guides

Splash Pads, Pools, and Beaches in and Around the Fox Valley

Places to cool off in Appleton, Waupaca, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, and more!

By Laura Miller, Publisher of Macaroni KID Appleton-Waupaca-Oshkosh, WI July 22, 2023

Looking to take one more dip? We've updated this guide to show which pools are still open!

There are so many great places to cool off in the summer in and around the Fox Valley. It's a lot to keep track of, but we have a list of current details for water fun including splash pads, public pools, lakes with lifeguards on duty, and a few nice "swim at your own risk" public beaches! 

Be aware that in some cases the open swim hours may change or outdoor areas may close for severe weather or if the outdoor temperature drops below a certain point (typically 65 degrees). If the weather is questionable, be sure to check with the facility to see if they are still open. And since mechanical and other issues are also unpredictable, we recommend verifying the current status and reviewing the safety policies of each location before you go through the links below.

 Splash Pads

Location: Manawa - Splash Pad at Veterans Freedom Park

Address: 176 Beach Road, Manawa
Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm, daily
Admission: None
Notes: Visit the City of Manawa Facebook page for current info.


Location: Neenah - Splash Pad at Shattuck Park

Address: 210 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah
Admission: None
Notes: Visit the Neenah Parks & Recreation Facebook page for current info.


Location: Neenah - Splash Pad at Washington Park

Address: 631 W. Winneconne Ave., Neenah
Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm, daily
Admission: None
Notes: Visit the Neenah Parks & Recreation Facebook page for current info.
On designated Wednesdays in 2022, in partnership with SOAR Fox Cities, the Washington Park splash pad is open specifically for youth and adults (no age restriction) with disabilities and their families from 9-10am: June 15 & 29, July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24. There is no staffing or supervision and a parent or caretaker must be present.


https://www.facebook.com/NLPRWI/posts/pfbid02JMTT5ViF44zFjki9rmPmBCNUNoKPP4yeAwTSwSAebnRJ3zXC7w5t2pryUmYDihzal


Location: Oshkosh - Splash Pad at Pollock Community Waterpark

Address: 1550 Taft Ave, Oshkosh
Dates: June 8 through August 19, 2022
Hours: 10:00am - 7:00pm, daily
Admission: Included in pool admission (see pools section)
Notes: Visit the Pollock Community Water Park Facebook page for current info.


Location: Oshkosh - Splash Pad at South Park

Address: 1035 W. South Park Ave, Oshkosh
Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Hours: During park hours, daily
Admission: None
Notes: Splash pad is open all day, just press the button on the shed to turn it on.


Location: Sherwood - Wanick Choute Park Splash Pad

Address: W4687 Castle Drive, Sherwood
Dates: Closed due to mechanical issues
Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm daily
Admission: None
Notes: Outside temperature must be at least 63 degrees. Water feature will be shut down if raining or other inclement weather. If it is shut down at 4:30 or later for weather, it won't be turned back on that day. See the village website for official temperature, operating instructions, and the Village office phone number and the Facebook page for current status.


Waupaca https://cityofwaupaca.org/park-and-rec-area/splashpad/


Location: Wautoma - Splash Pad at Bird Creek Park

Address: 16th Ave. & W. Division St., Wautoma
Dates: Memorial Day through Labor Day, annually
Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm, daily
Admission: None
Notes: Water will be shut off in inclement weather.

 Public Pools

Location: Appleton - Erb Pool

Address: 1800 N. Morrison Street, Appleton
Dates: June 4 - August 22, 2021
Hours: Open swim is 1:00pm-8:00pm, daily
Admission: Daily rates are $4.50/adults, $3.50/seniors, $3.50/ages 4-17, and free/3 & under, non-swimmers $1.50
Notes: There are capacity limits that may change throughout the season.


Location: Appleton - Mead Pool

Address: 1430 E. John Street, Appleton
Dates: June 4 - August 20, 2021
Hours: Open swim is 1:00pm-6:50pm Mon-Fri, 12:00pm-7:00pm Sat/Sun
Admission: Daily rates are $4.50/adults, $3.50/seniors, $3.50/ages 4-17, and free/3 & under, non-swimmers $1.50
Notes: There are capacity limits that may change throughout the season.


Location: Kaukauna - Kaukauna Municipal Pool

Address: 607 Dodge Street, Kaukauna
Dates: June 4 - August 22, 2021
Hours: Open swim 1:00-5:00pm & 6:40-8:40pm Mon-Thurs, 1:00-5:00pm & 5:30-7:30pm Fri, 1:00-5:00pm Sat/Sun
Admission: Season passes available. Daily admission $3/adults, $2/5-17, and $1.00/4 & under.
Notes: There are new rules for 2021. Please be sure to review the complete list of changes before you go!


Location: Little Chute - Doyle Park Pool & Slide

Address: 100 Van Buren St, Little Chute
Dates: June 6 - August 21, 2021
Hours: Monday-Friday 1:00pm - 4:30pm & 6:30pm - 8:00pm and Sat/Sun 1:00pm - 5:30pm.
Admission: No season passes available. Daily admission is based on time of day: D=Daytime, E=Evening. Adults: D-$4 E-$3, Seniors: D-$3 E-$2, Child 4-17: D-$3 E-$2, Child 3 and under: D-free E-free.
Note: Anyone entering the pool must pay admission whether they are swimming or not. Open hours are 1-4:30pm 7/5-7/9, & 8/16-8/20. Capacity limits will be in place for social distancing and there may be residency restrictions. More info here.


Location: Menasha - Jefferson Pool

Address: 915 3rd St, Menasha
Dates: June 12 - August 15, 2021
Hours: Open swim 1:00-5:00pm Mon-Fri, 6:00pm-7:45pm MWF, 12:00-5:00pm & 6:00-7:45pm Sat, and 12:00-6:00pm Sun
Admission: Season passes available. Daily admission is based on time of day: D=Daytime, E=Evening. Adults: D-$3.75 E-$2, Seniors: D-$2.75 E-$1.50, Child 3-17: D-$2.75 E-$1.50, Child 2 and under: D-free E-free.


Location: Neenah - Neenah Pool

Address: 600 S. Park Ave., Neenah
Dates: June 3 - August 19, 2023
Hours: Open swim Monday-Friday 1:00-8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm
Admission: Season passes, Punch passes, and Family passes available. Daily admission is based on time of day: D=Daytime, E=Evening (after 6pm M-F). Adults: D-$4.50 E-$3, Seniors: D-$3.50 E-$2, Child 3-17: D-$3.50 E-$2, Child 2 and under: D-free E-free.
Notes: No food or beverage carry-in except water bottles. Children 3 and under must wear a swim diaper. First time season pass purchases must be made at City Hall or Park & Rec office. Renewals can be made online with Household ID number.


Location: New London - Aquatic & Fitness Center

Address: 815 W. Washington Street, New London
Dates: Year-round
Hours: Public swim hours vary daily. See the website for schedule.
Admission: Monthly passes available. Resident daily fees: $3.50/adults, $3.00/seniors, $3.00/ages 4-17, and free/under 4 years old with paid adult. Non-Resident daily fees: $4.50/adults, $4.00/seniors, $4.00/ages 4-17, and free/under 4 years old with paid adult.
Notes: Admission includes use of pool and fitness room. Open swim uses and times vary and may change with short notice, so verify details before you go.


Location: Omro - Omro Family Aquatic Center

Address: 1241 Kiwanis St, Omro
Dates: June 5- August 22, 2021
Hours: Open swim 12:00-7:00pm daily
Admission: Season passes available. Daily admission is based on time of day: D=Daytime, E=Evening. Adults: D-$4 E-$3, Seniors: D-$3 E-$2, Child 4-17: D-$3 E-$2, Child 3 and under: D-free E-free.
Notes: Capacity limit is at 50% of facility capacity. Changes may be made at any time, so watch their Facebook page for current info.


Location: Oshkosh - Pollock Community Waterpark

Address: 1550 Taft Ave, Oshkosh
Dates: June 8 through August 19, 2022
Hours: Open swim 12:00-7:00pm, daily
Admission: Season passes available. Daily admission is based on time of day: D=Daytime, E=Evening (after 5pm). Adults: D-$5.50 E-$4, Seniors: D-$3.50 E-$2, Youth 3-17: D-$4.50 E-$3, Child 2 and under: D-free E-free.
Notes: Visit the Pollock Community Water Park Facebook page for current info. Parts of the water park maybe closed some days due to staff shortages.

 Lakes with Lifeguards

Location: Appleton - Plamann Lake

Address: 1545 E Broadway Dr., Appleton
Dates: June 5 - August 21, 2021
Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm, daily
Admission: Season passes available. Daily admission is based on time of day: D=Daytime, E=Evening (after 5pm). Adults: D-$5 E-$3, Seniors: D-Free E-Free, Child 4-15: D-$4 E-$2.50, Child 3 and under: D-free E-free.
Notes: Beach will close in inclement weather. Watch the Plamann Park Facebook page for updates.


Location: Kimberly - Sunset Beach Swimming Facility

Address: 1010 Fulcer Avenue, Kimberly
Dates: June 4 - August 15, 2021
Hours: Open swim 12:00pm-7:00pm, daily
Admission: Season passes available. Daily admission is Adults $3.50, Seniors free, Kids 6-17 $3, Kids 3-5 $2, 2 & under free.
Notes: Beach will close in inclement weather. Watch the Sunset Beach Swimming Area Facebook page for updates.


Location: Waupaca - South Park Beach

Address: 921 S. Main St., Waupaca
Dates: May 29 - late August, 2021
Hours: Lifeguards on duty 10:00am-6:00pm Mon-Thurs, 10:00am-8:00pm Fri/Sat, and 12:00pm-6:00pm Sun
Admission: None
Notes: Call ahead if bringing a large group so they can plan for enough staff. If nearing the end of the season, call the beach house or check the Waupaca Park & Rec Facebook page for closing date. Beach will close in inclement weather. Swim at your own risk during park hours (7am-10pm) when lifeguards are not on duty.


Location: Weyauwega - Swim Lake

Address: 411 W High St, Weyauwega
Dates: June 9 - August 22, 2021
Hours: 12:30pm-6:00pm Mon-Fri and 11:00am -7:00pm Sat/Sun
Admission: Season passes available. Daily rate is $4/adult resident, $5/adult non-resident, $3/Senior resident, $4/Senior non-resident, $3/child resident, $4/child non-resident

 Public Access Beaches (No Lifeguard on Duty)

Location: Black Creek - Lake Park Swim Lake

Address: 303 E. Mary St., Black Creek
Notes: Swim at your own risk, volleyball net on beach (bring your ball), charcoal grills, playground equipment with swings.


Location: Fremont - Partridge Lake Park Public Beach

Address: Wolf River Drive, Fremont
Notes: Swim at your own risk; no lifeguard is on duty. Located on Wolf River Dr., about a mile west of the downtown area. Large sandy beach is open to the public. No pets allowed. Pavilion at the park is first come, first served. Restrooms open seasonally. Park hours 7am-10pm.


Location: Menasha - Brighton Beach, Municipal Beach

Address: Brighton Beach Road, Menasha
Notes: Swim at your own risk. Beach is 1.4 acres located on Lake Winnebago at the south end of Brighton Beach Road. Includes picnic facilities, small play area, sand volleyball court, and unsupervised swimming area with a shore wall and beach area. Kayak accessible.


Location: Sherwood - High Cliff State Park Beach

Address: N7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood
Notes: Swim at your own risk. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the park. There is a bathhouse with flush toilets, showers, changing areas, and open shelters.


Location: Waupaca - Hartman Creek State Park Beach

Address: N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca
Notes: Swim at your own risk. A state park vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the park. The beach is adjacent to 3 acres of multi-use lawn area with picnic tables, drinking water, and combination changing and toilet building.


Location: Wild Rose - Little Silver Lake Resort Beach

Address: N5285 E Little Silver Lake Road, Wild Rose
Dates: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 2021
Hours: 10am-9pm Monday-Friday ONLY. Beach is open only to campers and season pass holders on weekends.
Admission: Day pass is $3/person and can be purchased in the candy store
Notes: Check the resort Facebook page before you go. There will be capacity limits in place.

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