Summer is the perfect season to cool-off at outdoor pools & splash pads in the Durham area. Kids can swim and splash for free this summer at Durham Parks and Recreation’s pools and spraygrounds. (Kids ages 0 to 18 are free)

All outdoor pools are cash or check only
Everyone who enters the pool must pay the admission fee including persons who are observing and not swimming.


Durham Spraygrounds

Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

East End Park Spray Ground

1200 N. Alston Ave., Durham
919-560-4355

Free. Open end of May through the end of September. 
Hours: Every day from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.


Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

Edison Johnson Spray Ground

500 West Murray Ave., Durham
919-560-4265

The Edison Johnson Spray Ground is located in between the Edison Johnson Recreation Center and Aquatics Center within Rock Quarry Park. In addition to the spray ground, there is also a playground, picnic tables and a grill. There is a also a short trail that connects the spray ground to the large field and tennis courts within Rock Quarry Park.

Free. Open the end of May through the end of September. 
Hours: Every day from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.


Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

Forest Hills Spray Ground 

1639 University Dr., Durham
919-560-4782

The Forest Hills Spray Ground is located in the playground area and can be accessed when the pool is closed. In addition to the spray ground, there is also a playground, picnic shelters and tables, grills, and tennis courts.

Free. Open the end of May through the end of September. 
Hours: Every day from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.


Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

Hillside Spray Ground

1221 Sawyer St., Durham
919-560-4783

Hillside Park Spray ground will be open June 7-August 16, 2019, and remains open on the weekends, August 17-September 2, 2019. 

The Hillside Pool Spray ground is located inside the Hillside Pool area and is only open during pool hours. Admission: Residents free ages 0-18, $3 adults (19+) and $2 seniors (55+). Nonresidents $5 ages 0-18, $8 adults and $7 seniors. Enjoy free admission on Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m.


Durham Pools

Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

Campus Hills Pool

2000 South Alston Ave., Durham
919-560-4444

Campus Hills Pool is an 8-lane indoor pool offering a number of water programs including exercise/fitness, swim lessons, swim teams, lap swim, and family swim. The pool has an aquatic lift to assist patrons who may not have the ability to access the pool via vertical ladders or stair systems. Open year-round.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Admission: Residents free ages 0-18, $4 adults and $3 seniors (55+). Nonresidents $5 ages 0-18, $9 adults and $8 seniors. 


Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

Edison Johnson Aquatic Center

500 West Murray Ave., Durham
919-560-4265

The Edison Johnson Aquatics Center is an 8-lane indoor pool offering a number of water programs including exercise/fitness, swim lessons, swim teams, lap swim, and family swim.The pool has an aquatic lift to assist patrons who may not have the ability to access the pool via vertical ladders or stair systems. Edison Johnson Aquatic Center also has a ramp entrance and water chair. Open year-round. 

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Admission: Residents free ages 0-18, $4 adults and $3 seniors (55+). Nonresidents $5 ages 0-18, $9 adults and $8 seniors. 


Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

Forest Hills Pool

1639 University Dr., Durham
919-560-4782

Forest Hills Pool will be open following resurfacing, planned for June 20. The pool will close on August 16, 2019.

Hours: Every day, 1-5 p.m.
Admission: Residents free ages 0-18, $3 adults and $2 seniors (55-plus). Nonresidents $5 ages 0-18, $8 adults and $7 seniors. Free admission on Tuesdays.


Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

Hillside Pool

1221 Sawyer St., Durham
919-560-4783

Hillside Pool will be open June 7 – September 2, 2019. Will reopen on September 7 for Pooch Plunge.
Hours: Every day from 1-5 p.m.

Admission: Residents free ages 0-18, $3 adults (19+) and $2 seniors (55+). Nonresidents $5 ages 0-18, $8 adults and $7 seniors. Enjoy free admission on Wednesdays, 1-5 p.m.


Photo: Durham Parks and Recreation

Long Meadow Pool

917 Liberty St., Durham
919-560-4202

Long Meadow Pool will be open June 7 through August 16, 2019.

Hours: Every day from 1-5 p.m.
Admission: Residents free ages 0-18, $3 adults (19+) and $2 seniors (55+). Nonresidents $5 ages 0-18, $8 adults and $7 seniors. Enjoy free admission on Mondays, 1-5 p.m.


Also See: Where to See Free Concerts in Durham This Summer

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Best of the Bull Staff
Author: Best of the Bull Staff

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