From pubic swimming pools to unbelievable water parks, these spots will make you feel like you’re on vacation (even when you’re not)
It’s wintertime in Portland and the whole “no rain, no gain” thing is real. And while we know Portland families don’t shy away from outdoor activities, even on the rainiest days, we’re here to tell you ducking into an indoor playspace doesn’t make you a quitter. Lean into winter’s water theme when you take the kids to a family swim session at a local indoor swimming pool. They can splish and splash the afternoon away, and you can benefit from an easy nap time.
East Portland Indoor Pool
There’s no need for memberships at East Portland Community Center. You can either sign up for baby or kid swimming classes or drop-in for a winter swim. They have family changing rooms to suit up for hours of indoor water play. Shark slides, vortex pools, and a lazy river that propels you along the path are a few of the water splendors you can expect. If you’re a family of older tadpoles try the 4 lane lap pool for some full body exercise.
Good to Know: Before heading over, please call 503-823-3450 as schedules may change
740 S.E. 106th Ave.
Portland
Online: portland.gov
Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center
While this pool 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. Additionally, Conestoga Community Center has even more to offer. The center includes a dance and fitness room, weight room, four multi-purpose classrooms, two wooden floor gymnasiums, and an outdoor playground for nicer days. This unique and refreshing venue full of sprinklers, fountains, slides, and lap pools that will keep little and older swimmers (along with parents) busy for hours. Hint: the side pool just got a makeover last year.
9985 S.W. 125th Ave.
Beaverton, OR
Online: thprd.org
Mt. Scott Indoor Pool
The biggest attraction at Mt. Scott Community Center in the fall and winter months is the fabulous pool which far surpasses the usual lap pool. It’s full of colorful water features, a kiddie “fun” pool, a swirly twirly water slide, a hot tub for the adults, a lazy river for babes, and a whirlpool with gentle currents. Get there on the right day and they might even put out a rope for swinging out over the water Tarzan-style. Sign up for kids' swim lessons or bring the whole family for hours of happy wet squeals during Family Swim.
5530 S.E. 72nd Ave.
Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov
Southwest Indoor 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.
6820 S.W. 45th Ave.
Portland
Online: portlandoregon.gov
Indoor Swimming Pools That Go beyond Ordinary
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, three-lane therapeutic lap pool, and a kid friendly zero-depth entry. Check out the special preschool-specific Aqua Play that usually runs a few times during the week.
700 N.E. 136th Ave.
Vancouver, WA
Online: cityofvancouver.us
North Clackamas Aquatic Park
Dive into Oregon’s largest wave pool, splash around in the toddler zone, swim laps in the six-lane pool, fearlessly glide down water slides, or relax in the hot tub soaking those aching muscles. North Clackamas Aquatic Park is the perfect destination to escape the icy temps for a day in the always-86-degrees water. There’s truly something for everyone here during Big Surf Recreational Swim time. It’s affordable entertainment and water-focused education. The Aquatic Park also offers swimming lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and party rentals. Although it's not required, pre-registration for open swim is recommended for each 90-minute slot.
7300 S.E. Harmony Rd.
Milwaukie, OR
Online: ncprd.com
Shute Park Aquatic and Recreation Center (SHARC)
Whether you go for a swim or exercise classes this full service aquatic center will thrill both young and old. It offers three full pools, a spa pool and dry sauna, and water classes. The littlest swimmers can easily navigate the beginning depth of only 18 inches and giggle their way around the yellow teacup feature. Check out the preschool water water pool swim time with your tots. If you have bigger more comfortable swimmers there are great places for parents to relax and watch kids explore and play.
953 S.E. Maple St.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: hillsboro-oregon.gov
Unbelievable Water Parks You Have to Experience
Evergreen Wings and Waves Water Park
This indoor waterpark is an all season experience! It has a bunch of different waterslides—each designed for adventurers of varying age, ability, and courage, and each comes with a witty aero-theme name, like Sonic Boom, Mach 1, and Tail Spin. Daredevils might enjoy the Nose Dive that spits you into a pool and shoots you out backwards. While younger swimmers will enjoy the tamer slides found next to the Space Shuttle mock-up. Once you've had your fill of epic slides, kids can play at Splash Down Harbor, go for a spin in the Vortex Pool, and explore the helicopter-topped, forest-themed, multi-level Aqua Play Area. You'll need a whole day here. And did we mention the park is ADA accessible? This is a big win for all families.
Insider Tip: Purchase your tickets online and in advance to save some dough.
500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way
McMinnville, OR
Online: wingsandwaveswaterpark.com
Great Wolf Lodge
Swim, splash, slide! Great Wolf Lodge is the water park of your dreams. If you can’t stay a whole weekend, do your best to book an overnight experience at least. There are simply not enough hours in the day to experience everything this waterpark has to offer. It’s an hour and a half drive from Portland that will transport you into a fantastic water world of exploration, fun, and adventure. If you can dream it, they’ve got it—including water slides on the exterior of the hotel. 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, and grab some dinner.
Good to Know: Beyond amazing waterpark perks, families can also play mini golf, hit up the arcade, try the outdoor ropes course (during the warmer months), and go on quests of all kinds around the property. Trust us, this is a definite weekend getaway hot spot.
20500 Old Hwy. 99 S.W.
Centralia, WA
Online: greatwolf.com
