Photo courtesy of Editor B/Flickr

There's nothing like splashing around in cool water on a hot summer day. Whether you're a kid or a grown up, there are plenty of places to get wet and wild in Missoula. Here is a guide to some of our city's top water attractions:

 

Whether you're a kid or a grown-up, there are plenty of places to get wet and wild in Missoula. Here is a guide to some of our city's top water attractions:

Photo courtesy of SROA SHARC/Flickr

 

Located just south of Sentinel High School on Bancroft Street, Splash Montana is one of Missoula's most popular summer hotspots. It features three awesome three-story water slides, a small slide for young children, spray fountains, a lazy river float-way, floating play structures and “The Lake” – an Olympic-sized pool with 50-meter and 25-yard lap lanes.


 

Photo courtesy of jshontz/Flickr

 

A favorite practice spot for local kayakers, this man-made wave doubles as a natural waterslide for those floating the Clark Fork on tubes and rafts. And since it's conveniently located right in front of Caras Park and the Riverfront Trail, you can climb ashore, walk back a few yards, and relive the fun over and over again.

 

Photo courtesy of Katie@!/Flickr

3

The beach in East Missoula


 

 

The small strip of sandy shoreline across from Sha-Ron fishing access is probably the closest thing to a real beach in the Missoula area. A fence installed by private land owners a couple of years ago significantly reduced the amount of beach space available for public use, but it's still a pretty busy place on a hot day.

 

Photo courtesy of Editor B/Flickr

4

Public park splash decks


 

 

Several Missoula parks operate splash decks during the summer months, including Bonner Park, Franklin Park, Marilyn Park and Westside Park. They were created for kids, but I just can't pass up the opportunity to run through one of these after a long run on a hot summer day.

 

Photo courtesy of David Boyle in DC/Flickr

5

Your own backyard

 

 

From sprinklers to Slip 'n Slides, there are plenty of options for home-based water fun. All you need is a hose and a few good friends, and you've got a party.

 

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