Beat the summer heat: These 12 Columbus-area water parks, splash pads are open now.
It’s hot outside.
As temperatures heat up over the summer, there are several pools, water parks and splash pads in the Columbus area that offer fun for the whole family. Here’s a list, including information about closures.
1. Splash Pad at Woodruff Riverfront Park
Address: 1000 Bay Avenue, Columbus
This fun spot is one of the coolest ways to beat the heat this summer. Bring your kids and be ready to watch them run, play and get soaked.This splash pad is run by a non-profit organization that keeps it running with donations. You can donate by texting SPLASHPAD to 44-321. The splash pad at Woodruff Park is open everyday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m, unless there is bad weather.
Address: 900 Airport Road, Phenix City
Idle Hour Park Splash Pad is another free and fun spot to cool off. At this splash pad, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., everyday.
Address: 1603 Midtown Drive, Columbus
The center offers day passes for residents and nonresidents of Muscogee County. Since this heat wave will be with us way longer than a day, consider the season pass. In addition to access to the indoor pool, the pass will give you access to the workout room, towel service and aquatic fitness programs.
Address: 2300 Double Churches Road, Columbus
The outdoor pool is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m; and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Muscogee County residents are eligible for daily pool admission: $1 for children 11 and under; $2 for ages 12 to 17 and seniors 55 and older; and $3 for ages 18 to 54. The prices are double for non-residents. If you think you will spend at least a month at the pool, the passes are worth a look. Season passes are available for residents and non-residents.
Address: 1505 5th St. South, Phenix City
This pool has dedicated lanes for doing laps and water slides for making a splash. The pool is closed on Tuesdays, but you can stay from noon to 6 p.m. any other day of the week. Admission is $3 per person.
Address: Chattahoochee River Whitewater
The island’s RiverWalk offers access to the Chattahoochee for rafting, kayaking, river surfing, tubing and paddleboarding.
7. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Address: 150 Tom Hall Pkwy., LaGrange
This indoor water park provides year round access to water slides, pools and interactive play zones. The park caters to all ages, from the forts and treehouses for toddlers to the hot springs recommended for adults.
Address: 2652 Sandfort Rd., Phenix City
Splash away the day and night at Southside, where the splash pad stays open until 8 p.m. a few laps in the park swimming pool is also always an option.
9. Liberty Bell Pool at F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Address: 2970 Georgia Highway 190, Pine Mountain
F.D. Roosevelt State Park has two lakes on its 9,049 acres, but it’s the Liberty Bell Pool you won’t want to miss. The pool is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. General admission is $7. Discounts for seniors, military and children under 3 are available.
10. The Water Wiz
Address: 305 Old Roanoke Rd., LaGrange
The park includes a swimming pool, water pad and water slides. Make a weekend of it and take advantage of their campgrounds while you are there.
11. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Resort & Gardens
Address: 4500 Southern Pine Dr., Pine Mountain
Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Robin Lake Beach lets you swim, kayak and paddleboard. The lake has a beach bar, ice cream truck, beach bikes, pedal boats and putt-putt mini golf.
Address: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy., Auburn
The large state park includes a 26-acre lake that’s great for fishing. The lake has a designated swimming area and allows visitors to launch canoes and kayaks from the bank.
Which pools are closed?
A few of the Columbus city park pools will be closed this season. The pools will be closed all summer. The city will be fixing the pools’ leaks and have them ready before summer 2023.
- Rigdon Park at 1600 Howe Ave.
- Psalmond Road Pool at 6550 Psalmond Road
- Shirley Winston Pool at 5033 Steam Mill Road
Do you know of any other great spots to cool down? Share in the comments below or email cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published June 16, 2022 at 3:01 PM.
