About
Water park with a splash park, slides and a lazy river for inner tubes.
While the exact specific temperatures for the pools at the Southside Family Aquatic Facility are not individually published, Spokane Parks & Recreation generally states that all of its aquatic facilities are heated for the comfort and safety of its patrons.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The Southside Family Aquatic Facility is generally considered a good destination for families with children up to 10-12 years old, offering a zero-depth activity pool, multiple slides, a play structure, and a lazy river with features like geysers and tumble buckets. Amenities include heated water, lounge chairs, picnic tables with umbrellas, and concessions (no outside food). Lifeguards are noted for ensuring safety. However, a major point of criticism is the facility's rigid and unyielding ticket and capacity policy; groups have been denied entry even when space visibly becomes available or other patrons offer to give up their spots, leading to significant disappointment due to a lack of flexibility and empathy from staff. Some visitors also reported issues with cold water in the lazy river/slides and a concession item. The cost is minimal, with two 3-hour sessions offered. It is strongly advised to make reservations online and in advance to secure a spot, as the facility fills up quickly, and to plan visits around the session times to avoid paying twice.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Good for Children
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Accessible Entrance
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Accessible Restroom
Reviews
Listing Reviews
July 21st, 2025Emily Graves
We visited the Southside Family Aquatic Facility on a Saturday afternoon and unfortunately had a disappointing experience due to a rigid and unyielding ticket policy. Our group was split into two parties: the first half (two adults and two children) arrived around 2:30 PM and were able to purchase tickets and enter without issue. The second half of our group (one adult and two young children) arrived shortly after at 3:00 PM, unaware that tickets had sold out for the day. Since none of us had purchased tickets in advance, they were denied entry despite arriving only 30 minutes later. What made the situation particularly upsetting was that several families were visibly leaving the facility as we spoke with staff. We asked if it would be possible for our friends to take the spots of those who had exited, but were told this was not allowed under any circumstances. Even when a kind stranger inside the park offered to give up their spots for our group, the staff refused to make any accommodations. The policy was presented as inflexible, with no room for compassion or situational discretion—despite two very disappointed young children crying at the gate. To make matters worse, an employee (likely a teenage staff member) seated behind the front counter repeatedly told the front desk attendant "no" each time she asked if an exception could be made, leaving her to be the bearer of bad news without offering any personal engagement or empathy. We understand the need for rules and capacity limits, especially for safety. However, it seems entirely reasonable to re-evaluate a system that prevents entry even when space clearly becomes available. A little flexibility or humanity—particularly when dealing with families and small children—would go a long way.
August 10th, 2023Amanda Baremore (Mom What’s Next CDA)
The Southside Family Aquatic Center is located at Prairie View Community Park. The center features a zero depth activity pool, concessions (no outside food), lockers (must provide a lock), heated water, lounge chairs, picnic tables with umbrellas. There is a Lazy river with rapids, geysers and tumble buckets. Play structure with buckets, spray tubes and water cannons. Last but not least there is multiple water slides: 120-ft long slide, 168-ft long slide and a 200-ft long water slide. All have different height requirements! The cost is minimal: $6 for age 6+, $3 for age 3-5, 2 and under is free. There is two 3-hour sessions: 11-2pm, and 2:30-5:30pm. Reservations can be made online and in advance to secure a spot.
July 30th, 2023Thomas Schwarzer
Great place for kids up to 10-12 years old. 3 fun slides, large umbrellas to get some shade. Closes at 2 pm for 1/2 hour, so plan your stay accordingly to not pay twice.
August 14th, 2025Lisa Oroyt
Nice place, reserve your spot because it fills up quick. Not sure why they call it a lazy river...no tubes but it's a fun place. Bonus is they sell food and snacks. $7 bucks a person 6yra old and up isn't horrible!
June 19th, 2025Jack Page
The water in the lazy river in slides was more cold than warm And my frozen lemonade had weird red slime on it and it got all over my hands and was hard to get off, but the lifeguards keep the kids safe
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM |
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| Monday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 2:30 – 5:30 PM |