Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) has a summer of water games, foam parties, and water-based pop-up programs for community members of all ages to chill out and beat the heat. In addition to these free and low-cost events, the outdoor pool at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend for affordable summer fun. Pack Square Park’s popular free splash pad, Splasheville, is set to open in early May.
Bring sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, and water or sports drinks to stay hydrated. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet for events at parks and community centers. Bathing suits are required for programs in pools. Space is limited for some programs, so advance registration at AVLREC.com is recommended.
Water Fun All Ages
Foam Frenzy
1-3pm .:. Free
Join neighbors for foam-filled afternoons as parks turn into fluffy, foamy lands of fun and make-believe.
- June 7 at Montford Park on 345 Montford Avenue
- June 25 at Malvern Hills Park on 75 Rumbough Place
- July 30 at Jake Rusher Park on 160 Sycamore Drive in Arden
- August 2 at Kenilworth Park on 79 Wyoming Road
Summer Splash Days
11am-2pm .:. Free
Dive into a world of water-themed activities and beat the heat with an array of aquatic adventures.
- June 18 at Murphy-Oakley Community Center on 749 Fairview Road
- June 28 at Jake Rusher Park on 160 Sycamore Drive in Arden
- July 7 at Weaver Park on 200 Murdock Avenue
- July 18 at Malvern Hills Park on 75 Rumbough Place
- July 31 at Montford Park on 345 Montford Avenue
- August 8 at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center on 121 Shiloh Road
River Snorkeling for All Ages
August 29 .:. Transportation provided from Murphy-Oakley Community Center on 749 Fairview Road
9am-2:30pm .:. $20 per adult and $10 per child, Advance Registration Required
See mountain streams from a wild new perspective just under the surface. Wetsuit and snorkel masks provided. Wear shoes that can get wet and stay securely attached to feet.
Splashing Times for Active Adults
Ageless Water Aerobics
Saturdays from June 6-August 29 at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center on 285 Livingston Street
10-11am .:. Free
Gentle water aerobics incorporates effective strategies to improve cardio fitness, build strength, boost mood, and ease joint pain.
Summer Day Trips: Lake Lure Beach
July 16 .:. Transportation provided from Harvest House Community Center on 205 Kenilworth Road
10am-4pm .:. $14 per person
Bring your suit and towel for a day at the beach with sun, fun, and opportunities to shop and dine in Lake Lure. Participants pay for their own lunch separately. Check our more Summer Day Trips.
River Snorkeling for Adults
August 21 and August 25 .:. Transportation provided from Murphy-Oakley Community Center on 749 Fairview Road
9am-3pm .:. $20, Advance Registration Required
See mountain streams from a wild new perspective just under the surface. Wetsuit and snorkel masks provided. Wear shoes that can get wet and stay securely attached to feet.
Ways to Stay Cool for Kids & Teens
Teen DJ Spin & Swim Pool Takeover
June 26 and July 24 at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center on 285 Livingston Street
6:30-8:30pm .:. Free .:. Ages 12-18
Feel the club vibes at pool parties for local teens featuring food, music, and fun surprises.
Toddler Carnival Water Day
June 27 at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center on 34 Pearson Drive
1-2:30pm .:. $5, Advance Registration Recommended .:. Ages 2-5 with adult
Enjoy a splash-tastic carnival adventure with games, giggles, and sunshine.
Rec ‘n’ Roll Theme Days: Shark Week
July 29 at Malvern Hills Park on 75 Rumbough Place
10:30am-12pm .:. $5, Advance Registration Recommended .:. Ages 2-5 with adult
This one doesn’t feature water, but offers a celebration of your favorite shark species with a morning of games, experiments, and hands-on discovery. Check out more Rec ‘n’ Roll Theme Days.
Asheville’s Free Splash Pad
Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9am-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.
Asheville’s Public Outdoor Pool
The Grant Southside Center public swimming pool is centrally located within Asheville and features a toddler play zone, lounge deck, picnic tables, restrooms, and changing rooms.
- Admission is $3 per day
- For the 2026 season, regular pool hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday from 12-7 p.m., though hours may vary due to weather or special events
- Dates of operation are May 23-September 7 (weekends only before June 8 and after August 16)
- The pool is managed by Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons on the management group’s website, ashevillecitypools.com.
- Swim Club Management Group of Asheville also operates Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s five outdoor pools. Find locations, hours, and other info on Buncombe County’s website.
What’s Next for Asheville’s Pools?
- Asheville voters overwhelmingly approved a general obligation (GO) bond referendum allocating up to $20 million for parks and recreation improvements throughout the city including a new outdoor pool in Malvern Hills Park. More info on this exciting community investment can be found on its project page.
- Following catastrophic Helene-related destruction at the city’s most popular pool in Recreation Park, the City of Asheville plans to begin the design process to rebuild parks and recreation spaces along Azalea and Gashes Creek roads. More info on this recovery project can be found on its project page.
More Ways to Stay Cool
For community members looking to cool off without getting wet, all APR community centers feature air conditioning and WiFi access. Free community offerings include exercise classes, hobby clubs, card and board games, dances, healthy living classes, affinity groups, arts and crafts, music jams and drum circles, trivia, salsa and line dancing, indoor basketball, programs for teens and young adults, special events, and much more. Search programs online and stay in the know with APR’s newsletters.