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, while we navigate the summer through COVID-19, it is still unclear which of these options will be available and when, if at all, they will be open to the public. So, if you are like me, you will also be stocking up on water balloons, bubbles and popsicles and also investing in new sprinklers, splash pads and kiddie pools for the backyard (this one is already in my cart).
If you do end up making it to one of the public spots below, please take extra precautions to keep yourself and your family healthy, including following any social distancing guidelines put out by the CDC and the state. And make sure you are being safe in the water by teaching kids strong swim techniques. Lastly, don’t forget 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)
Closed for Summer 2020
Buchner Pool (223 Oakland Avenue, Waukesha)
Closed for Summer 2020: More info here
Horeb Springs Aquatic Center (330 Spring Street, Waukesha)
Closed for Summer 2020: More info here
Cool Waters in Greenfield Park (2028 S. 124th St., West Allis)
Closed for Summer 2020: More info here
Pelican Cove in Kosciuszko Park (2201 S. 7th St., Milwaukee)
Closed for Summer 2020: More info here
Pirates Hollow Waterpark (201 N. Webster St. Port Washington)
Summer 2020 status is TBD
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. Summer 2020 Update: Hoyt Park Pool, which is operated by the non-profit, Friends of Hoyt Park, is still planning to open this summer as of June 1st.
David F. Schulz Aquatic Center in Lincoln Park (1301 W. Hampton Ave., Milwaukee)
Closed for Summer 2020
Wiberg Aquatic Center at Wirth Park (2585 North Pilgrim Road, Brookfield)
Closed for Summer 2020: More info here
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)
Officially OPEN! Check HERE for any new regulations and tips!
Hickory Park Splash Pad (N165 W20290 Hickory Lane, Jackson)
Summer 2020: PLANNING TO BE OPEN! Opening date is TBD. Be sure to check ahead of time for new guidelines for groups.
Sprayground (N104 W14942 Donges Bay Road, Germantown)
Summer 2020 Status is TBD
Kinderberg park has it all–a playground, baseball diamonds, a rentable shelter, soccer fields, tennis courts, and yes, a splash pad.
Liberty Heights Wading Pool (1540 S 67th St, West Allis)
Summer 2020 Status is TBD
Hart Park Playground and Splash Pad (7300 W Chestnut St., Wauwatosa)
Summer 2020 Update: The playground and splash pad are still planning to open this summer as of June 1st.
Gordon Park Splash Pad (1321 E Locust St, Milwaukee)
Summer 2020 Status TBD
Many other splash pads at Milwaukee area parks are also yet to be determined. Check the county website for a listing of hours and information. 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 Moosa’s Custard Stand!
Summer 2020 Update: Bradford Beach will be open! Please observe social distancing and be advised that NO LIFEGUARDS WILL BE ON DUTY.
North Beach (Racine)
An open, sandy escape on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Summer 2020 Update: City of Racine beaches are open for use with social distancing guidelines in place. For more information on the status of COVID-19 in Racine, click here.
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.
Summer 2020 Update: This State Park is NOW OPEN!
FoxBrook Park Beach (2925 N Barker Road, Brookfield)
Summer 2020 Update: Beach swimming season updates will be re-evaluated on May 29, 2020. Stay up to date with all Waukesha County Park updates HERE.
Atwater Beach (4000 Lake Drive, Shorewood)
Summer 2020 Update: TBD
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!
