Summer’s fully here, and nothing beats those long, sunny afternoons like water‑play routines that keep toddlers happy and spirits cool. Whether you're after splash pads, public pools, or full-on waterpark days, here’s your go‑to guide around Denver (and nearby!) for the rest of summer:
🏊 Denver Outdoor Pools (City‑Operated)
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Season dates: June 9–August 10
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Closed holidays: June 19 (Juneteenth) & July 4th
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Pass pricing: Youth $20, Young Adult (19–24) $35, Adult $50, Senior/Disability $30
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Note: Swansea and Mestizo‑Curtis pools remain closed this season for maintenance
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Hot tip: The Congress Park pool is opening 1 week late—now kicking off June 14
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Open swim hours and lap/lesson schedules vary by location—check Denver Parks & Rec online
💧 Family Favorites: Splash Pads & Spray Parks
Nearly every neighborhood offers free, playful water features—no pass required:
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Denver & Nearby:
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H2Odyssey (City Park Museum)
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Wynkoop Plaza (Union Station)
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Central Park (MLK Jr Blvd)
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Paco Sanchez (Knox Ct)
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Aurora: Great Plains + Red‑tailed Hawk Parks (open daily 10 AM–7 PM)
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Lakewood: Ray Ross (baseball splash pad) + Surfside Spray Park; opening mid‑June (June 16)
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Wheat Ridge: Discovery Park splash pad, open June–September
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Arvada: Ralston Central + Olde Town splash pad—fan favs for kiddos
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Westminster: Westminster Center Park (Peter Pan Park) and other spray area
Bonus: Over 80 splash pads across Colorado are live for summer—so there's something within reach wherever you area
🌊 Bigger Water Fun: Pools & Parks Outside Denver
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Pirates Cove (Englewood): Opens May 24—lazy rivers, slides, big play structure
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Splash at Fossil Trace (Golden): Opens May 24—beach entry, slides, kid zone
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H2O’Brien (Parker): May 24 opening, lap & leisure swimming
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Brighton Oasis: Opens May 24 daily—slides & family splash zones
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Water World (Federal Heights): Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; 70 acres, 50 rides
🎒 Quick Tips to Maximize Your Water‑Play Days
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Grab your city pool pass early—Denver passes sold May 6 and instantly give you full season access
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Dress for the splash: Bring towels, sunscreen, suits, water shoes & a change of clothes
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Beat the heat: Go early mornings or wind down with evening sessions to avoid mid‑day sun
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Check schedules: Pool hours vary—rec centers often have midday breaks or specific lap/lesson times
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Gear up for bigger days: Dress for the park and pack snacks/water for longer visits
