Things to do in Palm Springs: Pools, splash pads, more to cool off in

Summer's in full swing and the desert heat isn’t letting up — but neither are the ways to cool down across the Coachella Valley.

From public pools and splash pads to a river and even a surf club, here's your guide to soaking up the season without overheating. But before you go, don't forget to stay hydrated, pack your sunscreen and check each location's hours.

From Palm Springs to Mecca, here's 19 watering holes, in alphabetical order, where you can cool off — and catch a whiff of SPF and chlorine in the air, if that's of interest.

Address: 84-599 Ave. 52, Coachella

Price: Admission is $3 per child and $4 per adult, while children under age 3 get in free

More info: Visit myrecreationdistrict.com or call 760-625-5873

Coachella's 46-acre Bagdouma Park features a community pool offering something for everyone, from swim lessons and aquatic fitness classes to open swim sessions. The facility includes a toddler pool, two slides and swim lanes.

The community pool is open daily starting at 12:30 p.m., but hours may vary between aquatic programs and recreational swimming, so check the schedule before visiting. Adaptive splash play runs from 4 to 5 p.m.

The park's splash pad, open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Thursday, Oct. 30, offers families with young children another fun way to beat the heat.

Address: 83-787 Hope Ave., Indio

Price: Free admission

More info: Visit indio.org

The splash pad takes center stage at this park, which also features playground equipment, basketball courts, shaded picnic areas, barbecues and softball fields — ideal for parties, events and more.

Address: 69-250 Dinah Shore Drive, Cathedral City

Price: Pool entry is $3 per child and $4 per adult (kids under 3 get in free)

More info: Visit myrecreationdistrict.com or call 760-347-3484

Thanks to an ongoing partnership between Palm Springs Unified School District, Cathedral City and Desert Recreation District, Cathedral City High School's pool is once again open to the public this summer, offering residents a refreshing way to beat the desert heat.

The pool is open daily except Sundays, with hours starting at 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Hours vary due to classes, lessons and lap swim, so check the schedule before visiting.

And don't miss the dive-in movie nights under the stars: "Sonic 3" hits the water on Saturday, July 19. The pool opens at 5 p.m., and the film begins at sundown.

Address: 51-805 Shady Lane, Coachella

Price: Free admission

More info: Visit coachella.org

Cool off at Dateland Park's splash pad, open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Thursday, Oct. 30. The park is near Bobby Duke Middle School in Coachella and features play areas and a skate park.

Address: Avenida De Oro between Avenue 50 and Avenida del Parque, Coachella

Price: Free admission

More info: Visit coachella.org

The splash pad at the four-acre De Oro Park near César Chávez Elementary School in Coachella is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Thursday, Oct. 30. The park also features ball fields, a playground, picnic tables, open grass, as well as space for soccer and football.

Address: 81-967 Crown Way, Indio

Price: Free admission

More info: Visit indio.org

Dominguez Park's splash pad offers kids a fun way to cool off in the summer, with additional amenities including the playground, shaded picnic tables, barbecue areas, walking paths and a basketball court.

Address: 78-107 Ave. 52, La Quinta

Price: Entry fees are $3 for children and $4 for adults (kids under 3 get in free).

More info: Visit myrecreationdistrict.com, laquintaca.gov/fbpool or call 760-777-7111

Open throughout the year, Fritz Burns Pool provides something for everyone, including arthritis water therapy, aqua fit, water aerobics and open swim.

The pool is open daily except Sundays — check out the schedule online to find out when lap swim, youth and adult lessons, adaptive splash play, senior splash and fitness classes are offered.

Cool off by day, then stick around for the dive-in movies at night — "Sonic 3" on Friday, July 18 and "Moana 2" on Saturday, Aug. 2. The pool opens at 5 p.m. and the films begin at sundown.

Address: 1750 Cholla Drive, Desert Hot Springs

Price: Daily entry fees are 25 cents for youth ages 3 to 17, 50 cents for adults and $1 for a family of four. Swim punch cards for 10 visits and annual summer passes are also available for purchase.

More info: Visit cityofdhs.org or call 760-251-1600

The John H. Furbee Aquatics Center is open for the summer season through Saturday, Aug. 30, with the pool operating daily except Sundays. (The city plans to have year-round lap swimming in 2026.)

The pool will shift to temporary hours from Aug. 6 to 30, operating from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

For the rest of the summer season, the aquatics center is open daily for open swim and lap swim. Swimmers are encouraged to check the online schedule for specific times. Open lap swim is limited to those 16 and older, while open swim is open to all ages.

Free dive-in movies will be shown at the pool this summer, with "Mufasa" on Saturday, July 12, and "Moana 2" on Saturday, Aug. 3. All movies begin at 7:30 p.m.

Address: Corner of Blackhawk Way and Adams Street, La Quinta

Price: Free admission

More info: Visit myrecreationdistrict.com

Make a splash at La Quinta Park's revamped splash pad, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the city's largest park across the street from La Quinta High School's baseball field.

Address: 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert

Price: Free with zoo admission ($39.95 per adult, $29.95 per child and free for children under 3)

More info: Visit livingdesert.org or call 760-346-5694

The Oasis Splash Pad at The Living Desert is now open — and it's making desert days a whole lot cooler.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and included with admission or membership, this family-friendly spot has room to splash, relax and beat the heat. Little ones who aren't fully potty trained will need swim diapers, but everyone's encouraged to bring swimwear.

Even better? The splash pad was built with sustainability in mind. It features a state-of-the-art recirculating system that captures, filters and reuses water — so it’s fun and eco-friendly.

Address: 65-250 Coahuilla St., Mecca

Price: Admission is $3 for children and $4 for adults. Children under age 3 are admitted free.

More info: Visit myrecreationdistrict.com or call 760-396-0257

Located just down the street from Mecca Elementary School, the Mecca Community Pool is open daily and offers swim lessons, aquatic fitness and open swim throughout the summer.

From Monday to Thursday, youth lessons run from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by lap and open swim from 7 to 9 p.m. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, open swim takes place from 5 to 9 p.m., with adaptive splash play offered on Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m.

Address: 43-200 Towne St., Indio

Price: Free admission

More info: Visit indio.org

North Jackson Park's splash pad is a great summer spot for families, with additional amenities including a playground, sports courts, picnic areas, barbecue grills and restrooms.

Address: 73-751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert

Price:Entry fees are $5.75 for children ages 2 to 5, $7 for youth ages 6 to 12 and seniors 60 and older, and $9 for adults ages 13 to 59. Palm Desert residents receive discounted rates: $4.50 for children, $5.50 for youth and seniors, and $7.50 for adults. A variety of passes are also available for purchase, including punch cards, three-month and annual passes, as well as exercise and fitness passes — all with additional discounts for Palm Desert residents.

More info: Visit pdpool.com or call 760-565-7467

The Palm Desert Aquatic Center is open year-round and packed with fun — from three pools and diving boards to water play features and a wide range of classes for every age and ability level.

Depending on the time of day, amenities like lap swimming, the recreational pool, splash playgrounds, diving boards and rock wall may have varying availability — so be sure to check the online schedule for the latest updates. (Note: The pool will be closed on the Fourth of July.)

Don't miss the return of the aquatic center's Hot Summer Nights, happening every Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. through August. Enjoy an evening of poolside fun with music, disco parties and more.

Address: 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs

Price: A general admission water park day pass includes access to the waterpark, splash pad, lazy river, three bars, two restaurants and the lounge pool. The water park is available through Sunday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is $21.20 for children under 12 and $42.40 for adults.

Note: Palm Springs residents can enjoy discounted admission to the Palm Springs Surf Club on select days, thanks to a partnership with the city's Parks & Recreation Department. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16 and Wednesday, Aug. 13, entry will cost $10 for children and $20 for adults. The discount does not include access to the surf pool.

More info: Visit palmspringssurfclub.com, palmsprings.ca.gov or call 760-205-3634

The Palm Springs Surf Club is a standout summer destination with a wave pool, lazy river, splash pad, waterslides, lounge pool, and more — all open to the public without a membership.

In addition to general water play, the club offers surf sessions tailored to your skill level, plus expert instruction, private bookings and water sports. Standard and premium season passes are available, along with separate passes for jacuzzi access.

Looking to cool off after sunset? Night Swim returns to the Palm Springs Surf Club starting Saturday, June 28, running from 6 to 10 p.m. running every Saturday night through the summer. The 21-and-and over event features live DJs, food and drinks.

Address: 405 S. Pavilion Way, Palm Springs

Price: Daily admission for Palm Springs residents is $3 for youth (ages 4-12) and $5 for adults. Non-resident fees are $11 for youth and $16 for adults. Pool passes are available.

More info: Visit palmspringsca.gov, call 760-323-8278 or join email list at [email protected]

Located in Sunrise Park near Palm Springs High School, the Palm Springs Swim Center is open year-round and features an Olympic-sized outdoor pool perfect for lap swimming or cooling off with the family.

The state-of-the-art aquatic facility is open daily — from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The swim center will be closed on the Fourth of July, with limited hours on Labor Day.

The swim center also offers water aerobics classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

If you're looking for a competitive commitment, the new Palm Springs Swim Club — a U.S. Masters Swimming program — is quickly growing, with more than 30 active adult swimmers. Participants are welcome to join practices held 5:30 to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, as well as 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Address: 46-350 Jackson St., Indio

Price: Admission is $3 for children and $4 for adults (free entry for kids under age 3)

More info: Visit myrecreationdistrict.com or call 760-342-5665

Cool off with family fun at Pawley Pool Family Aquatic Complex, where swim lessons, splash parties and water play await. The complex features a large 3,750-square-foot pool, a wading area for toddlers, one splash pad, two thrilling 9-foot drop slides and a cheerful frog slide just for kids.

Open every day, the pool hosts a mix of swim lessons and open swim times, so check the schedule for the latest hours.

Address: 83-100 Date Ave., Indio

Price: Free admission

More info: Visit indio.org

Just steps from Davis Field and around the corner from Pawley Pool, South Jackson Park's splash pad offers another fun way to beat the heat, with nearby playgrounds, tennis courts, barbecue spots and shaded tables for a day outdoors.

Address: 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, Whitewater

Price: While weekday visits are free and open to all, weekend reservations are required through Sunday, Sept. 28 due to a Riverside County Fire Closure Order. Reservations must be made by 5 p.m. on the Wednesday before your planned weekend visit. Expect to receive a response via email within 48 hours.

More info: Visit wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/whitewater, email [email protected] or call 760-325-7222

Pack your chairs, umbrellas and a wagon for a relaxing day by the water. About a 30-minute drive from Palm Springs, Whitewater Preserve offers 2,246 acres of scenic wilderness with a year-round river and wading pond.

The preserve is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Don’t forget to bring your own trash bags — it's a pack-in, pack-out destination. Protect and respect the environment by observing wildlife from a distance and avoiding any disturbance. Leave the preserve just as you found it.

Address: 43-605 Yucca St., Indio

Price: Free admission

More info: Visit indio.org

Yucca Park offers a splash pad alongside shaded picnic tables, barbecue areas, and playgrounds — an ideal spot to cool off and play this summer.

Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected].