As temperatures rise and the end of the school year approaches, pools and splash pads will be making their debut just in time to cool us in the summer heat. Pack up the family, and check out one of these fun pools in the Boise area.
Outdoor Pools
Natatorium Pool and Hydrotube
1811 E. Warm Springs Ave.
(208) 608-7675
This pool is a staple in the Boise community. The locals refer to it as the “Nat.” There is a 6 and under wading pool area, a larger pool with a deep end and diving boards, and of course, the “hydrotube,” a long tunnel waterslide. The hydrotube costs extra but is just $10 for the whole day. They have a small concessions stand that offers snacks and drinks for the kiddos.
Opening Day: Friday, May 31 at 1 p.m.
Monday-Saturday Sessions
1-5 p.m.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
Price: $3.50-$5.50
Fun Fact: The original Nat was completed in 1892. Don’t worry, they have done numerous updates since then.
Ivywild Pool
2250 S. Leadville Ave.
(208) 608-7675
Ivywild Pool is located in SE Boise, featuring two drop-off slides, a loop slide, and a separate wading pool for those 6 and under. I remember going here when I was a kid and thinking the drop-off slides were such an adrenaline rush. It’s a great one for the kids, and they also offer light concessions.
Opening Day: Friday, May 31 at 1 p.m.
Daily Sessions Monday-Sunday
1-5 p.m.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Price: $3.50-$5.50
Adult & Child Preschool Open Swim is available at the Nat and Ivywild Pool, Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to noon, June 10 to August 2.
Take advantage of a special time for preschoolers to enjoy swimming in the wading pool during morning hours. This session is available at regular admission prices and is open to children ages 6 and under when accompanied by an adult.
Borah Pool
801 Aurora Dr.
(208) 608-7675
Borah offers plenty of deck space to lounge. This pool is one large pool and has a basketball hoop and a small slide in the shallow end.
Opening Day: Friday, May 31 at 1 p.m.
Daily Sessions Monday-Sunday
1-5 p.m.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Price: $3.50-$5.50
Fairmont Pool
7929 W. Northview St.
(208) 608-7675
Fairmont is another large pool without a lot of amenities. However, they do have an inflatable slide they set up in the deep end that is quite a hit.
Opening Day: Friday, May 31 at 1 p.m.
Daily Sessions Monday-Sunday
1-5 p.m.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Price: $3.50-$5.50
You can buy a season swim pass that is valid at the above four locations. It’s a great deal, and if you are going often this summer, it is worth the money. Season swim pass costs are:
Youth 17 & Under
Boise city resident: $30
Non-resident: $46.50
Adult (18+)
Boise city resident: $45
Non-resident: $69.75
Here are the pool rules.
*Lowell Pool and South Pool closed in 2020 and remained closed after safety issues arose. There are talks about both of these pools being restored. They are historic after all.
Meridian Pool
13 E. Franklin Rd., Meridian, ID 83642
Meridian Pool is large, and they do require ANY swimmer under 13 years or younger to take a swim test.
Opening Day: Monday, June 3rd
Monday – Friday: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Price: $2.00-$4.00
Indoor Pools
Boise City Aquatics Center (West YMCA)
5959 N. Discovery Way
The West Y is an indoor pool which means fun can be had all year round. The indoor aquatics center has a toddler/non-swimmer dedicated pool and a very fun water slide.
Kiddie Pool Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Slide Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Downtown YMCA
Kiddie Pool Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Slide Hours:
Fri: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
