Where to Cool Off in the Water in El Paso
Summer is here and Mother Nature has wasted no time heating things up around here.
But there’s no need sweat the relentless heat. There are plenty of places all over the city and surrounding areas for water fun in the hot El Paso sun.
Just pick a pool or pad from the list below, pack up some snacks and sunscreen and get to splashing.
Spray Parks and Splash Pads
City spray parks have quickly become a destination place for family picnics and outings. In addition to numerous water features, all city spray parks have a shaded area and picnic tables -- and best of all, they're all free to use. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• West: Westside Community Park, 7400 High Ridge Dr.
• Upper Valley: Braden Aboud Memorial Park, 4325 River Bend Dr.
• Central: Grandview Park, 3100 Jefferson Ave
• Lower Valley: Hidden Valley Park, 200 Coconut Tree Dr.
• Lower Valley: Pavo Real Enhanced Park, 9301 Alameda Ave
• Northeast: Sue Young Park, 9730 Diana Dr.
• East: Marty Robbins Park, 11600 Vista Del Sol Dr.
• Far East: Salvador Rivas Jr. Park, 12480 Pebble Hills Dr.
San Jacinto Plaza
The historic downtown park also offers a respite from the heat, although on a smaller, less tricked out level then the city spray parks. No water buckets and fountains here, just cooling water jets shooting randomly out of the ground. Free to use, and open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Southwest University Park
The downtown ballpark has a fun place for kids to cool down while the Boys of Summer do their thing: a splash pad adjacent to the grass berm in center field. The baseball themed pad keeps kids who can’t sit still through an entire 9 inning game entertained and refreshed. Use of the pad is free on game days with paid admission.
El Paso Zoo
The Hunt Family Desert Spring is an interactive water play area with gushers, spray tunnels, tower sprays and several other water features. It's free to use with paid admission. Open daily during zoo hours.
The Fountains at Farah
Shop ‘til you drop then let the little ones cool off in the Fountains splash pad. Everybody wins. Free to use whether you shop or dine there or not on Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
City and County Aquatic Centers
The city boasts 11 indoor pools that are open every day year-round and 3 outdoor facilities open daily through Labor Day. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for youth (0 to 17 yrs. old), and $2.00 for seniors (60 yrs. old and up).
County Pools
El Paso County runs 3 pools that are open to the public. Ascarate Pool located inside Ascarate Park, and pools in Fabens and Canutillo. The Ascarate facility also has an aquatic center with an Olympic size outdoor pool, small pool for children, slides for kids and adults, and an enclosed picnic area with shaded BBQ grills.
All county pools are open Tuesday - Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and a Thursday Family Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Maps, admission prices, and more details for each pool can be found HERE.
Socorro ISD Aquatics Center
The SISD Aquatic Center isn’t just for those who attend school or live in the Socorro Independent School District.
Everyone in the community is allowed access to the pools, water slides, and interactive water features. And it's reasonably priced, too.
The outdoor pool is available for recreational swimming Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays, the indoor pool is available as well. Admission prices, pool rules, driving directions, and more details can be found HERE.
Wet ‘N Wild Waterworld
The 60-acre water park just outside El Paso in Anthony has more than 25 rides and attractions, including the largest wave pool in Texas, and its newest ride, Jaguar Falls. The six-story high South American jungle-themed attraction features the area’s first 4-person family raft ride.
VIP suites and cabana rentals, grills, and plenty of shade trees make Wet ‘N Wild a fun all-day family outing. For hours, admission prices, and more details visit their website HERE.
Wyndham El Paso Airport & Waterpark
Lots of locals staycation here over the summer, renting a room for a couple nights. The hotel offers those seeking a more exclusive family playdate a large shimmering pool, kiddie pool, and a mini-water park that features The Texas Twister -- a four-story corkscrew waterslide. For rates and more info, visit the hotel website HERE.