Get ready to make a splash.
Touting its successful recruitment of a full complement of more than 700 lifeguards, the Chicago Park District announced that the city’s outdoor pools will open on June 19 — two days earlier than in 2025 — and will stay open through Labor Day, further extending the swimming season.
“Chicago Park District neighborhood pools are essential community resources that provide recreation, wellness opportunities, and relief during periods of extreme summer heat,” Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said in a statement.
Outdoor pools will operate seven days a week and eight hours a day throughout the summer season. Schedules and programming varies by location, so the Park District recommends checking on an individual pool’s availability before heading out the door.
Pools at Hamlin, Holstein and Tuley Parks are undergoing improvements and aren’t expected to open until July.
In addition to the city’s 77 indoor and outdoor pools, the Park District has lifeguards stationed daily at lakefront beaches, which opened May 22. The Humboldt Park inland beach will open June 19.
Pools will operate on adjusted schedules on Juneteenth. People can similarly expect shortened hours on July 3 and July 4.
With temperatures expected to soar into the 90s this week, people can cool off at neighborhood splash pads, many of which are already open for the season.
According to a Park District spokesperson, crews began turning on water spray features in late May and all 200-plus will be open by June 19.
In 2025, the Park District staggered pool closures, closing the majority by mid-August, but keeping some open through Sept. 1 due to the late summer heat. This year, pools will close Sept. 7.
