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Adelaide’s Best Outdoor Pools to Dive Into This Summer
These cool spots offer endless sun-soaked fun for families, friends, and anyone chasing the perfect splash.
When the mercury spikes and the beach carparks start to overflow, Adelaide’s outdoor pools become the city’s saving grace. From leafy suburbs to splash-happy water parks, these open-air beauties are made for languid summer afternoons, family cannonballs, lap-swimmer discipline and everything in between. Whether you’re chasing waterslides, sun-drenched lawns, or a perfectly heated 50-metre lane, these are the pools worth making plans for — preferably with SPF 50, a picnic rug and your most fabulous swimmers.
Sitchu tip: Most of these outdoor pools are seasonal, usually open from spring through late summer/autumn, so always double-check opening times before heading out.
Marion Outdoor Pool
Easily one of Adelaide’s most-loved open-air destinations, Marion Outdoor Pool is a summer playground for all ages. Its 50-metre heated pool keeps the serious swimmers ticking off laps, while water jets, splash zones, and slides turn the day into an adventure for the playful crowd. Families and groups can lounge across wide lawns, claim shady picnic spots, or grab a snack at the on-site kiosk — making it easy to spend the whole day soaking up sun, laughter, and that unmistakable summer buzz.
120 Hendrie Street, Park Holme
Unley Swimming Centre
Tucked into Forestville Reserve, Unley Swimming Centre is a sun-soaked slice of Adelaide summer that somehow manages to feel both energising and effortlessly chilled. Its bright 50-metre heated pool draws early-morning lap swimmers and post-work fitness enthusiasts, while the smaller shaded pools offer safe splash spaces for little ones. What sets Unley apart is its extended swim season, keeping the fun going long after most outdoor pools have closed for the year — perfect for lingering, floating, and soaking up every last ray of summer.
Forestville Reserve, Ethel Street, Forestville
George Bolton Swimming Centre, Burnside
Tucked into the leafy calm of Hazelwood Park, George Bolton Swimming Centre Burnside is a vibrant, family-friendly hub. The heated 50-metre pool is ideal for laps or casual swims, while the learners’ and toddler pools give kids safe spaces to splash and play. Beyond the water, two playgrounds keep imaginations active: the North Playground with a modular boat-themed structure, slides, and creative play elements, and the West Playground featuring swinging hammocks, in-ground trampolines, and chin-up bars. Grassy lawns, towering gums, BBQs, and the on-site café make it easy to stretch the day into a full summer outing.
Corner Greenhill Road & Howard Terrace, Hazelwood Park
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Norwood Swimming Centre
A beloved community staple, Norwood Swimming Centre is relaxed, family-friendly, and perfectly suited for a mix of swimming and play. The main outdoor pool serves casual swimmers and lap enthusiasts alike, while toddlers and young kids enjoy shaded, safe areas. On hotter weekends, inflatable obstacle courses and seasonal extras add a dash of adventure. With a nostalgic kiosk serving the classics, Norwood delivers that timeless public-pool energy everyone remembers from childhood summers.
32 Phillips Street, Kensington
Tusmore Wading Pool
For tiny feet just discovering water fun, Tusmore Wading Pool is a gentle introduction to outdoor play. Its shallow, fenced waters let little ones paddle safely, while adults relax on surrounding lawns or picnic tables. A nearby playground adds another layer of adventure, featuring a spring-mounted ride, dome-shaped climbing web, swings for all ages, slides, stand-on spinners, and a sandpit. Surrounded by shady trees, this corner of Tusmore Park is free to use and perfect for families to linger on long summer days.
Stirling Street, Tusmore
Waterworld Aquatic Centre
In Ridgehaven, Waterworld Aquatic Centre delivers full-throttle summer excitement for all ages. The centre features three heated outdoor pools, including a 50-metre main pool, a learners’ pool, and a shallow toddler pool with interactive splash elements. Thrill-seekers can tackle towering waterslides, twisty chutes, and racing slides, while adults find calmer spots on grassy lawns or under shade, with picnic tables, BBQs, and a café nearby. From paddling toddlers to adrenaline-loving teens, Waterworld makes it easy for everyone to join the fun.
Golden Grove Road, Ridgehaven
Coming Soon
Adelaide Aquatic Centre
Set to reopen in early 2026, the Adelaide Aquatic Centre combines modern design with sun-soaked outdoor fun. The outdoor precinct features a lagoon-style pool for floating or casual laps, an interactive splash pad and waterplay area for little ones, and expansive lawns with BBQs and picnic spots. Indoors, a 10-lane, 50-metre pool, a warm-water rehabilitation pool, and a learn-to-swim pool offer year-round options. Shaded areas, a cafe, and improved access make this a sun-drenched escape just minutes from the CBD — the kind of space built for long summer afternoons and playful family days.
Coming soon, Jeffcott Road, North Adelaide
Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre
Adelaide’s eastern suburbs favourite is being transformed into a modern, inclusive aquatic hub set to open in late 2026. The redeveloped Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre will feature a 10-lane, 50-metre outdoor pool, an 8-lane, 25-metre indoor pool, and an 11 x 20-metre indoor learners’ pool, plus a 14-metre tower with two waterslides and a zero-depth waterplay area perfect for toddlers. Accessibility is a priority, with ramps, lifts, and aquatic wheelchairs ensuring everyone can join the fun. Shaded lawns, BBQs, and picnic tables will complete the outdoor experience, creating the perfect summer retreat for families and swimmers of all abilities.
Coming soon, 194 O G Road, Felixstow
Looking for more great ways to spend a hot summer’s day? Sip on spritzes with a view at these gorgeous rooftop bars or catch the latest flicks in air-conditioned comfort at our favourite cinemas.
