Splash Mode On: The Ultimate Grand Forks Region Waterside Experience

Let’s make a splash – no pooling around here! Grand Forks Region has some great spots for everyone of all ages. Let’s dive in.

Starting mid-May to September, the University of North Dakota turns on their splashtastic splash pad! University Spray Park hours are from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. This fantastic amenity is a great way for kids to burn off some energy. With no standing water, the design allows kids of all ages and mobility to enjoy this wonder. It is a spraycation spot where laughter bubbles up and everyone leaves feeling refreshingly happy.

Elks Pool also has a splash pad called Elks Spray Park. This pad is FREE and open to the public. It’s the perfect place for kids to spray, splash, and soak up the fun without needing to dive into deep water. Open mid-May through September; hours are from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Put this splash pad on your calendar soon!

First up is East Grand Forks Swimming Pool – Sherlock Park. This pool opens Thursday, June 5^th, 2026. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm, Tuesday and Friday from 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday are from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The pool has family friendly swims on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays (5:30 pm to 8:00 pm), so bring the whole crew for some poolside bonding. With prices ranging from just $2-$7 per swim and season passes available (varying prices), it is easy to dive right in without draining your wallet. You can even book a private event at Sherlock Park – talk about making waves with your own exclusive party. A spot you would want to make a splash at!

Next up, Riverside Swimming Pool in Grand Forks. This pool also opens Thursday, June 5^th, 2026. Weekday hours are from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and weekends from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. You will find a diving board, water slide, and toddler pool here; something for everyone. Worked up an appetite? Concession area available onsite. Picnic and playground areas are a hop, skip, and a jump away at Riverside Park. Kids aged 4-12 can test the water with swim lessons (levels 1-6) for $72. You can also pick the option that fits your budget without going overboard with individual, season, group, or swim booklets (costs vary). You will be swimming back for more in no time!

Lastly, Elks Pool in Grand Forks. Whether you are just testing the waters with an individual day pass, going all in with a season pass or a swim booklet, or grabbing your closest friends for a group pass, there’s an option for every swimmer here. Opening date is June 3^rd, 2026, to August 12^th, 2026. Hours include Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Saturday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Elks offers swimming lessons to children aged 4-12; from levels 1 through 6 ($72 to sign up). Your kids will be pool pros in no time. When you are ready to dry off, you can float over to the concession stand for a treat, chill out in the picnic areas, or let the little one’s monkey around at the playground. You will have a swimmingly good time here this summer!

First up to dive in, the YMCA Aquatics. The YMCA offers a welcoming experience for all ages. Whether you are a first-time swimmer, signing up to be the next Michael Phelps with swimming laps, or looking to take lessons, everyone can build confidence here. Taking a trip to the ocean soon? The YMCA offers scuba classes; all you have to do is call to sign up. Swim lessons, water exercise, and lap swim have different hours from general open swim. Typically, it is open on Monday through Friday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Join in the fun!

On deck, Choice Health and Fitness Aquatics. This indoor pool has programs for all ages. Choice little swimmers is a series of programs that introduce your child to the water lifestyle. Starting from 9 months old to 4 years old, you will have them swimming in no time. The water aerobics program is designed for adults looking to get a great cardio workout. They also have Senior Splash that helps with muscle and joint stiffness. General pool hours are Monday through Friday from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Summer hours are Monday through Friday from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Do not forget their water slide and lazy river features. It’s a great all-season setup where the fun never dries up.

In the hole, or should I say the last lap, Splasher’s of the South Seas: Canad Inns. Here you can find: the Rarotonga (cannonbowl slide), the Tasman sea (activity pool), the Coral Sea (kiddie pool), the Banda Sea (slide pool), the East Australian Current (lazy river), the Malucca Sea Adult Hot Tub, the Great Barrier Reef (concession stand), and the Kids Play Area with giant Waterfall Bucket. Oh, did I forget to mention Splasher’s is connected to a hotel? There are a ton of different packages to choose from. Some cool deals Splasher’s has are all Grand Forks residents are eligible for 20% off Monday through Thursday, all annual passes include 20% off food and beverages/party packages/cabana bookings, a BOGO deal on Thursdays, and more. Prices vary, so check out the South Seas!

Growing up in the Alexandria Lake Country area, Larimore Dam is a favorite; it is about as close to home as it gets. This spot features 125 seasonal campsites, giving you plenty of room to pitch your tent and settle in. The Dam itself reaches a depth of 66 feet and includes a boat ramp (no gas boats allowed). There is picnic areas sprinkled throughout the park, perfect for a laid-back afternoon or a special occasion. If you are looking for a reel good time, try fishing here. The Dam allows fishing all year round. Beyond the water, you will find a whole lineup of fun: softball, horseshoe, volleyball, frisbee golf, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Right next to the Dam is a 9-hole golf course. Talk about a hole-in-one location! The park/recreation area is open year-round, while the campground is open from May 1^st to October 1^st.

The ultimate swimmer’s gear guide covers everything you need for dams, splash pads, and indoor/outdoor pools so you are ready for any water adventure. For dams, water shoes for uneven ground, a bag for your wet/dry apparel, bug spray, sunscreen, towel, and a life jacket. Splash pad land you might want non-slip sandals, towel, and sunscreen. For indoor pools you will not need too much. Swim caps, goggles, and bags for wet/dry clothes are all you really need. Whereas outdoor pools require sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

From splash pads to river dam adventures, indoor pools to outdoor fun, the Grand Forks region is packed with endless ways to dive in, cool off, and make a splash all season long. No matter your age or style of swimming, there is always a place nearby where you can soak up the fun and let the good times flow.