7 best outdoor pools in the GTA

1. Birdseye Aquatic Facility

This is the perfect outdoor pool if you're looking for a scenic place to spend the afternoon. It's located right by the lake (hello, picturesque) and is open for public splashing from 12 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. pm on weekdays. If you're looking for some weekend fun, the pool is open from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. And after blowing bubbles and playing Motorboat, your kids can dry off at the nearby playground.

Go play: 258 Water St., Port Perry 905-982-0830 durhamregion.com> 

2. Mountainside Pool and Park

Whether you have a kid who's practicing her breaststroke or a little one who's still trying to blow bubbles, this outdoor pool is the place for your family. They have a wading pool for little ones, where they can kick their little feet and splash around in peace. Big kids can work their fins in the six-lane swimming pool. And if they feel adventurous, they can slip down the waterslide!  On top of the water-ful fun, there's also basketball courts, a skate park and a playground.

Go play: 2205 Mount Forest Dr., Burlington 905-322-6060 burlington.ca>

3. Bronte Creek Provincial Park Swimming Pool

There's lots of fun to be had at the Bronte Creek Provincial Park—it's a great place for a day trip or a weekend of camping. You will have to buy a pass to get into the park, but it's so worth it. Start your day at the outdoor pool, splishing and splashing with the kids. There are life jackets on site and lifeguards on duty at all times. It costs an additional fee to use the pool. After enjoying lunch at one of the 11 picnic stations (complete with barbecues), you can explore the trails on foot or on bike. Your intrepid explorers might want to try their hand at fishing or birding. Then you need to check out the Nature Centre, where they can learn more about the park (and get messy!). There's also a living history museum where kids can learn what it was like to be an early farmer.

Go play: 1219 Burloak Dr., Oakville 905-827-6911 ontarioparks.com>

4. Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

You can have all day fun at this outdoor pool, open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, as long as there's no thunder or lightning! Beach entry allows you and your kids to slowly get your feet wet before jumping right in. Plus, its accessible entry is great for anyone with accessibility needs. If your little one isn't a fan of bopping in the pool, then check out the splash pad. There are lots of cool features that will spray you, splash you and make sure everyone is having a grand old time! There's an admission fee of $2.75 for anyone older than two with a park membership, and it's an additional $4.75 for non-members to enjoy the park for the day.

Go play: 1100 Whites Rd. S., Pickering 416-661-6600 trca.on.ca>

5. The Lakeview Splash at Albion Hills Conservation Area

Plan a family pool and picnic day at this awesome conservation area! They have a four-foot deep heated pool—parents will love this feature. Right next to the pool is a large interactive splash pad, so you can be with one kid in the pool and still see your other cutie playing in the splash pad. Your wee fish will squeal with joy when the buckets of water dump down on her. This is one rocking splash pad. Don't forget to pack a lunch, which you can enjoy at one of 11 shaded picnic areas.

Go play: 16500 Highway 50, Caledon 905-880-4855 trca.on.ca>

6. Wild Wetland Splash Pad & Pool at Heart Lake Conservation Park

Have fun in the water, even if it isn’t sunny, thanks to this heated pool. Your little ones may not mind some freezing cold water, but you might. Next to the pool is a wetland-themed splash pad, where kids can get wild under the drooping daises, spraying dandelions and more. Oh, did we mention the two awesome slides? Some can swim, some can splash, some can slide, but everyone will be smiling! Admission is $4.75 plus admission to the park for people two years and older.

Go play: 10818 Heart Lake Rd., Brampton 416-667-6295 trca.on.ca>

7. Cedar Park Resort

Do you have one little tyke and one bigger kid who can't agree on how to spend their afternoons? Well, this pool is for you. There's a regular-sized pool along with a tot pool. Plus, it has one of the coolest splash pads around. There's a jungle gym to climb on, an enormous bucket to soak you and jets to spray you. Now, are you ready to zip down one of three twisty slides? Yes, three! This resort is one wet wonderland. On top of all the fun-filled amenities, they also have picnic tables with covered shelters to make lunchtime a cool affair.

Go play: 6296 Cedar Park Road, Bowmanville 905-263-8109 cedarparkresort.ca

Read more: Canada's best weekend getaways> 50 essential summer activities> Exercise: Pregnancy workouts in the water>