![Big Splash Waterpark slides](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/241476037_1896399107211493_782452758133589891_n-1200x900.jpg)
Spend a day on the slides at Big Splash this summer. Photo: Big Splash Waterpark, Facebook.
Now that the weather is warmer and it finally feels like summer, we’ve collated a list of some of our favourite places to swim and splash to escape the heat and humidity.
All you’ll need to bring is a towel, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and swimmers, something to drink, and maybe some snacks (you get the idea).
If swimming in nature isn’t your thing, here’s a list of some of Canberra’s local pools open this summer to help you escape the heat.
Plus, there’s nothing better than sitting poolside, packing a picnic or purchasing hot chips and ice blocks to enjoy with all your friends … without the risk of stepping on a blue bottle or risking swimming with the sharks at the beach. And you can avoid the sand too!
Did we mention Canberra even has its own waterpark, as well as some pools with waterslides?
![Manuka Pool](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-10-26-Balloon-Aloft-13-810x540.jpg)
Manuka Pool has been cool for more than 90 years. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Manuka Pool
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to 7 pm
Where is it located: New South Wales Cres, Griffith
Entry cost: From $4.10; see admission prices here.
![swimming pool](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/download-4-1200x790.png)
Pools, splash park, BBQ areas and some pretty awesome trees Photo: Dickson Aquatic Centre, Facebook.
Dickson Aquatic Centre
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 6 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to 7 pm
Where is it located: 152 Cowper St, Dickson
Entry cost: From $4.10; see admission prices here.
![waterpark](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/259774738_1900680610116676_7053092861300843794_n-1200x900.jpg)
Slip, slip, slap and slide at Big Splash. Photo: Big Splash Waterpark Canberra, Facebook.
Big Splash Waterpark
Opening hours: Daily, from 11 am to 5 pm
Where is it located: 1 Catchpole street, Macquarie, ACT
Entry cost: General admission from $6, slide tickets from $12, can be purchased here.
![swimming pool](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/309842484_10160358422412188_7817198834350475205_n-1-1200x800.jpg)
You don’t always need sunscreen to enjoy a pool. Photo: Canberra Olympic Pool, Facebook.
Canberra Olympic Pool
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm, Sunday, 8 am to 1 pm (indoor 50-metre pool only)
Where is it located: 36 Constitution Ave, Canberra
Entry cost: From $4.10; see admission prices here.
![swimming pool](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/305807442_497707649027999_8812603422707635759_n-1200x800.jpg)
The AIS Aquatic Centre houses both 50-metre and 25-metre indoor heated pools. Photo: AIS Aquatic Centre, Facebook.
AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 6 am to 9:50 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 8 am to 7:50 pm
Where is it located: Leverrier St, Bruce
Entry cost: From $6; see admission fees here.
![swimming pool](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/312560358_793081162038132_8448248377725068710_n-1200x802.jpg)
For January, an inflatable will be in the pool, open to the public between 11 am and 2 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Photo: Lakeside Leisure Centre, Facebook.
Lakeside Leisure Centre
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 5:30 am to 9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7 am to 7:30 pm
Where is it located: Corner Anketell Street and Athllon Drive, Tuggeranong
Entry cost: From $5.60; see admission prices here.
![swimming pool](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/322073078_598994515326090_6898565806697161973_n.jpg)
On Wednesday 11 and Thursday, 12 January, the pool inflatable at Gungahlin Leisure Centre will be open to the public. Photo: Gungahlin Leisure Centre, Facebook.
Gungahlin Leisure Centre
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 5: 30 am to 9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7 am to 7:30 pm
Where is it located: 71 The Valley Ave, Gungahlin
Entry cost: From $4.15; see admission prices here.
![swimming pool](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/29872996_1633288750102974_6543505771028357915_o.jpg)
Active Leisure Centre is part of the Erindale Education and Recreation Complex. Photo: Active Leisure Centre, Facebook.
Active Leisure Centre
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 5: 30 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7 am to 7 pm
Where is it located: McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa
Entry cost: From $4.15; see admission prices here.
![swimming pool](https://the-riotact.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/285695447_441863401277686_974748993441675979_n.jpg)
There’s more to the Stromlo Leisure Centre than the pool. Photo: Stromlo Leisure Centre, Facebook.
Stromlo Leisure Centre
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 5: 30 am to 9: 30 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 7 am to 7: 30 pm
Where is it located: Corner of Uriarra Road and Dave McInnes Rd, Stromlo
Entry cost: From $4.15; see admission prices here.
Have we missed any places that are also worth a visit? List them in the comments below.