Snuggling under blankets and drinking hot cocoa – not splashing around in the pool – probably come to mind when thinking of the winter months in Michigan. But a trip to a heated indoor pool can brighten up a cold December day. Plus, in the warmer months – when it’s rainy or not quite hot enough for outdoor swimming – these indoor water spots are a great option.
The Grand Rapids area and beyond offers a number of places to warm up, from spots with three-story water slides and surfing simulators to splash pads and mini slides for toddlers. Many of the facilities also offer affordable birthday party options with additional rented party rooms.
So dust off the bathing suits and grab the flip flops for a day spent at the indoor water park. Parents, be sure to schedule some “me” time in the hot tub, too.
Allegan Aquatic Center
- Address: 1560 M-40, Allegan
- Phone: 269-673-7002, ext. 5504
- Hours: Center closes throughout day; call ahead
- Cost: $3/adults, $2/children and seniors
Kids can enjoy a small waterslide, pool and lazy river at this center. There’s also the option to hold birthday parties, where kids can play on a large inflatable obstacle course.
Flash Flood Water Park
- Address: 35 Hamblin Ave., Battle Creek
- Phone: 269-966-3667
- Hours: Open seasonally between Memorial Day and Labor Day
- Cost: $10/access to indoor and outdoor parks
This large park includes an indoor and outdoor water area. Mark this spot in your calendars to visit when the weather warms up, and enjoy multiple slides, pools and activities.
Gold Rush Water Park at Double JJ
- Address: 6569 Clay Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 231-894-4444
- Hours: Check the calendar on the website; hours vary
- Cost: $25/adults, $20/children under 42 inches, free/3 and under
Check out western Michigan’s tallest indoor water slide at Gold Rush Water Park. There’s something for everyone at this expansive indoor park. Kids can enjoy thrilling water rides, adults can relax in a hot tub and toddlers can play in a splash zone.
Holland Community Aquatic Center
- Address: 550 Maple Ave., Holland
- Phone: 616-393-7595
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $6.50/standard rate with a discount for residents
The Holland Community Aquatic Center is a great spot to host birthday parties or to make a weekend visit with the little ones. There’s a water slide, hot tub, play place in a shallow pool and more.
Kroc Center
- Address: 2500 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-588-7200
- Hours: Hours vary; check out the drop-in rec guide
- Cost: $7.50/ages 12-plus, $5.50/under age 12
Stop by the center and enjoy a 28-foot water slide, a lazy river, an outdoor splash pad in the summer and an indoor play structure for children.
Little Dip Splash Pad at Holiday Inn Express
- Address: 6569 Clay Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-871-9700
- Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free with hotel stay
The three-story water slide has been removed and in its place is a splash pad perfect for little ones, with mini slides and tipping buckets. Guest passes are sometimes available depending on occupancy; call for more details.
Spring Lake Community Fitness & Aquatic Center
- Address: 16140 148th Ave., Spring Lake
- Phone: 616-847-5858
- Hours: 5:15 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $10/daily rate
This center offers a pool party package with the option to rent a party room. With a $75 room rental, pay only $5 per child for a party your child will never forget, complete with water slides, a dumping water bucket and water games.
Surfari Joe’s at Fairfield Inn & Suites
- Address: 8258 Arnt Blvd., Watervliet
- Phone: 269-463-7946
- Hours: Hours vary, check website
- Cost: Four park passes included with hotel stay; $10/Monday-Thursday, $20/Friday and Sunday, $25/Saturday for outside and additional guests
Not only does Surfari Joe’s have a large indoor water park, but they have a bar and grill and arcade, too! Spend the weekend zipping down slides, grabbing a slice of pizza and playing arcade games.
Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel
- Address: 5665 E. Pickard Road, Mount Pleasant
- Phone: 989-817-4800
- Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Cost: $23.99/Monday-Friday, $27.99/weekends and holidays
The impressive and expansive water park at the Soaring Eagle offers a FlowRider to surf indoors, a three-story water slide, lazy river and climbing wall. There’s an oversized hot tub for adults, too.
