Where you can swim in Wichita – Summer 2020

Beat the summer heat with these local Wichita area swimming pools, water parks, and lakes. Dive right in to summer fun!

That’s right, you read that first line correctly. Some pools in the Wichita area are opening for summer 2020. Much like everything else, adjustments will be made for each pool and everything is subject to change. We will update this list as we hear about pools opening.

Pools and Beaches Opening in Wichita:

These are communities that have announced plans to open pools for summer 2020. 

Reminder: Planned events may need to be rescheduled or canceled. Please be sure to double-check with the event organizers in case of cancellations.

• Cheney Swimming Pool announced that it’s swimming pool would open June 15, 2020. This year patrons will need to bring chairs as the pool will not have theirs available for use, “high touch areas” will be disinfected regularly, and all patrons must have a signed liability waiver on file before entering the pool. City of Cheney has more information on the new precautions on their website.
• El Dorado Pool announced that they would be opening on June 9, 2020. The El Dorado pool will be open for two swimming sessions each day with a maximum of 30 swimmers/guests per session. The first session will be from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and the second will be from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Cleaning will take place between the two sessions. Pool chairs will not be provided, but guests are encouraged to bring their own. To see the rest of the adjustments that will be enforced check out their Facebook page.
• Haysville Swimming Pool opens June 6, 2020. You can get the season schedule and other information on its Facebook page here. 
• Rock River Rapids in Derby reopens June 8 with some specific differences, including a limit on the number of visitors at one time and no lounge chairs, inner tubes, or life jackets provided by the pool. Other changes will be in place, which you can read about here on the Derby website.
• Swimming beaches at state and county parks are open for the most part. Scroll down to see our list of swimming beaches in the Wichita area. We’ve already been swimming this year! But beaches, like other places, are still subject to the six-foot distance recommendation. Stay far enough away from others and you’ll be doing what the experts say is required to minimize the chance for spreading bugs.
• YMCA indoor pools are scheduled to open June 8, and waterparks at the North and Northwest Y locations should be open on June 20, according to an announcement on the Y website here. 
• Augusta Municipal Swimming Pool will reopen for the season on Monday, June 15. (Thanks to reader Charles for the tip!) They won’t have deck chairs, so bring your own chair. Some concessions will be available for purchase. More info
• McPherson Water Park has announced its tentative schedule with some restrictions on the total number of swimmers that will be allowed in the park at one time. They’ll have two sessions per day, and the planned reopening date is June 22, 2020. Read the full announcement here.
• Splash Aqua Park is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. This water park has a series of inflatable structures that float in a lake. You pay $15 per one-hour session. They do have a family special on Monday nights and occasional other deals. 

Most area pools usually offer swimming lessons, but of course you’ll need to confirm directly with each pool whether lessons will be happening.

Not all of the information below has been updated for Summer 2020 swimming season, so please be sure to double-check with each pool before heading out to swim.

Wichita City Swimming Pools

City of Wichita announced on June 24, 2020 that the pools and splash pads will likely remain closed for the 2020 summer season. You can see their announcement here. 

Wichita currently has eight outdoor public swimming pools around the city. See the listing below to find a city swimming pool near you. Wichita City Pools generally open on Memorial Day each year.

Wichita Swimming Pool Cost and Discounts

Admission prices are extremely reasonable at $3 per adult, $2 for children age 17 and younger, or just $8 for the entire family (up to six people, and one must be an adult).

Coupon books and season passes will save you even more, as well as giving you access to any city pool. Additionally, each of the city swimming pools has a free swimming day once per season!

Swimming Lessons at Wichita Pools

Swimming lessons are offered through the Wichita Department of Park and Recreation. Check out the Activities Guide for more details.

Hours and Locations

Not open in 2020 unless there’s a change in their decision.

Most city pools are open in the afternoons, but if in doubt use the phone numbers to call and double-check!

• Harvest pool, 9500 W. Provincial, 838-9691 | Tu-Su 1-6 p.m.
• College Hill swimming pool, 304 S. Circle Dr., 838-9687 | Tu-F 1-7 p.m. | Sa-Su 1-6 p.m.
• Orchard pool, 1062 N. Clara, 838-9695 | M-Sa 1-6 p.m.
• Aley swimming pool, 1800 S. Seneca, 838-9685 | Tu-F 1-5:30 p.m. & 6:30-9 p.m. | Sa-Su 1-6 p.m.
• Minisa pool, 1350 N. Jeanette, 838-9694 | Tu-F and Su 1-6 p.m.
• Linwood Park pool, 1900 S. Hydraulic, 838-9692 | M-Sa 1-6 p.m.

Pool Rental

Do you know that you can rent a City of Wichita pool to throw birthday parties and host other get-togethers of up to 50 people? Swimming pools are available to rent for your private parties on weekends, but the schedule varies depending on the pool Contact the specific pool facility you’d like to rent for more information.

Wichita-area Water Parks

The Greater Wichita YMCA Waterparks

Indoor swimming pools at Wichita-area YMCAs are scheduled to open June 8. Outdoor waterparks at the North and Northwest YMCA should be opening on June 20, according to a schedule published at the Y website here.

The Wichita YMCA has four locations with waterparks, and they’re all awesome and affordable, even if you don’t have a Y membership. Day passes are only $10 for an individual or $18 for a family.

Each YMCA water park has different features you can read about here.

• Andover YMCA, 1115 E US Highway 54, Andover, Kansas 67002, 733-9622
• North Wichita YMCA, 3330 N Woodlawn, Wichita, Kansas 67220, 858-9622
• Northwest Wichita YMCA, 13838 W 21st St N, Wichita, Kansas 67235, 260-9622
• South Wichita YMCA, 3405 S Meridian Ave, Wichita, Kansas 67217, 942-5511

Rock River Rapids

The Derby Water Park is a huge swimming complex south of Wichita in the community of Derby, Kansas. It is open daily from 12:30 to 7 p.m. during the summer.  Rock River Rapids has a zero depth pool, lap pool, water slides and a lazy river, plus concessions for sale.

Admission prices vary depending on age, and season passes are available to purchase. The Derby Water Park has a daily special called Five after Five that discounts admission to just $5 per person after 5 p.m.

• 1900 E. James Street, Derby, Kansas 67037

McPherson Water Park

North of Wichita, dive into 600,000 gallons of fun at the McPherson Water Park. They’ve got a huge slide, lazy river, lap pool, diving area, and a children’s’ spray park. Regular admission is just $5 for ages 8 and up, $4 for kids 4-7 and seniors, $1 for kids 0-3. Fridays from 5-8 p.m. are only $10 for the family, and they have four special family night events scheduled this summer.

• 511 Lakeside Dr., McPherson, KS

Salt City Splash

This is Hutch’s hub for summer fun. Besides the Olympic size swimming pool, the Splash has a large play structure, water slides for big and littles, diving boards, a tot play area, and more. Admission is $5.25 for 18+, $4 for seniors and youth ages 8-17, $2 for kids 3-7 (with paying adult) and free for ages 2 and younger.

• 1601 S. Plum in Carey Park, Hutchinson, KS 67501

Neighboring Community Pools near Wichita

Visiting these fun, small town outdoor pools can be like a mini-vacation. Each pool has its own unique features and can make a fun day for the kids!

• Haysville Community Swimming Pool, 525 Sarah Lane, Haysville KS (316) 529-5922
• Goddard Community Pool, 200 S. Main, Goddard KS (316) 794-2441
• Valley Center Pool (Lions Park), 255 East Allen, Valley Center KS (316) 755-7345
• Mulvane Swimming Pool, 990 E. 111th St. South, Mulvane KS (316) 777-0041
• Bel Aire Swimming Pool, 7350 East Central Park Ave., Bel Aire KS 67226
• El Dorado Municipal Pool, 900 N. Taylor St., El Dorado KS 67042 (316) 321-6911 

Swimming Lakes in the Wichita area

Don a pair of water shoes and wade out there with the fish or sit on the shore and build a sand castle. Before swimming in area lakes, be sure to check the KDHE website for blue green algae advisories. When levels are high, it isn’t safe to swim.

Pack a picnic and make a day of it, but be aware that most swimming beaches in Kansas don’t allow pets, glass containers, or alcohol.  (You can bring pets to many parks, just not to the swimming beaches.)

• Lake Afton is a Sedgwick County lake. It has three swimming areas. A day permit (per vehicle) is only $5.
• Cheney Lake (aka Cheney Reservoir) has some great swimming beaches in the West Shore area, as well as other areas of the lake. $5 vehicle fee per day unless you have the Kansas State Parks Passport. Cheney has several sandy areas where you can swim. Pro tip: If you’ve ever been swimming on the “red mud” side of the Cheney lake, you know not to wear your nice swimsuit; it might get stained with the rust-colored water. The West Shore is good though, with nice beige sand!
• El Dorado Lake has two swim beaches – one in Walnut Creek area and one in Bluestem Point across from the cabins. $5 vehicle permit required unless you have the Kansas State Parks Passport.
• Santa Fe Lake has two sand beaches. Daily vehicle permit required, $6.
• Harvey County Lake has swimming areas in both East and West Parks. There is no fee if you just want to swim or picnic at the lake!

Private Pools and Swim Clubs

In addition to nearby lakes and Wichita swimming pools, we have a number of private pools and swim clubs as well. Traditionally these require a membership and are not open to the public. Some do offer swimming lessons to non-members.

• Rockwood Neighborhood Pool, 7547 Rockwood Road, Wichita, KS 67206, (316) 685-3231
• Wichita Swim Club, 8323 East Douglas, Wichita, Kansas 67207, (316) 683-1491
• Twin River Club, 2248 N. Sweetbriar, Wichita, KS 67204, (316) 409-0069
• Indian Hills Swim Club, 1158 N. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 943-4391

Year-round Indoor Pools in the Wichita Area

Swimming doesn’t have to be a seasonal sport with these fantastic indoor swimming pools in Wichita and the surrounding communities.

Greater Wichita YMCA has 5 locations with indoor swimming pools, and non-members can purchase day passes.

The other indoor pools in this list generally require membership.

• West Wichita YMCA, 6940 Newell Street, Wichita, KS 67212 (316) 942-2271
• South Wichita YMCA, 3405 S. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67217 (316) 942-5511
• Northwest Wichita YMCA, 13838 W. 21st Street N., Wichita, KS (316) 260-9622
• North Wichita YMCA, 3330 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS 67220 (316) 858-9622
• Downtown YMCA, 402 N. Market, Wichita, KS 67202 (316) 264-9374
• East Wichita YMCA, 9333 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67207 (316) 685-2251
• Andover YMCA, 1115 E. US Highway 54, Andover, KS 67002 (316) 733-9622
• WSU Heskett Center Swimming Pool, more info
• Genesis Health Clubs, 1550 N. Rock Rd., Wichita KS 67206 (316) 634-0094
• Genesis Health Club, 854 N. Socora, Wichita KS 67212 (316) 721-6600
• Goddard Aquatic Center Natatorium, 19800 W. Kellogg, Goddard KS 67208 (Not open yet; expected fall 2018 any minute now…)
• Wichita Swim Club, 8323 East Douglas, Wichita KS 67207 (316) 683-1491
• Derby Recreation Center Indoor Pool, 801 E. Market St., Derby KS 67037 (316) 788-3781

Hotels with Indoor Swimming Pools

Book a room and have a family stay-cation weekend in a hotel with a swimming pool. Tripadvisor (my referral link) will help you with your search for the best place to stay and play!

Swimming Pool Facility Rentals

Looking to host a pool party? Rent a Wichita-area swimming pool for an evening and invite family and friends. Costs vary – and so do rules – so check with each individual pool for more info. Nearly every outdoor pool on our list offers options for rental facilities or booking parties for groups.

Derby Rec Center is also available to rent at selected times.

Lap Pools in the Wichita Area

If you’re looking for places to swim laps for exercise or to perfect your backstroke, these pools have lanes. Check the schedule at each pool to see when lap swimming is available.

• WSU Heskett Center Swimming Pool, more info
• North Wichita YMCA, 3330 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, KS 67220 (316) 858-9622
• Northwest Wichita YMCA, 13838 W. 21st Street N., Wichita, KS (316) 260-9622
• West Wichita YMCA, 6940 Newell Street, Wichita, KS 67212 (316) 942-2271
• East Wichita YMCA, 9333 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67207 (316) 685-2251
• Downtown YMCA, 402 N. Market, Wichita, KS 67202 (316) 264-9374
• South Wichita YMCA, 3405 S. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67217 (316) 942-5511
• Derby Recreation Center Indoor Pool, 801 E. Market St., Derby KS 67037 (316) 788-3781
• Wichita Swim Club, 8323 East Douglas, Wichita KS 67207 (316) 683-1491
• Genesis Health Club, 854 N. Socora, Wichita KS 67212 (316) 721-6600
• Genesis Health Clubs, 1550 N. Rock Rd., Wichita KS 67206 (316) 634-0094
• Goddard Aquatic Center Natatorium, 19800 W. Kellogg, Goddard KS 67208 (Not open yet; expected fall 2018 any minute now…)
• Derby Water Park, 1900 E. James Street, Derby, Kansas 67037 (outdoor pool, and it’s likely to be crowded with families, but the waterpark does have a full size 50-meter lap pool)
• Andover YMCA, 1115 E. US Highway 54, Andover, KS 67002 (316) 733-9622
• El Dorado YMCA
• Newton YMCA