Colorado Springs is hitting 84 degrees today, and the kind of summer heat that makes staying inside feel like a waste. If you've been looking for a reason to get the family outside and cooled off, this weekend is it.

The good news: Colorado Springs has a solid lineup of free and low-cost water options that are open and accessible right now. Here's where to take the family.

Uncle Wilber Fountain at Acacia Park: Free and Downtown

Uncle Wilber Fountain is the anchor of Colorado Springs' free water play options. Located in Acacia Park in the heart of downtown, the fountain is free to use and runs daily from noon to 6:00 p.m.

The fountain is a genuine Colorado Springs institution. Families who grew up here will remember it, and families who are newer to the area tend to discover it and immediately understand why it's been a summer staple for decades. The downtown location makes it easy to combine with a lunch stop or a walk through the park before or after the water play.

There's no admission, no registration, and no special equipment required. Bring a change of clothes and you're set. Parking in the Acacia Park area is available at nearby downtown lots and garages.

Deerfield Hills Spray Ground: 50-Plus Nozzles

Deerfield Hills Spray Ground has been open since June 1 and offers one of the most impressive spray pad setups in Colorado Springs: more than 50 spray nozzles spread across a dedicated play area. That's a lot of water features for kids who want to run through something more dynamic than a single fountain.

Spray grounds like this one don't require swimming, which makes them accessible for younger kids and for families where not everyone is comfortable in a pool. The ground-level jets and arching water features let kids set their own pace, whether that means a cautious walk through the edge or a full sprint through the center.

Check the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services website at coloradosprings.gov/PRCS for current hours and any admission fees before you go.

Monument Valley Pool and Wilson Ranch Pool

If your family prefers a traditional pool setup with lanes, a deep end, and lifeguards on duty, both Monument Valley Pool and Wilson Ranch Pool are open daily through the summer season.

Monument Valley Pool sits near the landmark park and creek trail system in central Colorado Springs, which makes it a natural destination for families who want a water day and a walk. Wilson Ranch Pool serves the northwest part of the city.

Hours and admission fees for both pools should be verified at coloradosprings.gov/PRCS before you make the trip, as hours can vary by day and both pools observe seasonal closures for events and maintenance.

Tips for a Successful Water Day in Colorado Springs

July afternoons in Colorado Springs have a habit of producing afternoon thunderstorms, often between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you're planning a water outing, morning or early afternoon gives you the best window before storm activity rolls through. Keep an eye on the sky and have a plan for a quick exit if thunder rolls in.

Sunscreen is non-negotiable at Colorado Springs elevations. The altitude means UV exposure is more intense than at sea level, and wet skin reflects additional UV. Reapply frequently, especially after water play.

For Uncle Wilber Fountain and spray grounds, a waterproof bag with a dry change of clothes is the move. Nobody wants to spend the rest of the afternoon in wet shorts, and kids seem to go much harder in the water when they know dry clothes are waiting.

What's Next

• Uncle Wilber Fountain at Acacia Park: free, runs noon–6:00 p.m. daily through the summer season
• Deerfield Hills Spray Ground: open since June 1, 50-plus spray nozzles; check coloradosprings.gov/PRCS for hours and fees
• Monument Valley Pool: open daily; verify current hours and admission at coloradosprings.gov/PRCS
• Wilson Ranch Pool: open daily; same verification step recommended
• Plan your outing for morning or early afternoon to get ahead of typical Colorado afternoon thunderstorms
• Bring sunscreen, reapply often, and pack dry clothes for kids using spray grounds and fountains