Believe it or not, there is water in the desert, and as the temperature heats up, Las Vegas residents flock to the cool, refreshing waters of the city’s best pools and waterparks. Nobody needs a pool in the back yard. When it comes time for a whole day of family fun, pack up the water wings and hit the city’s best water-soaked options for fun ranging from water polo to tunnels through shark-filled aquariums.

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Pavilion Center Pool
101 South Pavilion Center Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89144
(702) 229-1488
www.lasvegasnevada.gov

Price: free ages 0 to 3/$1 ages 4 to 17/$2 ages 18 to 49/$1.50 ages 50 and older

Reopened in December 2010, Pavilion Center Pool is a cool oasis in the heart of Summerlin. A 25-yard indoor pool with retractable walls and roof, Pavilion features both a one-meter and three-meter diving board, pool toys and lockers. It offers swimming classes — both group and private — as well as water polo and synchronized swimming. One-month, three-month and one-year passes are available for individuals, families and seniors here. Rent out the whole facility for parties, or slip in for a quick dip and a few sun-soaked hours at this multi-faceted facility.

Related: Best Places in Vegas for a Picnic

Photo Credit: goldennugget.com

The Tank
129 East Fremont St.
In Golden Nugget Casino
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 385-7111
www.goldennugget.com

Price: $20 for adults/$10 for kids

Located on Freemont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, The Tank inside Golden Nugget Casino promises a mini-vacation for the whole family. This swimming pool surrounds a 200,000-gallon salt-water tank, home to exotic fish, stingrays and sharks. A three-story waterslide sends brave souls careening through a path in the aquarium  — safe from its inhabitants, of course — while the faint at heart and those just looking for a tan relax in wicker sofas or lounge chairs partially submerged in the pool. The Tank is open to the public when hotel occupancy is not at 100 percent, so be sure to call ahead before slipping into that swimsuit. Book a private cabana to make a day, and a family event, out of a visit to The Tank.

Photo Credit: clarkcountynv.gov

Hollywood Indoor Pool and Outdoor Water Park
1550 S. Hollywood
Las Vegas, NV 89142
(702) 455-8508
www.clarkcountynv.gov

Click here for prices

Opened in conjunction with Clark County School District, the Hollywood Indoor Pool offers a 25-yard lap pool kept at a comfortable 80 to 82 degrees and a small training pool with family swim hours. At the outdoor water park, relax on the lazy river or get the family’s blood pumping on two water slides. Then introduce the younger members of the family to the shallow end in its beach-entry pool. Hollywood offers swimming lessons, water aerobics, water polo, aqua boot camp and tons of exciting family friendly programs. Families with special-needs members will appreciate catered programming designed just for their loved ones needs. For birthdays and special occasions, Hollywood offers specials including a private room or shaded picnic area.

Related: Best Public Pools in Las Vegas

Sheryl Greenblatt is a Long Island, NY native who has been living (and thawing) in Las Vegas for approximately four years now. She writes mystery novels, works as a freelance writer and is the proud mother of a six year old Beagle/Yellow Lab rescue named after Anne Rices Mother of all Vampires. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.