Header image photography by Adler Grey Videography
When the temperatures heat up this summer in Wichita, there are plenty of options for keeping cool. 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.
Image photography by Adler Grey Videography
Water Parks
Blast Off Bay
Surfing in Kansas? You bet! At Blast Off Bay – an indoor water park just west of Wichita in Goddard – you can not only swim and interact with a variety of water features, but you can also go surfing thanks to the park’s dual surf machine, which allows two people to surf at once. You can enjoy a lazy river, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, a swimming area and 11 slides, including a couple that exit and re-enter the building. There is also a splash zone, an area for toddlers, an arcade, a restaurant and rooms for private parties. Visit their website to find daily hours. To reserve a day to visit, it is recommended to purchase tickets online.
Rock River Rapids
Rock River Rapids is a full-service water park just south of Wichita in Derby that features six water slides, a lap pool as well as an area with diving boards, a 600-foot lazy river, a zero-depth pool, play structures, aqua climbing walls and a treehouse-themed spray-ground. One of the park’s slides is for riders 42” and over. All other slides require riders be at least 48" tall.
Beginning May 27, regular hours for summer 2024 are daily from 12:30 to 7 p.m. through Aug. 13. Additionally, the park features special programming such as Tot Time for kids 5 years old and younger and movie nights.
Splash Aqua Park
Splash Aqua Park is a high-energy, unique way to cool off in Wichita. This fun water park experience brings a series of inflatable slides, runways, jumping pillows, trampolines, bouncers, swings, jumps, ladders and even stand-up paddleboards to a 27-acre lake.
The park is open daily throughout most of the summer (May 25-Aug. 14) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. From Aug. 15 through Labor Day, it's open weekends only. One-hour sessions, weather depending, start at $18/hour. All guests must be at least 5 years old, sign a waiver and go through a safety course before entering the park. Guests are encouraged to complete ticket purchases and waivers online and may bring in their own personal Coast Guard Approved life vest.
YMCA of Greater Wichita
Four locations of the YMCA of Greater Wichita (Andover, North, Northwest and South) have outdoor water parks offering group fitness classes, open swim and play in the pool.
Each water park is different and can include slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, spray grounds, body slides, climbing walls and more. 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.
Splash Parks and Fountains
Tanganyika Splash Park
Tanganyika Wildlife Park is known for immersive experiences that deepen your connection to rare and endangered animals, but this unique park also features a modern, 5,000 square foot splash park – complete with animal-themed aquatic features including three slides, water buckets, climbing structures, waterfalls, a giant spraying giraffe and other animal-themed sprayers.
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. The splash park is located within the wildlife park so you can visit the park’s animals and then cool off before heading home.
Access to the water park is included in admission, but season pass holders and non-season pass holders are encouraged to purchase tickets online to expedite the admission process. Cabanalows, semi-private spaces available for get-togethers, are also available and can also be booked online. The splash park is open daily starting May 25 through Labor Day. Kids under 6 years of age can enter the park at 9:30 a.m. on the days it is open.
Splash Pads and Fountains
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’s water playgrounds open for the 2024 season on May 27 and will remain open through September, weather depending. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Boston, 6700 E. Boston
- Buffalo Park, 10201 Hardtner
- Edgemoor, 5813 E. 9th St. N.
- Evergreen, 2700 N. Woodland
- Fairmount Park, 1647 N. Yale
- Lincoln, 1323 S. Topeka
- Linwood South, 1901 S. Kansas
- Old Town Square, 301 N. Mead
- Osage Park, 2121 W. 31st St. S.
- Riverside Central Park, 720 Nims
- W.B. Harrison Park, 1300 S. Webb
There are additional splash pads at New Market Square Plaza (at 21st St North & Maize Road) and at various surrounding area parks.
Pools and Other Options
Pools
Wichita has six public pools throughout the city, which have all undergone recent renovations. Wichita pools will open for the 2024 on May 27 and will close mid-August. Admission is $3 per person and packages of tickets can also be purchased. Plus, two daily sessions are offered: afternoon (1-5 p.m.) and evening (6:30-8:30 p.m.); re-entry requires payment for the evening session.
- Aley, 1800 S. Seneca
- College Hill, 304 S. Circle Drive
- Harvest, 9500 W. Provincial
- McAfee, 8300 E. 15th St.
- Minisa, 1350 N. Jeanette
- Orchard, 1062 N. Clara
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.
