The heat hit hard in Portland and Portland pools opened just in time to cool kids and their families down! It’s been a long time since little swimmers have had a chance to test their fins in the water at local swim facilities. If you are looking to spend the afternoon splashing and playing in the water, we’ve rounded up the best pools in Portland that are open now. Read on to find out more.
Conestoga Community Center
While this pools is loved by locals because it is home to the only outdoor splash pad in its district, we are celebrating it for its fantastic indoor pool! This unique and refreshing venue full of sprinklers, fountains, slides, and lap pools that will keep little and older swimmers (along with mom and dad) busy for hours!). Masks must be worn when in the facility. Due to COVID, rules and swim times are changing fast. Make sure to check online for details in in advance. Please note: the Recreational Swim is designed for a household of up to 6 people. Each time slot allows 2 different households to reserve space, for a maximum of 12 people. The fountains and slide will be running. For the slide, riders must be 3 1/2 feet from the chin down, pass the swim test, or have a parent catch them. Children 2 years and under, who are shorter than 43 inches from the chin down, must ride down with an adult.
9985 SW 125th Ave.
Beaverton
503-629-6313
Online: thprd.org
East Portland Community Center
There’s no need for memberships at East Portland Community Center. This pool reopened on June 22 and you can either sign up for baby or kid swimming classes or drop-in for a winter swim. Shark slides, vortex pools, and a lazy river that propels you along the path are a few of the water splendors you can expect. Lap swim and water fitness reservations at this indoor pool are available between 5:30 am and 12:30 pm. Outdoor pools will have lap swim, swim lessons, play swim and water exercise classes by reservation only. Use the new Portland Parks & Recreation mobile app to reserve times for lap swim, water fitness classes, and open play swim.
740 SE 106th Ave.
503-823-3450
Online: portlandoregon.gov
Southwest Community Center Pool
With a zero depth pool this center lets children of all levels learn to swim while still being able to stand. If you opt to enroll in swim classes you’re in luck. The instructors are kind, patient, and encouraging! Here just to play? Your family of swimmers will not be disappointed by the plethora of water features designed to splish and splash water from buckets down into the pool! This location features and indoor and outdoor pool to play in! Please note: advanced registration will be required to reserve space for lap swim, water fitness, and play swims.
6820 SW 45th Ave.
503-823-2840
Online: portlandoregon.gov
Firstenburg Aquatic Center
Make a big splash in the Firstenburg Aquatic Playground! The leisure pool has the longest water slide in Clark County measuring in at 17 feet high. Not feeling that adventurous? No worries! Grab an inner tube and float the lazy river instead. In addition they have a spa, 3 lane therapeutic lap pool, and a kid friendly zero depth entry. Scheduled fitness activities are open on a first-come, first-served basis to passholders until the pool reaches 50% capacity.
700 NE 136th Ave.
Vancouver, Wa
360-487-7001
Online: cityofvancouver.us/
Evergreen Wings and Waves Water Park
Nominated for Best Indoor Waterpark in USA Today's Top 10 Best Indoor Water Parks in the US, this indoor waterpark has been upgraded during COVID, and it is an all season experience that your kids won't soon forget! It has ten waterslides—each designed for adventurers of varying age, ability, and courage. Daredevils might enjoy the Nose Dive that spits you into a pool and shoots you out backwards! When you’re over sliding and gliding explore the wave pool, whirlpool, or revolver pool! For an extra perk the whole park is ADA accessible. You'll need to buy your tickets in advance and reserve your entery.
500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way
McMinnville
503-434-4180
Online: wingsandwaveswaterpark.com
Great Wolf Lodge
This pool isn't exactly in Portland, but it's only a short drive away and it's a perfect for your next quick getaway or day trip! Great Wolf Lodge is the water park of your dreams with both a indoor and outdoor splash and play area! This is a pool you'll want to come back to again and again. There are simply not enough hours in the day to experience everything this waterpark has to offer. Only an hour and a half drive from Portland Great Wolf Lodge transports your little swimmers to a magical water world of exploration, fun, and adventure! If you can dream it, they’ve got it. Slides, a multi-story treehouse, tunneled family trips on River Canyons, totem towers, floating lily pads, tadpole ponds and so much more fun! After you’ve swam and hopped from adventure to adventure, hit up the warming pool, grab some dinner, and call it a day!
20500 Old Hwy 99, SW
Centralia, Wa
800-640-9653
Online: greatwolf.com
—Annette Benedetti
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