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!
740 S.E. 106th Ave.
Portland
Online: portland.gov
Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center
While this pools 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.
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!
5530 S.W. 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 daily 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 6 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! There’s truly something for everyone here. It’s affordable entertainment and water-focused education.The Aquatic Park also offers swimming lessons, aquatic fitness classes and party rentals. If you forget your inner tube you can rent one here for just a buck! Make sure to check the hours before you head out for swim day.
7300 S.E. Harmony Rd.
Milwaukie, OR
Online: ncprd.com
Shute Park Aquatic and Recreation Center
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. 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 ten waterslides—each designed for adventurers of varying age, ability, and courage. Daredevils might enjoy the Nose Dive that spits you into a pool and shoots you out backwards! When you’re over sliding and gliding explore the wave pool, whirlpool, or revolver pool! For an extra perk the whole park is ADA accessible. Come on Fridays for their buy one get one free special.
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! 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. 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, grab some dinner, and call it a day!
20500 Old Hwy 99 S.W.
Centralia, WA
Online: greatwolf.com