2023 guide to pools, wading pools and splash pads in Milwaukee County

When summertime temps hit, it's time to get your kids outside and playing in the water. Of course, there are sprinklers, water balloons, slip and slides and inflatable pools. And if you're really cool parents, you might even have a full-size pool in your backyard.

If you're like most of us, though, you depend on public pools when your kids have tired of the small stuff in the yard. Here's where to go this summer when you need to cool off.

Splash pads

Splash pads are perfect for younger kids who aren't great swimmers yet. They can have the fun of being sprayed with interactive water toys, and there's less chance of getting accidentally run over by big kids, especially at the Milwaukee County Parks splash pads since children age 12 and up are only allowed if they're watching younger children. Plus, admission is free. They are open for the season June 17-Aug. 13. Check the Milwaukee County Parks website for hours.

Where:

Lucille Berrien Park, 3629 N. 16th St., Milwaukee

Carver Park, 911 W. Brown St., Milwaukee

Clarke Square Park, 2330 W. Vieau Place, Milwaukee

Dineen Park, 6901 W. Vienna Ave., Milwaukee

Gordon Park, 2828 N. Humboldt Blvd., Milwaukee

Madison Park, 9800 W. Glendale Ave., Wauwatosa

Moody Park, 2201 W. Auer Ave., Milwaukee

Wading pools

As your kids get a bit older and more confident in the water, it's time to graduate to wading pools. Milwaukee County wading pools have free admission and are open for the season June 17-Aug. 13. Check the Milwaukee County Parks website for hours.

Where:

Algonquin Park, 7850 N. 51st St., Brown Deer

Cooper Park, 8701 W. Chambers St., Milwaukee

Hales Corners Park, 5765 S. New Berlin Road, Hales Corners

Harriet Tubman Park, 4750 N. 48th St., Milwaukee

Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee

Jacobus Park, 6501 W. Hillside Lane, Wauwatosa

La Follette Park, 9418 W. Washington St., West Allis

Lindsay Park, 4360 N. 87th St., Milwaukee

Mitchell Park, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee

Pulaski-Cudahy Park, 5400 S. Swift Ave., Cudahy

Rainbow Park, 700 S. 119th St., West Allis

Smith Park, 5462 N. 33rd St., Milwaukee

Tiefenthaler Park, 2501 W. Galena St., Milwaukee

Tippecanoe Park, 1411 E. Warnimont Ave., Milwaukee

Walker Square Park, 1031 S. Ninth St., Milwaukee

Wedgewood Park, 7201 W. Wedgewood Drive, Milwaukee

Outdoor pools

If you have older kids, kids who are little fish, or the weather is hot enough that you're eager to swim too, here are some regular old outdoor pools you can enjoy with your family. The pools are open June 17-Aug. 20. Admission is $5 for ages 12-59 and $3 for ages 60 and over and 3-11. Kids under 3 are free. Check the Milwaukee County Parks website for hours.

Where:

Sheridan Park, 4800 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy

Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave., Milwaukee

Contact Amy Schwabe at (262) 875-9488 or amy.schwabe@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @WisFamilyJS, Instagram at @wisfamilyjs or Facebook at WisconsinFamily.