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Places to Swim, Splash and Cool Off in Bradenton and Surrounding Areas

Need to cool off on a hot day? Here's where to go!

By Denise Granata June 8, 2022

The kids (and you!) want to cool off, but not sure where to go? Here is a list of splash pads and pools in the Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and surrounding areas to head to on those hot summer days.

We advise always checking with the venue when possible before heading out as hours and availability can change due to any number of factors, ranging from weather to staffing issues.




Thank you to our sponsor GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL - LAKEWOOD RANCH!  The support of our sponsors allows us to continue to offer Macaroni KID Bradenton at no cost to you! 

Learning how to swim is a rite of passage for kids, and most kids love the pool. Goldfish Swim School - Lakewood Ranch is the top swim school for kids aged 4 months to 12 years of age. Our premier swimming instructors have a deep passion for helping youngsters learn how to swim. We use a holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, so children can learn life skills to serve them both in and out of the water. Our fun, play-based learning environment builds confidence in small class sizes with a max 4:1 student/teacher ratio.  Call us today at (941) 281-3777 to register today!






Bayfront Splash Pad

5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota 

What to expect: The playground and splash pad have new features and amenities, such as new climbing structures, plenty of seating areas, and large sails that offer shade. The new splash pad system allows children to control the flow of water.

Dates and hours: The playground is open 9AM to 11PM and the splash pad is open 9AM to dusk. 





Bradenton Riverwalk Splash Pad

452 Third Avenue W, Bradenton

What to expect: With its colorful splash fountain and playgrounds, the Family Fun Zone is one of the most popular features of the Riverwalk, a 1.5-mile park that spans downtown Bradenton. Adults can relax on the shady benches while kids romp nearby on the jungle gym and splashpad.  Bathrooms available.  Click HERE for the most up-to-date information.

Dates and hours: Every day 9 AM to 8 PM.

Admission price:  Free





Pride Park Splash Pad

815 63rd Avenue E, Bradenton

What to expect: The 2,500 square foot splash pad area contains 14 different spray features.  Restrooms, water fountains, and several picnic areas are also available for public use.  A Splash Pad Attendant is on duty during all hours of operation to ensure public safety.  Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dates and hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11AM to 3PM

Admission price: Free





Lincoln Splash Pad

715 17th Street E, Palmetto

What to expect: This facility has 8 upright features and 13 ground sprayers. Restrooms and picnic tables are available in the park area. A Splash Pad Attendant is on duty during all hours of operation to ensure public safety.  Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dates and hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11AM to 3PM

Admission price: Free




Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch

7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch

What to expect: Waterside Park is accessible through the town center by adjoining bridge. This large, 8-acre island community park on Kingfisher Lake is loaded with amenities that will bring visitors to Waterside Place and be the site of many memories to come.  Includes a splash pad, volleyball courts, event lawn, walking path, exercise pods, hammocks, restrooms and pavilions.

Dates and hours: November – March: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
April – October: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays for Maintenance

Admission price: Free




Payne Park (Circus Park)

2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota

What to expect: This park is home to the Payne Park Skate Park, Circus Park, Cafe, Disc Golf Course and Amphitheater. Circus Park-This playground is circus inspired! Featuring a small splash area, rock climbing, slides, music makers, swings, and so much more. Perfect for picnics and spending the day with your little ones.

Dates and hours: The misting rings are set to run for 30 minutes at the top of every hour from 9AM to 6PM.

Admission price: Free





Centennial Park Children's Fountain

200 W Venice Avenue, Venice

What to expect: The Children's Interactive Fountain is located in Centennial Park near the Gazebo. Children must be accompanied by an adult and no pets are allowed.  Bathrooms available.  Within walking distance to downtown Venice featuring restaurants and shops.

Dates and hours: Open from 9:30AM to 9:30PM daily.

Admission price: Free





Majeed Foundation Splash Pad

800 2nd Avenue NE, St. Petersburg

What to expect: At the Pier Plaza, visitors will find an interactive water feature that is both a fountain and a splash pad, with big and small vertical water jets. Located near the Glazer Family Playground, the Bayfront Health Tilted Lawn, shade trees and a covered pavilion to enjoy snacks and cold drinks.  

Dates and hours: The splash pad is open Sunday – Saturday: 9AM to 10PM

Admission price: Free





Lincoln Aquatic Center

715 17th Street E, Palmetto

What to expect: Manatee County's newest water attraction including a splash playground and large waterslides.  

Dates and hours: The Lincoln Aquatic Center will host two open swim sessions, daily: 11:30AM to 1:30PM and 2PM to 4PM through August 6. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Admission price: Daily Pass: $2 per individual (includes tax).  Children under 6 months free.





Arlington Park and Aquatic Center

2650 Waldemere Street, Sarasota

What to expect: Features a 50-Meter Lap Pool and a 25-Yard Instructional Pool.  

Dates and hours: The Aquatic Center is open 10AM to 7PM Monday - Friday and 11AM to 5PM on Saturday.  Closed on Sunday.

Admission price: Daily Pass: Adult (18 - 54) $4 || Youth (17 & under) $2 || Senior (55 & up): $2





GT Bray Park

5502 33rd Avenue Drive W, Bradenton

What to expect: 

  • 6-lane 50-meter x 8-lane/25-yard pool
  • 2-foot kiddie pool
  • 4,000 sq.ft. splash pad

Dates and hours: Family Swim (the wing area of the lap pool only) is 11AM to 4PM Monday - Friday and 12PM to 5PM Saturday.  Splash Pad is open 11AM to 4PM Tuesday - Friday and 12PM to 4PM Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday).

Admission price: Daily guest pass is $3 per individual (includes tax). Children under 6-months are free.





Sun Outdoors Sarasota

7125 Fruitville Road, Sarasota

What to expect: Formerly Sun n Fun - Soak up the sun and take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, make yourself comfortable on the poolside lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas for shade, or grab a bite to eat from the Poolside Bar & Grill. There is also a Mega Slide and a splash pad with fun water features for the little ones.  Check out the calendar for themed weekend fun.  

Dates and hours: The resort is open year-round.  The giant water slide is open between May and the middle of October. The days and hours vary depending on the season and weather.

Admission price: Daily passes are $12 Monday-Thursday and $15 Friday-Sunday.





Robert L Taylor Community Complex

7125 Fruitville Road, Sarasota

What to expect: Enjoy a zero-entry pool with water slides, a splash pad zone, lap lanes, and plenty of shaded, outdoor seating. 

Dates and hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 2PM to 5PM.

Admission price: Day passes are $4 for adults and $2 for kids.





North Port Aquatic Center

6205 W. Price Blvd, North Port

What to expect: Features a heated competition swim pool, a lazy river, splash pad and a large dropslide.  Snack shop is available.

Dates and hours: Sunday - Thursday 10AM to 5PM and Friday - Saturday 10AM to 7PM

Admission price: Daily rate is $10 for children (ages 2 to 12) and $12 for adults (ages 13 and up).  Ages 0 to 23 months is free.





Southshore Bay by MetroLagoons

16881 Lagoon Shore Blvd, Wimauma

What to expect: Features 5 acres of fun including a crystal blue lagoon, water slide, splash pad, floating obstacle course, kayaks and paddleboards, sandy beaches, food trucks, a swim-up bar, live music, volleyball, yard games and various events.  Read our review HERE.  

Dates and hours: The lagoon is open daily from 10AM to 8PM.    

Admission price: The Day Pass is $35 for adults and $25 for children Monday through Friday and $40 for adults and $25 for children Saturday and Sunday. (Children are considered ages 4 to 12, and children 3 and under are free).  There is also an option for a Late Day Pass which is $30 and gives you access to the same amenities, only after 3PM.  No parking fee.  Obstacle course is $12 for 45 minutes / kayaks and paddleboards are $12 per hour.




Sarasota Sharks Inflatable Obstacle Course

8501 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota

What to expect: Floating inflatable obstacle course.  There are no lifejackets so participants must be able to pass a swim test to use it.  

Dates and hours: The Obstacle Course only is open weekends June 25 - July 31 from 11:30AM to 4PM.  The Water Park / Splashpad is currently undergoing renovations and is not open.

Admission price: Cost is $15 per person.








John H Marble Pool (Under reconstruction)

3675 53rd Avenue E, Bradenton

What to expect:

  • 25-meter pool (4 ft. to 12 ft. deep)
  • 6 lanes

Dates and hours: Family Swim 10AM to 3PM Tuesday and Thursday.  

Admission price: Daily pass is $2 per person (includes tax).  Children under 6 months are free.





Lido Beach Pool

400 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota

What to expect: Amenities include a concession stand with covered seating, a 25-meter lap swimming pool, and restrooms.  Free parking adjacent to the beach.  Must have an account with the City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation Department to visit the pool.

Dates and hours: Pool open Wednesday – Sunday 10AM to 4:45PM, weather permitting..  

Admission price: Daily admission is $2 for children and $4 for adults.





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