Public Pools and Waterparks in Reno

Summer in Reno is off to a hot start. With daytime highs already hitting the 90s, there’s nothing better to do in the long afternoons than jump into some cool water and float around. While Lake Tahoe is only a short jaunt away, it’s hard to beat the convenience of staying local and hopping over to a public pool or water park. If you’re new to town and just figuring out the pool scene, here’s a primer on where to find some respite from the summer heat.

Surprisingly, there aren’t a ton of neighborhood pools in Reno. A high mountain town with historically cold and snowy winters, Reno isn’t exactly Arizona, even if the height of summer can feel like it. That said, there are more and more new apartment complexes with pools, as well as a few neighborhoods throughout Reno that have HOA pools. If you have friends or family who live in one of these, these is a great starting point to get into some water and start swimming.

Photo above: Summer fun at Wild Island Water Park in Reno. Photo by Dan Bablinskas

Wild Island Water Park

The Waterpark at Wild Island in Sparks is bar none the best place in greater Reno to splash, play, slip and slide. Near the entrance there’s a little kids’ area has smaller slides and wading pools. A little further in there’s a massive wave pool that keeps you on your toes as the tides rise and fall. Then there’s the lazy river the winds through the back of the park and provides views of the intense water rides that entertain all the teenagers in the park. And if you get tired of being outside, Wild Island has its own bowling alley and arcade. All in all, Wild Island is a great way to spend a summer’s day.

Reno’s Public Pools

The City of Reno does a great job providing several public pools through Reno Parks and Recreation, all at incredibly low daily rates. The trick to these pools is understanding the schedule for open swim times and planning around them in advance. The city operates five pools in total, but three stand out for their kid-friendly, multi-use pools.

Idlewild Pool

Idlewild’s outdoor pools have been hiding in plain sight for years. Inside one of Reno’s most trafficked parks, Idlewild Pool is surprisingly easy-going on most open days. There are actually two pools here: one for wading, playing and relaxing and a larger one for laps that is also open to everyone during open swims. Near the heart of Reno, Idlewild provides scenic views of the mountains and Reno’s downtown while you swim in the pools.

Moana Aquatics Center

Only two years old, Moana Aquatics Center is Reno’s newest public pool and a great addition to the town. With a lazy river, slide, soaking pool and large lane pools, it has something for everyone. If you go during the open swim times, you can enjoy a wide variety of ways to swim and float, all in an indoor environment that provides year-round comfort.

Traner Pool

Traner Pool, near the university, also has a multi-use pool with a water slide and water playground. Like Idlewild, this is an outdoor seasonal pool off the beaten path. If you live near North Reno, you should definitely give this one a try!

Caughlin Club

Another option, though requiring a membership, is the Caughlin Club in West Reno. Caughlin Club boasts an outdoor hot tub, lap pool and multi-use pool, with the added benefit of a neighborhood feel where rules are not quite as strict as those at public pools. Set in beautiful Caughlin Ranch, the part of town feels like a resort. Membership also includes access to the gym and a daycare, making it a great place to meet people, hang out and stay in shape.

With so many ways to cool off, you have no excuse to sit inside an air-conditioned room all day. Get out and enjoy Reno’s pools and waterparks!