If you’ve ever found yourself sweating buckets under the merciless Ohio sun, let us at Step Out Columbus guide you to your ultimate oasis.
We’re diving headfirst (metaphorically, of course — because we’re not trying to get a concussion like I did when I was 8 years old in Myrtle Beach) into the wonderful world of pools, splash pads, and waterparks in Central Ohio.
So grab your swimsuit, the not-so-summer bod you’ve been working so hard on all winter (thanks Columbus Pizza), and get ready to cool off poolside, Step Out style.
Disclaimer: Some pools and waterparks may require residency for access. Check the rules before packing up your floaties.
🏊 Groveport Aquatic Center
📍 7370 Groveport Rd, Groveport, OH 43125 | 🗓 Open Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day
This east-side gem has been a beacon of chlorinated bliss since 2003 and has snagged the title of “Best Outdoor Municipal Pool” more times than we can count.
Here’s what makes it splash-tacular:
- Free Wi-Fi (so you can post those underwater selfies or doom-scroll in the sun)
- Two giant water slides that’ll have you screaming louder than a seagull with your stolen sandwich
- A zero-depth entry leisure pool for laid-back lounging
- Diving boards for your most dramatic cannonballs
- A lazy river for when you want to chill so hard your body becomes one with the current
Basically, it’s the ultimate family-friendly summer spot. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
💧 The Big Splash
📍 2831 Southwest Blvd, Grove City, OH 43123 | 🗓 Open Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day
No one likes a little splash (except readers quietly enjoying a book poolside), so go big at Grove City’s aquatic attraction.
Features include:
- A massive zero-depth entrance (but please, we beg you, don’t dive into it)
- Two towering body slides that are equal parts thrilling and stomach-turning
- Climbing walls for your inner Spider-Man
- Plenty of grassy areas and lounge chairs for post-swim tanning and pretending you’re at a resort
This place is kid-approved, parent-tolerable, and summer-certified.
💦 Reed Road Water Park
📍 2000 Hastings Ln, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 | 🗓 Open Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend
Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or your signature move is the panic doggy paddle, Reed Road Water Park has something for every skill level.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Towering water slides that turn you into a human torpedo (if that’s your thing)
- A dedicated kid slide area for the future daredevils in training
- A lap pool for serious swimmers and goal-setters
- A lazy river for when those goals… suddenly don’t seem that important anymore
It’s a solid choice for families, casual swimmers, and people who want to feel athletic without actually doing much (hi, it’s me).
🏖 Highlands Park Aquatic Center
📍 245 S. Spring Rd, Westerville, OH 43081 | 🗓 Open Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend
Get ready to belly flop your way into summer at Highlands Park Aquatic Center (or as the cool kids say, HPAC).
This Westerville hotspot brings the fun:
- Waterslides that may cause involuntary screaming (or enthusiastic squealing… no judgment)
- A toddler pool with a simulated rock slide for pint-sized explorers
- An eight-lane, 25-meter pool and diving well for folks who like showing off their best cannonball
- A lazy river for those of us whose idea of structure is floating in a circle
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re at a mini resort without leaving your zip code, HPAC is your jam.
🌊 Zoombezi Bay
📍 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065 | 🗓 Open daily from Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day Weekend
You knew it was coming… Zoombezi Bay is Central Ohio’s waterpark royalty, and for good reason.
Located next to the Columbus Zoo, this 22-acre park features:
- 14+ attractions including body slides, inner tube slides, a massive wave pool, and even a brand new slide!
- A not-so-lazy river that’s perfect for tubing with a side of chaos
- Cabana rentals and adults-only premium loungers (because sometimes you need to parent from the shade, piña colada in hand)
- Kids play zones, snack shacks, and all the splashy excitement you can handle
If you’re only hitting one big waterpark this summer, make it Zoombezi. Whether you’re sliding, floating, or sipping something cold poolside, it’s a guaranteed good time.
🏊♂️ Columbus Recreation and Parks Pools
📍 Various Locations Across Columbus | 🗓 Open Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day
Not all heroes wear capes. Some just wear goggles and cannonball like champs. The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department operates several outdoor pools around the city, and they’re perfect whether you’re training for the Olympics or just trying to escape your AC-less apartment.
Here’s what you need to know about where to get your splash on
Pools Open Weekends Only Until June 9th:
- Dodge Pool – 645 Sullivant Ave.
- Driving Park Pool – 1100 Rhoads Ave.
- Glenwood Pool – 1888 Fairmont Ave.
- Tuttle Pool – 240 W. Oakland Ave.
Pools Opening Friday, June 7th:
- Lincoln Pool – 570 Woodrow Ave.
- Marion Franklin Pool – 2699 Lockbourne Rd.
- Maryland Pool – 1380 Atcheson St.
- Windsor Pool – 1300 Windsor Ave.
💦 Columbus Recreation and Parks Spray Fountains and Splash Pads
📍 Various Locations Across Columbus | 🗓 Open Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day
For those days when you want to cool off without diving into a pool, Columbus offers several spray fountains and splash pads that are perfect for kids and adults alike.
Popular Locations Include:
- Barnett Community Center Sprayground – 1184 Barnett Rd
- Blackburn Sprayground – 263 Carpenter St
- Linden Sprayground – 1350 Briarwood Ave
- Scioto Southland Sprayground – 3901 Parsons Ave
- Scioto Mile Fountain – 233 Civic Center Dr
These facilities are free to the public and provide a fun way to beat the heat without the need for swimming skills.
Fun Fact: The Scioto Mile Fountain, located at Bicentennial Park, is nationally recognized as one of the best interactive fountains in the country, featuring unique lighting and fog effects at night.
