If you're looking to beat the heat in Oklahoma, swimming is a fun, family-friendly activity that is also great for your health. Luckily, the area is chock full of lakes, pools and other places to swim. Take note of the best swimming spots in Oklahoma before planning your next outing.

 

Old-fashioned swimming holes are hard to find nowadays, but Oklahomans can find one just an hour outside of Tulsa, in Pawnee. The Pawnee Bathhouse consists of a sandstone bathhouse, built in 1939, overlooking two acres of fresh water and sandy beach. This favorite cool-down spot features diving boards, platforms and affordable admission at $2 per person. For more information, visit www.cityofpawnee.com/pawnee-bathhouse.

 

Oklahoma's first indoor water park, Water Zoo is perfect for taking a dip or enjoying a splash and a slide, regardless of the weather. The park is currently on schedule for a grand opening between July 1 and Sept. 1. Located in Clinton, it will feature a retractable roof, 500 feet of waterslides and a multi-level play structure. For additional details, visit www.water-zoo.com/construction-schedule.

 

Where better to make a big splash than at the biggest lake in Oklahoma? Lake Eufaula, located in the southeastern part of the state, covers 600 miles of shoreline and attracts visitors from all over. In addition to swimming beaches, the lake is a favorite place for fishing and is surrounded by Eufaula State Park's miles of hiking and biking trails. For more information, visit www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4330.

 

Any watering hole with a swing and a slide can call itself a “water park," but White Water Bay is the real deal. This favorite destination for Oklahoma City kids, teens and families is a full-fledged water amusement park that features a variety of thrilling slides, family rides like the Big Kahuna and Castaway Creek, and the Keelhaul Falls raft ride. The park regularly hosts special events and “dive-in movies” on a big screen overlooking the pool. Visit www.whitewaterbay.com for more details.

 

What was once a community pool at Will Rogers Park in Oklahoma City has been turned into a full-fledged aquatic center. The recently revamped attraction hosts a variety of swim classes and activities, including the OKC Swim Team for kids 6-18. Individual admission as well as season passes are available for the pool, which now features a zero-depth entry area and a dual-flume slide. For more information, visit www.okc.gov/parks/pools/will_rogers.html.

 

Whether you're looking for a quick swim or a fun-filled day of water adventures, check out some of Oklahoma's best swimming spots for the next time you need to beat the heat.