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.

Milwaukee Area Pools, Splash Pads and Beaches

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! But, where do you start to find the right pool for your family? You’re in luck, because we rounded up on all the pools in the Milwaukee area!

Fox Point Pool (7100 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point)

Opening on June 13, 2022! Open Swim Monday through Friday, 10 am – 8 pm and Weekends, 8 am to 8 pm. Milwaukee Mom tip: check out the website for details on Poolside Yoga! 

Buchner Pool (223 Oakland Avenue, Waukesha)

Newly renovated last year, Buchner pool features separate pool and wading area for littles.

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)

CLOSED IN 2022 DUE TO LIFE GUARD SHORTAGE

Reservations are now required. If your kids, like mine, are cold blooded and 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)

Looking for the region’s most affordable water park? You’ll find it at Pelican Cove!

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)

Opening Memorial Day Weekend! Even my two year old can take on the slides at this wonderful family park. Milwaukee Mom tip: make a day out of it and enjoy a picnic lunch at THE LANDING for even more fun!

David F. Schulz Aquatic Center in Lincoln Park (1301 W. Hampton Ave., Milwaukee)

Reservations required. 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)

Opening for the season June 4th, Wiberg Aquatic Center features all kinds of water fun – flume slide, drop slide, zero depth pool, geysers, playground and even a sand play area!

Milwaukee County Parks Pools (As of May 23)

Due to a current lifeguard shortage, Milwaukee County Parks announced that they will only open four pools for the 2022 season: Schulz Aquatic Center at Lincoln Park, Sheridan Park Pool, Wilson Park Pool and McCarty Park Pool.

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, Nixon Park Splash Pad is open Memorial Day through the end of September.

Hickory Park Splash Pad (N165 W20290 Hickory Lane, Jackson)

Open 7 days a week 10AM-7PM! This fenced-in Splash Pad is located just outside the Jackson Community Center, and adjacent to a large park and play structure. Playground is handicap accessible and fun for all!

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.

Liberty Heights Wading Pool (1540 S 67th St, West Allis)

A quaint little fenced in splash pad, with a basketball court and playground right next to it.

Hart Park Playground and Splash Pad (7300 W Chestnut St., Wauwatosa)

Playground meets splash pad at Hart Park. Need a little break from the sun? The covered pavilion offers shade over and features picnic tables and bathroom breaks.

Kinderberg Park Sprayground (N106W14937 Buckthorn Dr, Germantown)

Free of charge, the sprayground has fun water features that your family can enjoy.

The Grove at Village Park (W244N6260 Weaver Dr, Sussex)

If you don’t live in the Sussex area, this one is worth the drive! Open seven days a week 10AM-8PM, this 5,200-square-foot inclusive splash pad features three different areas of play: active, family and toddler. The family area contains a 20-foot-tall dumping feature, water arches, team sprays, and spiraling water feature. The active area has water cannons, fountains, additional water arches and team sprays. The toddler area has water jellies, water journey play, and a rotating spray feature. Need we say more?

Oak Creek Splash Pad (361 W Town Square Way, Oak Creek)

Located in the heart of Drexel Town Square, this splash pad is a no-frills break to the summer heat!

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!

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.

Fox Brook Park Beach (2925 N Barker Road, Brookfield)

A unique man-made beach is known for it’s swimming beach, but the walking paths are also a nice break to the water time. And, the playground is right on the beach!

Atwater Beach (4000 Lake Drive, Shorewood)

A beautiful 5-acre park at the north end of East Capitol Drive offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from Atwater Beach.

Port Washington South Beach (Port Washington)

Plug “South Beach” into your GPS and it will take you right to the parking lot of this unique gem of a beach with far more rocks than sand. It’s super teeny, but is rarely crowded. Definitely go hunting for sea glass with the kids!

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!

CLICK HERE for updates on all the Waukesha County Swimming Beaches!