As the weather heats up, Portlanders may need a little help cooling down. Sitting inside a stuffy room without air conditioning is no one's idea of fun, so the city of Portland operates splash pads, interactive fountains (the kind you can play in), and public pools where people of all ages can find relief.

Peninsula Park is home to Oregon's oldest public rose garden — and a really fun splash pad. | Photo by Portland Parks & Recreation

Splash pads

These free public water features have already been turned on for the summer season and will remain on through Labor Day. All splash pads are open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

There are 19 splash pads at parks around the metro area with the highest concentrations in North and Northeast Portland. Find one near you using Portland Parks & Recreation's online map.

Jets shoot gentle arches of water at Holladay Park's interactive fountain. | Photo by Portland Parks & Recreation

Interactive fountains

Not all public fountains allow toe dipping and splashing. The keyword is "interactive" — look for one of seven interactive fountains spread across Portland, all of which are now turned on for the summer and free to enjoy. The Bill Naito Legacy Fountain at Waterfront Park and Salmon Springs Fountain at Waterfront Park are open 24 hours a day, while the rest have various hours.

Wilson Outdoor Pool in Southwest Portland was renamed Ida B. Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool in 2022. | Photo by Portland Parks & Recreation

Pools

Portland operates 11 pools, seven of which are outdoors. Though their sizes, amenities, and accessibility features range, each location has fixed admission fees. All outdoor locations (except Montavilla Outdoor Pool which opens Monday, July 22) will open Thursday, June 20 and remain open through August.

Outdoor pools cost $4-$5 for drop-ins, or visitors can buy 20-visit or season passes starting at $68. Residents can also register for an Access Pass to unlock ongoing discounts of up to 90% depending on financial need.