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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 these guides:
Beat the summer heat at these splash pads and play areas near St. Louis
10 top swimming holes worth exploring near St. Louis
Swimming pools
Photography Ellisville Parks and Recreation
Ride the slide, swim with friends, or play in the in-pool playground. There are plenty of things to do at this Florissant pool. Best of all, there are designated times when parents and children 6 and younger can enjoy the pool to themselves before it opens to the public. Daily admission starts at $4 for resident kids 4–17 and $5 for resident adults. Nonresident children are admitted for $8, while nonresident adults can gain access to the pool for $10. 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 $5 for kids ages 4–15 ($9 nonresidents) and $6 for adults ($10 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 $8 for kids 12 and younger, $13 for adults, and $32 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 ($9 nonresidents), and $7 for adults ($9 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. Resident admission is $4 for kids 4–11 and $5 for adults. Nonresident children can swim for $6 and nonresident adults are admitted for $8. 314-729-4870. 9245 Whitecliff Park.
This municipal pool offers four admission tiers: single-use ($4 resident, $6 nonresident), senior ($20 residents and nonresidents), individual ($60 resident, $75 nonresident), and family ($100 resident, $125 nonresident). 314-869-8686. 1415 Chambers.
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 $3 for kids 17 and under ($6 nonresidents), $4 for adults ($7 nonresidents), and $3 for seniors ($6 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 $3 for children ages 4–12, $4 for adults, and $3 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 adults ($12 nonresidents). 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 $7 for residents and $10 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 $9 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 $5 for children 4–12 and $6 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. 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 $5, adults can gain admission for $6, and seniors can pay $5. 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 $4 for kids ages 3–15 ($7 nonresidents). Adult admission is $5 ($8 nonresidents). 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 $7, and adult residents can swim for $9 per day. Nonresident kids can gain admission for $9, and nonresident adults 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 $6 for children ($8 nonresidents), $7 for adults ($9 nonresidents), and $5 for seniors ($7 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. 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 ($10 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. 314-513-5091.1186 Teson.
Swimming clubs
Courtesy Indian Hills Swim Club
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 $150, and family memberships begin at $430 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
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
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.
Courtesy of the City of Maryland Heights
Aquaport in Maryland Heights, MO
Aquaport
Water parks
Big kids will love the FlowRider, which functions as a combination of surfing, bodyboarding, and wakeboarding, and allows guests of the appropriate height to ride the waves in a controlled environment. Other daring visitors will have fun with the Extreme Bowl, a tube slide that funnels riders into the pool. For guests looking for more laid-back attractions, the family fun pool and lazy river are great for chilling at your own pace. Daily admission starts at $4 for kids ($10 nonresidents) and $5 for adults ($15 nonresidents). 314-738-2599. 2344 McKelvey.
At the new Adventure Cove, you can play with water blasters, cannons, and more. For those looking for something a bit more tame, hop into the Hurricane Bay wave pool to get a feel for the ocean. 636-938-5300. 4900 Six Flags.
This waterpark in Grafton, Illinois, features eight attractions, including the 500-foot dual Cascade Body Flumes that wind their way through the park. There is also the Runaway Rafts ride, which takes guests through a 600-foot course full of rapids. Day passes start at $19.99. See website for more admission options. 618-786-2345. 100 Palisades, Grafton, Illinois.
