Kid-Friendly Pools and Splash Pads In and Around Portland
The Vancouver Waterfront’s interactive fountain is a cool way to learn about the river winding alongside the park.
Yes, Portlanders love their natural bodies of water. But sometimes, wrangling muddy kids, playing lifeguard from a riverbank, or dust-busting stubborn sand from car seats just doesn’t appeal. In these moments, the luxury and convenience of a chlorinated, human-made pool or splash pad may be a better fit. You can tackle the mighty Pacific another day.
A Quick Refresher: Vancouver Waterfront
For many Portland parents, the best splash pad is the one closest to home. But for a change of scenery, consider crossing the Columbia to cool off in a tiny version of that very same river. At Vancouver Waterfront Park, a shallow stream flows from a monolithic map of the Columbia’s headwaters. Toddlers kick their feet in the gushing granite fountains that represent the river’s tributaries, or sit and squeal in the pool toward the end of the brook. It’s a similar vibe to Jamison Square, with grassy picnic plots and abundant bench seating. And with both a milkshake bar and Salt & Straw across the street, the younger crowd won’t mind the educational lilt of their splash zone.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Peninsula Park
As far as formal splash pads are concerned, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the 21 options peppered across the metro area. Some parents swear by the Irving Park pad for its ample shade, seating, and dappled afternoon light. Some dig Kenton Park’s spacious pad, where kids throw flip-flops at rocking, water-filled buckets teetering at the top of one of its more popular fountains, asking for an unpredictable dousing. But North Portland’s Peninsula Park won us over as the ultimate summertime park hang, both for its splash pad—complete with a spurting daisy and frog tunnel water feature—and its seasonal public pool, which can be less crowded than others in town. If neither of those pique your tyke’s interest, maybe dip some toes in the 100-year-old fountain, right at the heart of its rose garden.
Of all of Portland’s public pools, Wells come closest to a true water park, thanks to its windy waterslide.
Make a Day of It: Ida B. Wells-Barnett Pool
Anyone who has tried to get into a Portland public pool on a 90-degree weekend knows it’s a bloodsport—lines start to grow well before lifeguards blow their whistles. But it’s worth packing a lunch and queueing up early (like, an hour early) to score a chaise longue at Hillsdale’s Wells, formerly Wilson Pool. A circuitous waterslide feeds into a windy, sprinkler-lined lazy river, which leads to a whirlpool; a giant frog’s tongue provides a gentler descent for little ones. The nearby lap pool may entice bigger kids and grown-ups.
A Watery Weekend: Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort
While the premise of a hot spring in July may give some folks pause, Central Oregon’s Kah-Nee-Ta offers a remote spot to swim away from Portland crowds. Cooler pools sport umbrella-shaped rain fountains, volleyball nets, and basketball hoops; swimsuited masses balance on pool noodles as they float down the surrounding lazy river. Parents can keep an eye on their brood from the mineral soaking pools and hop in the polar plunge tubs if things get too toasty. When the sun sets, a family s’mores kit near a firepit may be in order. At bedtime, saunter over to a reservable teepee, unfurl the sleeping bags, and enjoy one of Warm Springs’ chilly summer nights.
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