Moving to Las Vegas means enjoying a long Las Vegas pool season with plenty of public pools and waterparks to explore. Locals know how to enjoy hot Las Vegas weather—yes, we said enjoy! After all, would you rather be shoveling snow, trudging through the rain, or sipping something delicious poolside?
With 300+ days of sunshine a year, Las Vegans have perfected the art of cooling off. There are many fun things to do in Las Vegas, even during the peak of summer heat. Let’s dive into the best places to find waterparks and community pools in Las Vegas.
Plenty of public Las Vegas pools
Whether you’re looking for a major poolside party filled with DJs and crowds tied as tight as a teeny bikini or a blissed-out, Zen-relaxed serenity scene, or prefer the simple community comraderie at the neighborhood pool, every corner of Southern Nevada makes a splash.
Las Vegas hotels and resort pools
Some of the best Las Vegas pools are found at the resorts and hotels around Southern Nevada. Those staying at a particular location can access the pool for free. Upgrades can include cabanas and daybeds in a designated section away from the crowds of the busy Las Vegas pool season.
Non-guest access to certain pools is allowed, but it’s largely dependent on the property or ownership. For example, Caesars and MGM Resorts are pretty flexible with letting those staying at another property use pools at sister properties.
You should also know that some Las Vegas pools are open to the public for an admission fee, like the Shark Tank Pool at the Golden Nugget downtown.
If you’ve just moved to Las Vegas, call the pool of your choice and mention that you’re a local. You might find a discount or a special on fees or rentals.
Dayclubs in Las Vegas
Unlike standard resort pools, dayclubs offer a high-energy atmosphere you’ve come to expect from Las Vegas nightlife. The only difference? These pool parties are during the day.
Expect an adult-only experience featuring live DJ performances, themed events, and exclusive amenities like VIP sections. This fusion creates a unique party environment under the sun, attracting those looking to combine leisure with lively entertainment.
Community pools across southern Nevada
Local families can also enjoy the Las Vegas pool season at a wide variety of ccommunity pools from Northwest Vegas to Boulder City. The city of Las Vegas has six pools, with indoor and outdoor options. Lessons, certification, swimming teams, and diving clubs are also available.
Clark County offers 15 pool options, with three being open year-round, two for adults 21 and older, and 10 more positioned throughout the expansive unincorporated footprint. If you’re considering moving to Las Vegas, see which pool is closest to your preferred neighborhood.
In North Las Vegas, three community pools are open seasonally, generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission is charged by the day or season. Silver Mesa Pool is open for reservations if you want to host a pool party for a special occasion.
You’ll find a mix of nine pools in Henderson, with two year-round indoor pools at Whitney Ranch and Henderson Multigenerational community centers. Some pools have splash pads and activity pools for the little ones.
Take a dip in Boulder City at the Pool & Racketball Complex. This is one of the pools where champion swimmer Zane Grothe first learned to swim.
The Mesquite Recreation Center is home to the community pools, with an indoor and outdoor option.
Resident-only pools
If you’d rather have a pool closer to home, look for communities like Summerlin that include access to residents-only pools. Usually, residents can bring a guest with them. Check the community of your choice to see what the pool, hot tub, and splash pad options are.
Residential Las Vegas pools
In other cities, living in a home with its own pool is an unthinkable and expensive luxury—but not in Las Vegas. In this city, a cool dip of water practically comes standard with many houses and apartment or condo complexes.
Kevin Kraft, owner of a family custom pool design company, told the AP, “Having a pool in Las Vegas is like having a second car. It’s that common.”
So, you won’t have to pack up the car and search for parking before you find a spot at a crowded community pool. Instead, you can lounge and soak steps away from where you live.
If you plan on custom building a home, review the rules about pool size and applicable laws.
Water parks in Las Vegas
Slide your way through pool season at one of the water parks in Las Vegas. In addition to the personal pools, the resort pools, and the public pools in Las Vegas, epic family-friendly water parks also offer an opportunity to chill and get a thrill.
Cowabunga Vegas Waterparks
Cowabunga Vegas operates two waterparks with some of the biggest and most extreme water slides in Nevada.
Cowabunga Bay in Henderson is the spot if you’re looking for a classic, family-friendly waterpark. It has a fun, retro surf theme and plenty of space for all ages to cool off. There’s a solid mix of slides, a big wave pool, a lazy river, and a huge splash play area for kids.
If you’ve got younger ones or just want a chill day with some fun rides, this is the better pick. It’s also less about the crazy thrill rides and more about a full-on water park experience with lots of room to spread out.
Cowabunga Canyon (formerly Wet’n’Wild), in Summerlin, is a bit more intense. It’s got more high-speed slides, steeper drops, and bigger thrill rides compared to the Henderson location.
The lazy river and wave pool are still there if you want to take it easy, but overall, this park leans more toward adrenaline junkies and older kids who want something more exciting. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for a little more action instead of just floating around.
Splash Pads
Beyond the abundant Las Vegas community pools, you’ll also find a great array of splash pads throughout the community.
Las Vegas has a list of designated splash pads with nearly 30 options. Henderson’s splash pad central is at Montagna Park, while Boulder City’s is at Veterans Memorial Park.
Over in Mesquite, find splash pads at Town Square, Hafen Park, and Mesquite Sports and Events Complex.
The design of these watery playlands means you can enjoy the spring and summer sun without worrying about burning your feet on the pavement or sliding down an aluminum slide.
Las Vegas lake lifestyle
Moving to Las Vegas or visiting means access to one of the most popular lakes in the country.
Lake Mead
Lake Mead National Recreation Area covers 1.5 million acres, including nearly 750 miles of shoreline on Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River.
Lake Mead is the larger of the two, great for boating and larger recreation, while Lake Mohave, stretching along the Arizona-Nevada border, is narrower and known for its crystal-clear water, perfect for kayaking and swimming.
For a calm paddle at Lake Mead, head to Boulder Basin, where the water stays relatively smooth, and you’ll get stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. Black Canyon, near Hoover Dam, is another great spot with calm, emerald-green waters and hidden hot springs along the way. The Black Canyon Water Trail can take you along 30 watery miles, while the Mohave National Water Trail spans more than 75 miles.
If you’re looking for more adventure, Lake Mohave’s Colorado River stretch below Hoover Dam has some fun currents and fast-moving sections, especially near Ringbolt Rapids. This area is great for experienced paddlers who want a mix of calm waters and a bit of whitewater action.
Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas is a great spot for a more laid-back, resort-style water experience on the east side of Henderson. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats to cruise around the calm waters or try the aqua park, a giant inflatable obstacle course floating on the lake.
Electric boat rentals are available if you want a relaxing ride with friends, and there’s even flyboarding for those who want something more adventurous. Unlike Lake Mead, this is a no-wake lake, so it’s all about smooth, leisurely activities rather than high-speed thrills. It’s a fun, scenic escape just minutes from the city.
Staying cool in the Las Vegas heat
If being outside at the pool in the heat of the day isn’t your thing, there are plenty of air-conditioned spaces. Seriously, some are so cold you might want to grab a jacket. Explore the unique and expansive art districts and museums of Las Vegas and Clark County, or take your time enjoying a meal at one of the amazing restaurants.
Consider heading up to Mount Charleston. In less than an hour, you’ll be surrounded by cool summer air and the beauty of the Spring Mountains. Even if you’re just doing some shopping, most of the outdoor malls come with misters to keep you cool.
Las Vegas Pools and Waterparks FAQ
Summers in Las Vegas are definitely warm, with daytime highs typically between 100°F and 110°F from June to August. Occasionally, temperatures can climb higher, but thanks to the dry desert air, there’s none of the sticky humidity you’d find in other hot climates. Evenings cool down into the 70s and 80s°F, making nights perfect for outdoor dining, rooftop bars, and poolside lounging.
In Las Vegas, resort pool season typically runs from March through October, with many pools opening in March and closing by late October. Resorts with heated pools, like the Bellagio, stay open in the winter weather-permitting. Community pools are generally open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but check the specific schedules to get exact opening and closing dates.
Pool season in Las Vegas runs through October, but the community pools will likely be closed. That’s because the public pools are staffed by a lot of students who go back to school in the fall. Resorts will generally stay open as long as the weather allows for it. October in Las Vegas can still get near 90°F during the day and go down to 75°F for highs by the end of the month. Lows dip into the 50s and 60s. Don’t worry; if you move to Las Vegas, you’ll eventually think 65°F is chilly, too. 😆
Dive into more details about living in Las Vegas
- Explore Las Vegas Nightlife like a local
- Las Vegas parks and recreation: Where locals go to get outside
- Live like a local: Best shows and concerts in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Festivals: Music, Food, and Culture Beyond the Tourists
- Moving to Vegas? Here’s your essential Las Vegas shopping guide
- Las Vegas Has Culture Down to a Fine Art
