Hillcrest Aquatic Center
Brookings, SD
Outdoor aquatic center in Brookings with a dedicated spray pad, zero-depth leisure pool, kiddie play areas, slides, concessions, and grassy space for longer summer visits.
Official city image showing the leisure pool portion of Hillcrest Aquatic Center.
Photo 1 of 2. Official city image showing the leisure pool portion of Hillcrest Aquatic Center.
Editorial notes
What stands out
The strongest family water-play option in this region if you want a spray pad plus enough extra features to entertain siblings of different ages.
Good fit
- Mixed-age families who want more than a quick splash pad stop
- Kids who like spray features plus pools and slides
- Longer summer outings with room to spread out on grass or lounge seating
Consider another option if
- Families looking for a free drop-in splash pad
- Caregivers who want a compact, easy-to-exit spray ground only
- Quick visits where paid aquatic-center admission feels like too much
Know Before You Go
- Season
- End of May through mid-August
- Bring
- Swimsuits
- Bring
- Towels
- Bring
- Sunscreen
- Bring
- Water shoes if preferred for splash areas
- Bring
- Money for concessions or rentals
What to Expect
For kids
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
- Ground sprays
- Tipping bucket
For caregivers
- Benches
- Concessions
- Free parking
- Playground
- Pavilion rentals
- Partly shaded
- Visit type
- Destination style summer water outing
Read more about this location
Hillcrest Aquatic Center is Brookings' main outdoor public aquatic facility and includes a true spray-pad component alongside multiple pools. Families get a zero-depth leisure pool with spray features, a separate spray pad with bucket drops, geysers, and water cannon, plus a wading pool, slides, concessions, and lawn space. It works especially well for mixed-age groups because toddlers can stay near gentler water play while older kids have more to do across the larger complex. This is a better choice for families wanting a fuller waterpark-style outing than a quick standalone splash stop.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
Paid municipal aquatic center rather than a free neighborhood splash pad.
Accessibility
Considerations
Confirm specific accessible restroom and route details directly with the city if they are essential for your visit.
Accessibility and comfort
Wheelchair accessible
Accessibility and comfort
Accessible restroom nearby
Location
1505 5th Street North
Brookings, SD, 57006
Other options nearby
Splash Zone Waterpark
Hotel-operated waterpark in Brookings with a zero-depth play area, spray cannons, dumping bucket, lazy river, slides, and family-friendly resort-style water play.
Sources & Updates
4 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 10, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 10, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 4 public sources
Public sources
- City of Brookings - Hillcrest Aquatic Centercityofbrookings-sd.gov
Official city page describes the spray-pad with bucket drops, geysers, and water cannon.
Checked: name, operator, features, spray pad presence, booking context
- City of Brookings - Facility Detailscityofbrookings-sd.gov
Checked: address, phone, hours, images
- Brookings Parks, Recreation and Forestrycityofbrookings-sd.gov
Checked: department operator, booking system
- Visit Brookings - Hillcrest Aquatic Centervisitbrookingssd.com
Checked: secondary listing confirmation
What changed
April 10, 2026
Created production listing from official Brookings facility and parks sources.