Whether you’re up for some cannonballs, want to swim laps or are just looking for a spot to unwind, there’s a perfect pool spot waiting for you in KC. Here are all the best places to cool off, from neighborhood gems to luxurious adults-only escapes and full-fledged waterparks.
Best All-Around Crowd-Pleasing Pool
Leawood Aquatic Center (10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood)
Leawood Aquatic Center checks every box for an ideal summer pool day. There are fountains, slides and lap lanes, plus plenty of room to spread out thanks to grassy areas and shady spots that make it easy to stay awhile. Semi-recent upgrades to the facilities make the whole space feel fresh, and a quick swim could also easily turn into an all-day adventure since the pool is set near Leawood City Park’s trails, shelters and playgrounds.
Best for a Staycation
The Elms Hotel and Spa (401 Regent St., Excelsior Springs, MO)
Situated on 16 acres just northeast of the city, The Elms is an entire resort-spa-wellness retreat experience. With a hot tub, poolside bar and cabanas, the outdoor pool is the perfect spot to slow down, and the surrounding grounds make it feel completely removed from any hustle and bustle. But the real draw is the 28,000-square-foot spa at the hotel, complete with an indoor lap pool and a grotto-style experience, which is everything you need for a staycation that feels like an escape without the long drive.
Best for Kids
Springs Aquatic Center (9400 N. Congress Ave., KCMO)
Just south of the airport, Springs Aquatic Center is a paradise for kiddos, with slides, a splash pad and a sprawling spray ground. There’s also a large whirlpool (not a hot tub), where jets create a gentle spinning effect that kids will love. And parents aren’t left out either; there are plenty of lounge chairs to relax within eyesight of your little ones.
Best Option for a Pool Party
Swimply
Think of Swimply (swimply.com) as the Airbnb of pools—an easy way to rent a private pool for a few hours or a full day. Options span the city, from indoor pools in Olathe when the weather won’t cooperate to sprawling outdoor setups in Bucyrus, Kansas, with full backyard amenities like grills and pickleball courts. Just keep in mind that each host sets their own rules, so it’s worth checking guest limits and extra hours before you book.
Best “Sandlot Summer” Pool
Budd Park Pool (5600 Budd Park Espl St., KCMO)
Dating back to the 1980s, Budd Park Pool has a true nostalgic neighborhood vibe straight out of The Sandlot (except there’s no Wendy Peffercorn on duty). With plenty of lawn space, shady trees and picnic spots, this public pool is the place where you pack a bologna sandwich and settle in, just like the good old days. There are no frills at this pool, so go ahead and initiate that cannonball contest.
Best for Lap Swimming
Park Hill Aquatic Center (8152 N. Congress Ave., NKC)
This hidden gem is perfect for serious swimmers. The indoor heated pool at Park Hill School District features six lanes and two diving boards with a deep well, making it one of the few spots in the metro where you can really get your laps in without fighting for lane space. Lap lanes are available in two-hour time slots (sign up at parkhill.k12.mo.us), and both residents and non-residents can grab memberships for year-round access.
Best for Adults Only
Woodside (2000 W. 47th Place, Westwood)
Woodside, a full-service luxury fitness and tennis club, has the ultimate resort-like pool experience just for grown-ups. Away from the club’s family pool, the adult pool boasts live music, DJs, cabanas, soft seating and hammocks. Amenities go way beyond the basics—think phone charging stations, poolside concierge and even sunglasses cleaning. The exclusivity comes with a price: membership required.
