In the Milwaukee Area, we have a ton of options for Water Play, from fantastic beaches that stretch along the coast of Lake Michigan to splash pads in neighborhoods all over the city and into the suburbs, plus really amazing pools. There are so many fun water play destinations out there, that it can be hard to even choose! So, I asked my friends to give me the low-down on their favorite pools, splash pads, and beaches.
Of course, make sure you are being safe in the water by teaching kids strong swim techniques and remembering to lather on that sunscreen when the sun is blazing down!
Milwaukee Area Pools, Splash Pads and Beaches
Milwaukee Area Pools
As every mom knows, taking kids to the pool can be an adventure in patience, vigilance and fortitude. It helps a lot if you find a pool the kids love where you also feel comfortable!
Fox Point Pool (7100 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point)
Check open hours, unless you only want the wading pool, as mornings are usually reserved for swim lessons and teams.
Buchner Pool (223 Oakland Avenue, Waukesha)
Opens June 8. Separate wading pool for babies and toddlers.
Horeb Springs Aquatic Center (330 Spring Street, Waukesha)
Be prepared — their big water slides come with an extra fee if you don’t have the summer pass, but they’re so worth it!
Cool Waters in Greenfield Park (2028 S. 124th St., West Allis)
If your kids, like mine, are skinny littles who get cold easily in the early summer, you’ll love this zero-depth, heated pool and water slides for all ages!
Pelican Cove in Kosciuszko Park (2201 S. 7th St., Milwaukee)
Pirates Hollow Waterpark (201 N. Webster St. Port Washington)
North of downtown? No problem! This family-friendly park in Port Washington offers a pool, slide, and splash geysers.
Tosa Pool at Hoyt Park (1800 N. Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa)
Even my two year old can take on the slides at this wonderful family park.
David F. Schulz Aquatic Center in Lincoln Park (1301 W. Hampton Ave., Milwaukee)
Waterslides, Lazy River, spray jets and so much more! Check the page to see when it will open.
Wiberg Aquatic Center at Wirth Park (2585 North Pilgrim Road, Brookfield)
Milwaukee Area Splash Pads
One of my favorite things about splash pads is the way my three-year-old squeals with delight at the water spurts. They keep her cool and entertained, and I’m confident enough to bring three kids under six to one by myself. Best of all, most of them are FREE!
Lake Country Rotary Splash Pad in Nixon Park (175 E. Park Ave, Hartland)
Waukesha County’s only splash pad is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10:00am -7:00pm.
Hickory Park Splash Pad (N165 W20290 Hickory Lane, Jackson)
Sprayground (N104 W14942 Donges Bay Road, Germantown)
Kinderberg park has it all–a playground, baseball diamonds, a rentable shelter, soccer fields, tennis courts, and yes, a splash pad.
Bayshore Town Center Splash Pad (5800 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale)
*CLOSED FOR 2019!*
This splash pad is located right in front of the band shell, and in the center of everything, Perfect for families with tweens who want to hit the mall or a movie on their own while the little ones play.
Liberty Heights Wading Pool (1540 S 67th St, West Allis)
Check back for 2019 opening day and hours.
Hart Park Playground and Splash Pad (7300 W Chestnut St., Wauwatosa)
Gordon Park Splash Pad (1321 E Locust St, Milwaukee)
Brand new in 2019 is the mini splash zone in Deer District next to Fiserv Forum!
Many other splash pads at Milwaukee area parks will be opening up mid-June. Check the county website for a listing of hours. Call (414) 257-8098 for open/closed info.
- Carver, 911 W. Brown St.
- Clarke Square, 2330 W. Vieau Place
- Dineen, 6901 W. Vienna Ave.
- Lindbergh, 3629 N. 16th St.
- Madison, 9890 W. Glendale Ave.
- Washington, 1859 N. 40th St. *splash pad hours coincide with pool hours
Milwaukee Area Beaches
Lake Michigan has over 1600 miles of shoreline. Seriously. Sure, we have to share some of it with our neighbors, but that means that Milwaukeeans are lucky to have some prime places to play right here where we live! In addition to the numerous beaches along Lake Michigan, there are plenty of fantastic beaches to enjoy in County Parks and other areas all over the place.
Bradford Beach (2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee)
This perennial favorite on the shores of Lake Michigan is popular for a reason. Be sure to stop by the Northpoint Custard Stand!
North Beach (Racine)
An open, sandy escape on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Kohler-Andrae State Park (1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan)
This one is a bit of a drive, but is so great that the Travel Channel named it one of the top 10 beaches in the Midwest.
FoxBrook Park Beach (2925 N Barker Road, Brookfield)
Stay tuned for updates on the 2018 season.
Atwater Beach (4000 Lake Drive, Shorewood)
Opens in June. Beach hours are 5 am to 10 pm.
Other Milwaukee County parks with beaches:
- Bender, 4503 E. Ryan Road in Oak Creek.
- Tietjen (Doctors Park), 1870 E. Fox Lane in Fox Point
- Grant, 100 S. Hawthorne Ave., in South Milwaukee, which has a playground, sandbox, picnic area and a hiking trail.
- McKinley, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, in Milwaukee.
- South Shore, 2900 S. Superior St., in Milwaukee, which offers concessions.
**Be safe when you swim! Be sure to check the conditions before heading to the beach at http://milwcountybeaches.org/
Located in Waukesha County?
Our top pick is Minooka Park where you can enjoy swimming complete with a beach, frequent stops by the traveling Beer Garden, plus there are tons of hiking trails and an incredible Dog Park!
