Whew! It's been a toasty few days and it's certainly not going to let up anytime soon. While the rest of the nation seems to be heading outdoors for the summer, we Arizonians are sheltering in place. Instead of being cooped up from the heat, slap on some sunscreen and hit one of the great local pools. From splash pads to lap pools, Pima county has some great options for you and your whole family.
Located at 23 W Calle Concordia in Oro Valley, this aquatic center serves all ages. They have a splash pad for the littles (who are free if they're under 4), a water slide for the older kids, and a lap pool for those who want to get their cardio in without overheating. Families are $14 and individuals are $5 a person. They offer wifi, ramadas to have a picnic under, locker rooms, and other great facilities to make your day at the pool easy. Check out their website for hours.
Southwest Tucson - Manzanita Pool
For another family friendly spot head down to 5110 S. San Joaquin Ave. to the Manzanita Pool. This pool is run by Pima County and is $3 for adults and $1 for 17 and under. It features lap swimming, a zero depth entry area for your little ones, and even a fun mushroom water feature in the shallow end. There is a water slide also. The hours of operation vary, so be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date hours.
There are a few great splash pads around the city that offer a fun water park experience without needing to know how to swim. These are free for admission and just require you to have a good time. The Brandi Fenton Pad is at 3482 E River Rd. and is available to those 12 and under and their accompanying adult. The Warden Family Splash pad is located right next to the Manzanita pool. Both of these locations have great water features that can help cool off the family without worrying about the deep end of the pool.
Even if you're located in Ajo, there's a pool for you! At the E.S. Bud Walker park on 5th street, you can cool off in one of the lap lanes, the shallow end, or cool off at the shaded picnic tables. Recreational swimming is available Monday through Thursday from 1:30 pm to 5 pm. Saturday and Sunday are open for recreational swims from 1 pm to 4 pm.
There are a few options when you're in the Marana area. There is the Heritage River Park splash pad located in Gladden Farms or the Crossroads Splash pad on Silverbell and Cortaro. The city of Marana pool is located right near the downtown area. Head to the Ora Mae Harn District Park for seven lap lanes of swimming and a separate diving bay. There are plenty of spaces for shade and seating.
Marana High School also has a county-run pool with a splash pad and lap lanes. This county pool has a slide, shallow end for the little ones, and eight lanes to swim laps in. They even offer grassy areas to rest after swimming.
There are plenty more options for swimming in Pima county and Tucson. Instead of hiding inside, use the city pool to cool off. Don't forget your SPF before you go and stay super hydrated! Even in the pool, the heat can lead to dehydration. Follow the rules and check out the pool website before heading over.