Wondering where to cool off during Omaha’s warm summer? Whether you’re a parent looking for a free, family-friendly splash pad or someone ready for a refreshing swim and a few laps, the Omaha area has plenty of great options. This guide covers the best water parks, splash pads, and public pools in Omaha to help you beat the heat all summer long.
How We Determined the Best Splash Pads & Public Pools in Omaha
To compile our list of the best places to cool off, we evaluated each location based on several key criteria. We looked at the variety and quality of water features, ensuring there’s something for every age group, from zero-entry areas for the littlest splashers to thrilling water slides for older kids. Cleanliness and safety were paramount, alongside overall family-friendliness, including amenities like shaded seating and concessions. We also considered community reputation and accessibility, including cost and parking.
Think we missed a great splash pad or public pool? Let us know!
Best Public Pools in Omaha
Omaha’s public swimming pools are open seasonally from June 1 to August 9 and deliver a classic summer experience, with diving boards, lap lanes, and plenty of space for family fun. These outdoor pools in Omaha are great for all ages, offering a refreshing way to beat the heat with affordable admission and season pass options.
Elmwood Park Pool
Nestled in Elmwood Park, this central Omaha swimming pool is a local favorite, offering more than just a place to swim. It features a spacious pool area with diving boards and a water slide, perfect for those looking to make a splash or make laps. For younger children, a separate wading pool provides a safe and shallow area for splashing fun. Surrounded by grassy areas, it’s also a great spot to put out a towel, soak up the sun, or find some shade. Its convenient location between Dundee and Aksarben makes it easily accessible for many residents.
- Perfect For: Families with school-aged children, relaxing afternoon swims
- Address: 606 S 67th St, Omaha, NE 68106
- Google Rating: 3.9/5 stars from 90+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: N/A
- Cost: $4-$5, free for kids 2 and under
- Parking: Free lot and street parking
- Hours: 12-6 p.m. daily
Gallagher Park Pool
Gallagher Park in North Omaha offers a classic neighborhood pool that provides a simple, family-friendly place to cool off in the summer. With a standard swimming area, slides, and splash umbrellas and buckets for younger kids, it’s a great option for families who want an easy, no-frills outing. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it a reliable go-to for a quick and refreshing swim.
- Perfect For: Simple neighborhood swims, quick cool-offs
- Address: 2936 N 52nd St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Google Rating: 4.1/5 stars from 210+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: N/A
- Admission: $4-$5, free for kids 2 and under
- Parking: Free street parking
- Hours: 12-6 p.m. daily
Hitchcock Park Pool
Located in South Omaha, Hitchcock Park’s pool is an enjoyable neighborhood destination for local families looking beating the summer heat. Its layout typically includes a standard main pool with a shallow end, making it accessible for swimmers of varying abilities and a good option for kids’ pools in Omaha. This is a convenient choice for a quick cool-down without venturing far from home.
- Perfect For: South Omaha families, budget-conscious outings
- Address: 5025 S 45th St, Omaha, NE 68117
- Google Rating: 4.1/5 stars from 130+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: N/A
- Admission: $1-$3, free for kids 2 and under
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Hours: 1-7 p.m. daily
Lake Zorinsky Aquatic Center
In west Omaha, Zorinsky Lake Park’s aquatic center is a standout destination for families looking for a water park-style experience. This Omaha aquatic center features multiple speed slides, a lazy river, and interactive splash areas that keep kids of all ages entertained. The zero-entry pool makes it especially accessible for younger children, while lap lanes and open swim areas give older kids and adults plenty of space to enjoy the water. With a mix of relaxation and high-energy attractions, it’s a great spot for a full afternoon of summer fun.
- Perfect For: Lazy river lounging, fun family outings
- Address: 3808 S 156th St, Omaha, NE 68130
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars from 300+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: N/A
- Admission: $5-$6, free for kids 2 and under
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Hours: Mon–Fri 12-8 p.m. | Sat–Sun: Noon. to 7 p.m.
Miller Park Swimming Pool
A longtime favorite in North Omaha, the swimming pool at Miller Park is a go-to spot for family-friendly summer fun. This large outdoor pool features exciting water attractions, including a dragon-themed slide and additional slides for kids and adults alike. There’s plenty of room to swim, splash, and relax, with a shallow area that’s perfect for younger children to play safely. The lively, activity-filled setup makes it especially appealing for families looking to spend a fun day together in the water.
- Perfect For: Water slide fun, energetic pool experiences
- Address: 6275 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68107
- Google Rating: 4.2/5 stars from 170+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: N/A
- Admission: $1-$3, free for kids 2 and under
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Hours: 12-5 p.m. daily
Top Splash Pads in Omaha
When the heat rises, Omaha splash pads offer a fun and often free way for kids to cool off. These Omaha splash parks and spraygrounds are perfect for families with young children, featuring interactive water elements and easy, budget-friendly options for a quick refresh on a hot day. Publish spraygrounds and splash parks are open across Omaha from May 24 to August 31.
Benson Park
The sprayground at Benson Park is a popular North Omaha spot spanning more than 3,200 square feet and featuring interactive, nature-themed spray elements like ground jets, cattails, and flowers. Its spacious, colorful layout makes it especially fun for younger kids. With nearby picnic areas, shaded canopies, and green space, it’s an easy, budget-friendly place for families to cool off and spend time outdoors.
- Perfect For: Nature-themed splash play, all-ages visits
- Address: Benson Park Pavilion, 7028 Military Ave, Omaha, NE 68104
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars from 1,040+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: N/A
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
The Cascades at Gene Leahy Mall
Located in the heart of downtown, The Cascades at Gene Leahy Mall is a modern cascading water feature built along a series of tiered steps as part of the park’s recent renovation. The flowing, stepped pools are paired with ground jets and playful sprayers that kids can run through, creating a fun and interactive stop for families exploring the area. While not a traditional splash pad, it’s a refreshing place to cool off during a visit to downtown Omaha or Old Market on hot summer days.
- Perfect For: Downtown outings, quick cool-downs
- Address: 1001 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars from 2.8k+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: 5/5 stars from 1+ reviews
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Street parking
- Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Cimarron Splash Park
Cimarron Splash Park in La Vista is a popular place for family fun in summer, featuring fountains, sprayers, and dumping buckets in a colorful, kid-friendly layout with safe, non-slip surfaces. Parents can relax in shaded areas while kids play in the interactive water features. The surrounding park also includes a playground, picnic shelters, and walking trails, making it a great place to spend a full afternoon outdoors.
- Perfect For: Interactive summer fun, outdoor activities
- Address: 10200 Cimarron Woods Dr, La Vista, NE 68128
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars from 390+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: N/A
- Admission: Free
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Scott Alaskan Adventure
For an unforgettable water play experience, Scott Alaskan Adventure at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium stands out among water features for kids in Omaha. Not only is it a splash pad, but it’s also an immersive exhibit that brings the wonder of Alaska to life. Kids can frolic among 75 detailed bronze sculptures of whales, salmon, puffins, and sea lions, all while being cooled by interactive water jets and sprays that mimic dancing Alaskan waters. The Scott Alaskan Adventure opens May 23 and is ideal for families seeking a full-day adventure, combining their zoo visit with aquatic fun.
- Perfect For: Immersive themed play, zoo visitors
- Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars from 50+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: N/A
- Admission: Included with Henry Doorly Zoo admission
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Stone Ridge Splash Park
Stone Ridge Splash Park located in Elk Creek Park offers a fun mix of splash pad features and recreation space in Northwest Omaha, making it a great spot for kids of all ages. The water area includes sprayers, sprinklers, and interactive features where children can run and play, while parents can relax on nearby benches and shaded seating. Beyond the splash zone, the park also includes a playground and a covered picnic area, making it easy to turn a quick visit into a longer family outing.
- Perfect For: Extended family outings, playground & picnic times
- Address: 4655 N 163rd St, Omaha, NE 68116
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars from 140+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: 4/5 stars from 1+ reviews
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
A Local Favorite for Water Fun in Omaha
Although not a public pool, we couldn’t cover summer fun in Omaha without including one of the city’s best known waterparks. Check out our bonus pick for beating the summer heat!
Fun-Plex Waterpark
Fun-Plex Waterpark is a premier amusement and water park in Omaha for a full day of family fun. Opening day is May 23, where you can find exciting water slides, a lazy river, a sprawling wave pool, and kid-friendly splash areas—as well as dry rides, mini-golf, an arcade, and concession stands. It’s a go-to spot for all-day entertainment at Omaha’s largest water attraction.
- Perfect For: All-day family trips, thrill seekers
- Address: 7003 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars from 2,270+ reviews
- Yelp Rating: 3/5 stars from 50+ reviews
- Admission: Any day ticket: $42.99 plus tax | Mon–Thurs ticket: $35.99 plus tax
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Hours: Waterpark open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
With so many incredible splash pads and public pools in Omaha, finding a way to beat the heat this summer is easier than ever. From free neighborhood splash pads to full-scale water parks, Omaha has family fun for everyone. For more things to do in Omaha, check out Hurrdat ONE!
