The summer heat is here with repeated declarations of “I’m bored” from the kids. We have compiled a list of local pools and splash pads that provide a perfect way to beat the heat and to keep the kids entertained.
Blue Heron Bay Spray Park
3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake, MI
Though Blue Heron Bay Spray Park (you’ll also find it online as “Splash Park”) is an hour’s drive from Toledo, we think it’s worth adding to our list for its amazing features. There are no pools, but the park has splash pads and water slides galore. Your kids will have no trouble staying entertained while cooling off on a hot summer day at this road-trip-worthy favorite!
Bowling Green City Pool & Waterpark
520 Conneaut Ave., Bowling Green
This award-winning city pool has several fun water features, including a lap pool, waterslide, diving boards, splash pad, a reserved toddler area and a lazy river. Coolers and outside food (except baby food) are not permitted, but there are concessions available for purchase. Admission prices for non-residents are $8.75 for adults, $8 for kids aged K-12, and $6 for children 6 and under, while residents pay $6.50, $6 and $4.25, respectively. Season passes are also available for both residents and non-residents. For the pool’s full schedule, search the city website at bgohio.org, or call 419-373-1778.
Centennial Quarry
5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania
Admission: $7 per person
Surrounded by rock cliffs and averaging 22 feet deep, spring-fed Centennial Quarry is a great option for teen and young-adult swimmers. Take advantage of the diving platforms, water toys and swim rafts while you’re there. For people who don’t like to get wet, there are alternatives: the quarry also has a sandy beach, volleyball courts and a basketball court. Admission is $7 per person, although seasonal, 10-day passes and full memberships are also available. Visit their website, or call 419-882-1500.
RELATED: Indoor Pools Roundup: The Best Toledo Area Spots
The Cool Zone | The Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo | 419-385-5721
Enjoy the wildlife views at the Toledo Zoo, and then cool off in the Cool Zone! This new addition to the Zoo has proven to be appreciated. With hot days and endless sunlight, the Zoo will keep the Cool Zone open till Labor Day. The Cool Zone is included in your Zoo admission. For more information, visit toledozoo.org, or call 419-385-5721.
Coontz Recreation Center Splash Pad
5330 Seaman Rd., Oregon
This fresh addition to the Coontz Recreation Complex is the perfect spot for those seeking fun under the sun. The 2,400 square foot pad includes 14 different environments for play, including a 360-degree basketball water cannon, baseball bat fountain sprayers, a misting soccer goal, and assorted ground sprayers throughout. The pad is free to all. For more information, call the Oregon Recreation Department at 419-698-7169.
East Harbor State Park Beach
1169 N. Buck Road, Lakeside-Marblehead
Prefer the feeling of sand between your toes? Pack a picnic and head out to East Harbor State Park and its 1,500-foot sand beach. A picnic area is nearby, as well as the East Harbor State Park Marina & Restaurant. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. While in the area, enjoy one of the park’s 11 hiking trails, rent a bicycle, enjoy some volleyball, or camp for the weekend. Get more info at parks.ohiodnr.gov/eastharbor, or call 419-734-4424.
Lakeside Chautauqua
236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside
Need a change of pace driving home from Cedar Point? The historic gated community of Lakeside, Ohio, has several options for adults and kids that love the water. A day or season pass gets you access to Lakeside’s 700-foot dock stretching into Lake Erie. A sandy beach area is available for sunbathing, wading and swimming, provided lifeguards are on duty. Swimming lessons can be purchased for all ages on weekdays. Lakeside also features a Splash Park and a children’s pool with a safety fence, bench seating and a zero-depth entry pool. Visit the website at lakesideohio.com to see information on passes to Lakeside.
Maumee Bay State Park
1400 State Park Rd., Oregon
This 1,336-acre recreational facility offers a little something for everyone. Maumee Bay boasts two sand beaches, one on Lake Erie’s shore and one on a lake within the park. Forgot the cooler? There’s also a concession area, as well as changing booths. Besides swimming, other activities include camping, boating, fishing, golf and hiking trails through meadows, woods and marshes. Find more information at parks.ohiodnr.gov/maumeebay or by calling 419-836-7758.
Perrysburg Municipal Pool
915 Elm St., Perrysburg
Admission to this pool $12 for non-residents aged 6 and up, payable by cash or credit card. All children ages 5 and under, regardless of residency, get free admission. Residents of Perrysburg or the Perrysburg City School District are eligible to purchase a season pass. The pool restricts the number of passes sold until after the swim team championship meets in mid-July, after which the fee is half-price. Bonus: This pool is dog-friendly! Need more info? Call 419-872-7966 or visit ci.perrysburg.oh.us.
Plummer Pool
6940 Maplewood Ave., Sylvania
Plummer Pool is open this year from now through Labor Day. Admission fees for Sylvania residents are $3 for kids under age 12, and $4 for swimmers aged 12 and up. For non-residents, the price is $6 and $8, respectively. Memberships, rentals and swimming lessons are also available. For more information, call 419-882-1500 or go to playsylvania.com/plummer-pool.
Rolf Park Pool
2115 Cass Rd, Maumee | 419-887-1864
Rolf Park Pool features several colorful waterslides and free community events. Although open to the public, there is an admission charge of $5-15 per person (depending on height). Memberships are available to Maumee residents. You can even rent it for a pool party! Search for “Rolf Pool” on maumee.org, or call 419-897-7172 to get the details.
Rolling Hills Water Park
7660 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti, MI
Check out Rolling Hills Water Park and experience a fun-filled day. The park is jam-packed with activities for the whole family including a wave pool, lazy river, and water slides. Admission is $12 for residents and 16 for non-residents. Kids under 36 inches tall are free. Visit washtenaw.org/rollinghills or call 734-484-9676.
Toledo City Pools
The City of Toledo operates several pools within the 419. Look below to find the one closest to you! Because Toledo City pools may close without notice due to mechanical or weather issues, call 419-936-2875 for recreation information, or search for pool information on the city website at toledo.oh.gov. Admission is $1 for children 12 and under and $2 for anyone 13 and older.
Willys Complex Pool (1375 Hillcrest)
Navarre Pool (1001 White)Pickford Pool (3000 Medford)
Savage Splash Pad Water Play Park (645 Vance St.)
Roosevelt Pool (910 Dorr St.)
Wilson Pool (3253 Otto)
Jamie Farr Pool (2000 Summit)
Thorn Park Splash Pad
23999 King Rd, Brownstown Charter Township, MI
Step out of Toledo and take a quick drive to Thorn Park! With a variety of ways to cool-off, the entire family can enjoy themselves. Pack a picnic and soak up the rays all day (but please note that food and drinks are not allowed in the gated splash area). Admission is $3/hr. Visit brownstownrec.org for more information.
Olander Park
6930 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
Lake Olander swim and beach facilities is a great way to spend the day. They are adding new water toys this summer. Children 2 and under are free, while Sylvania School District residents are $5/person. All other guests are 7.
Glass City Metropark
938 Front St.
419-407-9714
On June 9, 2023, phase 2 of Glass City Metropark opened, reflecting the community’s goal of turning brownfield land into a waterfront park. Glass City Metropark also completed the first section of a larger project called Glass City Riverwalk, which has a goal of establishing a city center with 300 acres of greenspace.
The water features include a splash pad with a waterfall and rivers that reflect Northwest Ohio rivers, a traditional splash pad, and a section with mist.
To learn more about Glass City Metropark, visit their website.
