louis summers are famously hot and sticky. What better way to cool down than by visiting one of the region’s many pools, swim clubs, or water parks? Even without owning a seasonal membership, families can take advantage of affordable day passes at many of these aquatic facilities. Some are even free. So gather the kids, don your favorite bathing suit, and pack a cooler full of refreshments to enjoy a day poolside at one of these family-friendly destinations.
For even more ways to cool off, check out swimming holes worth exploring near St. Louis
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- Swimming Pools
- Swimming Clubs
- Hotel Pools
- Water Parks
- Splash Pads & Play Areas
- Year-Round Indoor Pools
Swimming Pools
From riding the slide, swimming with friends, or playing in the in-pool playground, there are plenty of things to do at this Florissant pool. Daily admission starts at $4 for resident kids 4–17 and $7 for resident adults. Nonresident children are admitted for $14, while nonresident adults can gain access to the pool for $16. 314-839-7670. 275 New Florissant.
Bridgeton Crossing Family Aquatic Park
The Crossing offers guests ample options for cooling off and having fun each summer, including a 25-yard competitive swimming pool, a 21-foot body flume, a separate activity pool, a splash pad tailored to infants, and an interactive play structure. Daily admission is $6 for kids ages 4–15 ($11 nonresidents) and $7 for adults ($12 nonresidents). 314-739-5535. 4201 Fee Fee.
Carondelet Outdoor Aquatic Center
The YMCA-affiliated pool offers a water slide, splash pad, play structure, lazy river, lap pool, and water vortex. Daily rates start at $9 for kids 12 and younger, $13 for adults, and $34 for a household. 314-768-9622. 930 Holly Hills.
St. Louis City residents can beat the heat with a trip to this free pool in JeffVanderLou. The pool is typically open daily from noon to 6 p.m. 314-534-7953. Corner of Franklin and Compton.
Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center
Families will enjoy more than just a dip in the pool during trips here. The facility also features water slides, a lazy river, a competition pool, and more. Admission is $6 for children ($11 nonresidents), and $7 for adults ($11 nonresidents). 636-812-9500. 16365 Lydia Hill.
This aquatic center features a 25-yard-by-25-meter multi-purpose lap pool with two diving boards, a family play pool with three slides and play features, a lazy river, a lily pad challenge area, a zero depth beach area, and more. Both residents and nonresidents must first obtain a Crestwood Parks and Recreation ID card ($5 resident, $10 nonresident). Subsequently, daily admission for residents is $8 and $14 for nonresidents. Admission is half price from 4:30 to close at 7 p.m. 314-729-4870. 9245 Whitecliff Park.
Kids can keep themselves busy while choosing between the children’s splash pool, the eight-lane competition pool, the infinity edge waterfall, and the loopy waterslide. 636-591-2398. 225 Kiefer Creek, Ellisville.
This park’s outdoor pool is a great place for city residents to cool off during the hot and humid summer months. The pool is usually open daily from noon to 6 p.m. 314-533-2702. 4011 Natural Bridge.
Swim laps, cruise down the water slide, or just cool off in the water at this community pool. Drop-in rates start at $5 for kids 17 and under ($7 nonresidents), $6 for adults ($9 nonresidents), and $5 for seniors ($7 nonresidents). 314-505-8625. 7210 Olive.
Kennedy Recreation Complex Pool
Swim laps in the Olympic-sized pool, or help the little ones splash around in the baby pool at this recreation complex located across the street from Suson Park. Daily admission is only $4 for children ages 4–12, $5 for adults, and $4 for seniors. 314-615-5572. 6050 Wells.
Chill out poolside or make waves in the water at this community pool. For Kirkwood, Glendale, and Oakland residents, daily admission is $6 for kids and $9 for adults. Nonresidents pay $17 regardless of age. 314-984-6971. 111 S. Geyer.
There’s no shortage of places to cool off and swim at The Lodge, which features indoor and outdoor aquatics areas for residents and nonresidents. Children 2 years and younger get in free, while admission is $8 for residents and $12 for nonresidents. 314-835-6150. 1050 Des Peres.
Open to Manchester residents and nonresidents, this pool offers an array of activities like swimming lessons, exercise classes, and special family events. Oh, did we mention they have a rock climbing wall? Daily admission starts at $6 for kids and seniors and $7 for adults. Nonresidents can swim for $10 per day. 636-391-6326. 359 Old Meramec Station.
This Dutchtown neighborhood park features an outdoor pool. It’s available for use each day from 1–6 p.m. 314-353-1250. 4025 Minnesota.
North County Recreation Complex Aquatic Center
This aquatic center features a 1-meter diving board, three lap lanes, an “otter slide” for families, a kiddie pool, an interactive play structure, water slides, a lazy river, and more. Daily admission is $6 for children 4–12 and $8 for adults. 314-615-8840. 2577 Redman.
North Pointe Family Aquatic Center
Stop by this award-winning waterpark in Ballwin to enjoy the water slides, diving board, rope swing, splash pad, and lazy river. Guests can also swim laps and take swimming lessons in the large outdoor pool, among other activities. Daily admission is $6 for youth and $7 for adults, while nonresidents of all ages pay $15. 636-227-2981. 335 Holloway.
The Pavilion at Lemay Aquatic Center
This large community pool features a diving board, diving platform, and climbing wall, as well as lap lanes, a lazy river, and a wet deck area. Kids 4–12 are admitted for $6, adults can gain admission for $8, and seniors can pay $6. 314-615-8877. 305 Gregg.
This aquatics center in Fenton features three swimming pools—one indoor and two outdoor—and offers large slides and smaller water playgrounds for the kiddos. Admission starts at $8 for kids under 12, while adults pay $13 and seniors are charged $10. 636-343-0067. 990 Horan.
The large indoor pool at the Wohl Recreation Center is a good place to enroll youngsters in swim classes. 314-367-2292. 1515 N. Kingshighway.
Swim laps, take swimming lessons, join the swim and dive team, or enroll in water aerobics at this family-friendly municipal pool. Children of Sunset Hills families are admitted for $8, and adult residents can swim for $9 per day. Nonresidents can get in for $11. 314-842-7265. 12512 W. Watson.
Among the many offerings at this recreation center across from Sumner High School in The Ville — which also features athletic fields, basketball courts, a playground, and a skating rink — is a large indoor swimming pool. 314-652-5131. 4206 Kennerly.
Float along the lazy river, jump off the diving board, splash under the waterfall, ride the slide, or chill near the leisure pool. Daily admission is $7 for children ($9 nonresidents), $9 for adults ($10 nonresidents), and $7 for seniors ($9 nonresident). 636-938-6775. 1 Coffey Park.
There are enough water slides here to keep everyone busy (and cool) on a hot, summer day. On weekdays, come early to enjoy tiny tot swim time for kids ages 6 and younger from 9–10:45 a.m. at a price of $5.50 per person. Daily admission starts at $9 for kids and $10 for adults. 636-944-6001. 1875 Muegge.
Not one, not two—not even three—but four pools are available here. The offerings include a toddler pool, leisure pool, competitive lap pool, and a spray park playground. Daily admission starts at $6 for residents ($15 nonresidents). 314-963-5665. 33 E. Glendale.
White Birch Bay Aquatic Center This aquatic center includes three different pools: a competition pool with diving boards, a zero depth entry leisure pool, and a kiddie wave pool. Admission is $7 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. 314-513-5091.1186 Teson.
Swimming Clubs
Driving down Highway 55, it’s tough to miss this pool’s large blue and green umbrellas. Apply for a membership to take advantage of all the club has to offer, including access to the main pool, slides, diving board, and more. Other perks include free WiFi access, and the ability to bring in your own cooler. A 10-day pass starts at $160, and family memberships begin at $480 for the season. 314-544-9177. 4110 Lasata.
Missouri Athletic Club West Clubhouse Pool
The club’s outdoor pool is popular among families looking to catch some sun and splash around. See website for membership details. 314-539-4444. 1777 Des Peres.
Missouri Athletic Club Downtown Clubhouse Pool
This indoor pool runs as deep as 8 feet and features five lanes that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See website for membership details. 314-231-7220. 405 Washington.
Hotel Pools
The Mediterranean-style outdoor pool, which is surrounded by fountains and stone-carved porticoes, pairs well with the hotel’s elegant atmosphere. 314-633-3000. 212 N. Kingshighway.
Cabanas in the charming outdoor pool space are available only to hotel guests. In between splashes, order food and beverages from the on-site Fox & Hounds Tavern. 314-647-7300. 6300 Clayton.
The 8th-floor Sky Terrace features a jaw-dropping view of the Gateway Arch. Bite into some frozen fruit as you enjoy the resort’s rooftop heated pool and hot tub. 314-881-5800. 999 N. 2nd.
Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel pool offers guests a chance to take a dip in the shadow of the city’s tallest buildings. The pool, which is open from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. during the season, offers full-service food and beverage options poolside. 844-979-1032. 705 Olive.
Looking to take a downtown staycation? This rooftop pool features a dazzling view of the city’s skyline. When you’re ready to dry off, the hotel’s rooftop bar is just a few steps away. 314-390-2500. 1501 Washington.
Hotel guests can lounge poolside at this rooftop Clayton oasis. The pool is heated, and towels are provided. 866-912-4016. 7730 Bonhomme.
After a day of sightseeing, return to this historic hotel in Downtown West and enjoy some time by the pool. 314-231-1234. 1820 Market.
Water Parks
Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center
With options such as a sprawling lazy river and wrap around blue slides, Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center welcomes all ages. Bring a best dog friend to their K-9 days, or take laps during Dive in Movies. Regular park admission is $6 for children ($11 nonresidents), $7 for adults ($11 for nonresidents).
Race down a speed slide, or chow on giant pretzels at Wapelhorst Aquatic Facility in St. Charles. The facility offers many frights, including a flume slide or boomerang slide. Little ones can also splash in the kiddie pool, which offers special Tiny Tot Swim hours from 9–10:45 a.m. Park admission is $12 for adults ($17 for nonresidents), $11 for kids and seniors ($15 nonresidents), and $4.75 for kids 2 and under ($6.25 for nonresidents).
Enjoy surfing in the Midwest on Aquaport’s FlowRider, a chance to experiment with wakeboarding and tide-catching. Aquaport features an updated kids area with St. Louis Cardinals themes, a family fun pool, lazy river, and flumes. The “extreme bowl” sucks thrill-seekers into a funnel slide and shoots them out into a deep pool below. Park admission is $7 for adults ($20 nonresidents), $6 for youth and seniors ($15 nonresidents), and children 3 years and younger attend for free.
Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center
Enjoy a lazy river ride through Alligator’s Creek, an aquatic center offering a splash pad, slides, and multiple lap lanes. Beat the heat at the upcoming June 8 Poppin’ Summer Day, with the chance to win prizes and play a variety of games. Park admission is $10 for adults ($12 nonresidents), $9 for seniors and children ($11 nonresidents), and $2 for toddlers ($3 nonresidents).
This Carondelet Park Rec has its own interactive water vortex, water slide, and splash pad. Come kick off sandals in their lap pool, or lounge by the water under sprawling umbrellas. Access to the outdoor aquatic center requires a YMCA membership.
Grab floaties and enroll your kids in Crestwood Aquatic Center’s group swim lessons. With a large lazy river and multi-purpose pool, entry to this aquatic center ensures family fun for all ages. Park admission is contingent on membership, and is $8 for regular members ($10 for nonresidents), $8 for children ($8 for nonresident members), $6 for seniors ($8 for nonresidents), $1 for active-duty military personnel, and children under 3 swim for free.
Located in the heart of Six Flags St. Louis, this harbor’s massive tunnels and slides act as their own roller coasters. Face mountain rapids on the Big Kahuna, where families can fit into the slide’s jumbo-sized rafts as they dart down tall canyon walls. Hurricane Harbor’s Adventure Cove acts as an interactive children’s area, topped with a giant water bucket and faux pirate ship. The checkerboard Tornado ride shoots riders down an intense 132-foot tunnel. Prices vary and cost extra with a Six Flags daily pass.
Host birthday parties and celebrations by Raging Rivers extensive wave pools, which adorn their large cabanas and lounge chairs. Raging Rivers features its own shark slide, which mimics the gaping mouth of the animal at the bottom of the attraction. Their Itty Bitty Surf City invites little ones to surf and slide down an undulating track, and the Mississippi Monster draws thrill-seekers to its giant tunnel slides. Season tickets cost $69.99. Daily passes cost $39.99 for anyone over 42 inches, $26.99 for anyone under 42 inches, and children under 2 have free admission.
Swing from the great Tree Swing or push to the top of a wall climbing structure at this Ballwin waterpark. North Pointe offers a wide variety of amenities for all ages, including a kiddie pool, competition pool, lazy river, and various slides. A “Bucket Falls” bucket often tips above the kiddie pool, offering shrieks and fun for younger guests. Daily admission is $7 for adults ($15 nonresidents) and $6 for youths and seniors ($15 nonresidents). Season passes are also available for purchase at varying prices.
Maplewood Family Aquatic Center
Get splashed by the spray pad, or dip by the water sprouts at Maplewood Family Aquatic Center, which features two water slides and an eight-lane competition pool. Groups are encouraged to reserve a Party Pad for special occasions and join the line at the outdoor concession area. Daily admission is $8 for teens and adults ($10 nonresidents) and $5 for youth and seniors ($10 nonresident). Children ages 2 and younger attend for free.
Making its debut this summer is a new water park at the aquatic center in Webster. Alongside the toddler pool, leisure pool, and lap pool, guests can now enjoy the area’s newest water park, headlined by the tallest stand-up slide in North America. Admission to the water park is included in the price of daily admission to the center as a whole — $6 for residents, and $15 for nonresidents.
Splash Pads and Play Areas
Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape
Forest Park has something to offer everyone. Complete with a wetland, spring, hand water pumps, and much more, the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape opened last spring. Whether you’re there to just explore the new Forest Park development or you truly are letting the kids release their energy, this is a necessary location to frequent this summer and fall. Concourse Drive, in Forest Park.
Soak in Bohrer Park’s spray fountain, which families can find alongside a playground and reservable shelter for summer picnicking. Bohrer Park also has large soccer fields, a tennis court, and other multiuse athletic fields for team sports and family fun. St. Louis County Parks and Recreation recommends checking its park status map before visiting. 5705 S. Lindbergh.
O’Fallon, Missouri’s first all-inclusive playground is a treasure for those looking for a playground with splash pad access—a welcome relief on hot days. Swings are fully ADA accessible, and toddler sections are ramped. Brendan’s Playground encourages imaginative play with such features as a mushroom-capped tunnel and spiderweb climbing nets. 810 Sheppard Drive, in Westhoff Memorial Park.
Jump into the action and dance among the puddles at Castlepoint Park—all families can use its fountain splash pad for free. Shelters there can be reserved. Castlepoint has many trails to explore, and children can toss horseshoes, play hopscotch, or romp through the playground. Visitors are encouraged to check the county’s park status page before going. 2465 Baroness Drive.
Located near the Chesterfield Aquatic Center and the Chesterfield Amphitheater, this park offers small fishing spots, a trail, and a cool creek that leads to its playground. Relax on the benches, or take in a view of the sculpture “The Awakening.” 16365 Lydia Hill Drive, in Chesterfield.
Jump into a splash pad that overlooks Citygarden. This spray plaza is close to interactive art, fountains, and gardens in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Enjoy Igor Mitoraj’s massive “Eros Bendato” sculpture or the step-stone basin located by the water.
Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden
Introduce little ones to plants and botany at this Missouri Botanical Garden adventure. Kids can cool off on the splash pad, which is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The children’s garden features climbing rocks, a tree house, and interactive themes to keep kiddos engaged throughout the day. The pads are accessible during regular Children’s Garden hours (Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and are included with admission. 4344 Shaw Boulevard.
Volcano education is a part of a visit to Kades Playground, as the play area features a replica of a volcanic mountain and “lava” etched on the ground. For some summer weather relief, head to the park’s Kades Splashpad. 776 Joachim Avenue, in Herculaneum.
Want to stay a bit closer to the city? No problem. Admire the gateway to the west while the kids splash around in Kiener Plaza. Once they’ve had their fix, have the kids dry off at the dry playground area complete with swings and climbing nets also located on the Plaza. 500 Chestnut Street, downtown St. Louis.
After enjoying the treetop-themed playground, let your littles run among the jets on this splash pad. Here, grownups might look silly frolicking among the 3-year-olds. Set a 15-minute timer, then lure your kid back into the air-conditioning with the promise of popsicles. 27 S. Brentwood.
Across the Missouri River, you’ll find more than water. This park is complete with a silo, slides, swings, turf, and of course a wet zone. Stop by or stay awhile; this park is a one-stop family-fun destination for the whole crew. Sammelmann Homestead Drive, in Veterans Tribute Park.
Located in Des Peres, Vlasis Park offers a wide array of play options for children. Its lake includes a walkout pavilion great for catching shade and escaping the blistering heat. Vlasis is unique because it has a splash pad near the playground (operating from noon to 6 p.m.) as well as ponds for kids to explore. If you’re in Des Peres, this is a great stop-by for the kids to burn their energy. 300 Park Drive, in Ballwin.
Gus’ Playground and Theresa’s Splash Pad
Gus’ Playground and Theresa’s Splash Pad at Willmore Park is a space-themed experience for the aspiring astronaut, equipped with saucer swings, a helicopter, and a water play area—all places for little ones to blast off some energy. 7200 Hampton Avenue, in St. Louis Hills.
Known for its wheelchair accessibility, Zachary’s Playground in Lake St. Louis is a must-visit at some point over the summer. Its castle theme allows kids’ imaginations to run wild as the form fun, lifelong memories. The splash pad is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Couple your visit with a scenic drive by Lake St. Louis—or, if you’re lucky, maybe even a day on the boat. 1229 Ridgeway Avenue, in Hawk Ridge Park.
Year-Round Indoor Pools
The Lodge
The Aquatic Center at The Lodge in Des Peres features a 25-yard lap pool, a wave pool, and a toddler pool with foundations. For added fun, there’s also a large indoor flume slide. From movie nights to underwater egg hunts, The Lodge offers a variety of aquatic activities to keep your family entertained. During the school year, they host open swim times on Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The Lodge also has swim lessons, beginning with a parent-and-child class for babies and toddlers (ages 9 months–2.5 years). Advanced levels focus on competitive skills. The Waves and Crests program provides a competitive swimming class for skilled swimmers ages 7–17. Admission prices to the facility vary for residents and non-residents.
Arnold Recreation Center
The indoor pool at the Arnold Recreation Center is open to members of all ages during recreational swim hours. (For those interested in becoming a member, monthly family plans for non-residents begin at $38.) During open swim times, the lap pool and children’s play area are available. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit the center’s website for open swim schedules and additional information. Swim lessons are offered at four levels and are geared for children ages 6 months to 10 years.
James J. Eagan Center
The indoor lap pool at James J. Eagan Center in Florissant hosts open swim sessions on Monday and Friday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Daily passes are available for $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. The center offers several aquatic programs and water aerobics classes.
Staenberg Family Complex
The Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur features two indoor pools that are great for families with kids of any age. The I.E. Millstone Indoor Natatorium is a 25-yard pool with four lanes, primarily used for lap swimming and aquatic programming. The indoor recreational pool has two lap lanes, a children’ s play area, two slides, and a water walking course. Access to the pools requires a Jewish Community Center membership, though guest passes are available for purchase. Swimming lessons begin at 6 months of age. J Sharks Swim Club is geared for swimmers ages 5–18 to improve their times, strokes, and endurance.
Richmond Heights Community Center (also known as THE HEIGHTS)
In 2020, THE HEIGHTS underwent a $6 million renovation, enhancing its amenities. The indoor aquatic center features a 25-yard lap pool with four swimming lanes, a lazy river, and a splash pad for kids. Additionally, the center hosts a sauna, steam room, and spa for guests ages 16 and older.
