When Wichita heats up, there’s no shortage of places to splash, float and chill. Whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor water adventures, use this list of Wichita water and splash parks, swimming pools and spray-grounds as your guide for where to cool off.

A man surfs on a surfing simulator at Blast Off Bay Water ParkImage photography by Adler Grey Videography

Water parks

Blast Off Bay

Surfing in Kansas? You bet! Blast Off Bay, an indoor water park, brings the surf to Kansas with a dual surf machine, lazy river, swim-up bar, 11 slides, toddler area, arcade and party rooms. To reserve a day to visit, it is recommended to purchase tickets online.

A young boy makes a face at the camera while he shoots out of a water slide at Rock River Rapids

Rock River Rapids

Just south of Wichita, Rock River Rapids is a full-service outdoor water park with six slides, lap and diving pools, lazy river, zero-depth pool, climbing walls, spray-ground, Tot Time for kids and movie nights. One of the park’s slides is for riders 42” and over. All other slides require riders be at least 48" tall. Open daily May 27-Aug. 13.Andover YMCA Water Park

YMCA of Greater Wichita

Outdoor water features like slides, lazy rivers and spray grounds are available at four YMCA of Greater Wichita locations (Andover, North, Northwest and South). While the YMCA is membership based; if you’re visiting from out of town, you can purchase a day pass for $10 per person. Guest passes may be purchased in person or online for all locations except Andover; guest passes for this location can only be purchased online. The water parks are open May 25 through Labor Day weekend and may be closed due to weather or when temperatures are below 80 degrees.

Tanganyika Falls Splash Park at Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Splash parks and pools

Tanganyika Splash Park

Located inside Tanganyika Wildlife Park, this 5,000 square foot splash park has slides, spraying features, climbing structures and a giant giraffe sprayer. Includes shade, yard games, adult beverages, and cabana rentals. Open daily May 25–Labor Day. Admission is included with park entry.

For those looking to stay dry, there are areas for lounging in the shade, yard games like cornhole and the Thirsty Sloth Bar, serving adult beverages from beer on tap to margaritas. Restrooms, changing rooms and showers are also on site.

A young girl hands on equipment at the playground near the splash pad at Boston Park in Wichita

Splash pads

Wichita has 10-plus interactive fountains that are open to the public (no pets) and do not charge an admission fee. In addition to spray features, slides, climbing walls and more, there are shaded areas and gathering spots as well.

The city offers 10+ free spray-grounds with slides, splash features, and shade. Open daily 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (May 27–Sept). Popular spots include Riverside Park, Old Town Square, Edgemoor and Buffalo Park.

Community members swim in the waters of Harvest Park Pool

Pools 

Pool

Wichita’s six public pools – Aley, College Hill, Harvest, McAfee, Minisa and Orchard – are open May 27 to mid-August. Sessions run 1–5 p.m. and 6:30–8:30 p.m. Admission is $3 per person and ticket packs are available.

Another option for cooling off – minus the water – is to visit Strataca in nearby Hutchinson, Kansas. This unique attraction takes visitors 650 feet underground within a working salt mine. Plus, you can find lots of other attractions and indoor activities throughout Wichita, where it’s nice and cool inside.