Splish Splash! Billings Pools Are Almost Open for Summer 2025

Get ready to break out the swimsuits, water wings, and SPF 50 — the City of Billings Parks and Recreation Department is officially kicking off the 2025 aquatics season. And if you’re like me, just the thought of cannonballs and chlorine brings back a flood of fond summertime childhood memories.

Parks crews got the splashy ball rolling over Memorial Day weekend by opening the spray grounds at six city parks. Billings' pools will be welcoming swimmers starting June 14th, when both Rose Park Pool and South Pool open at noon.

If your littles prefer to dip rather than dive, the wading pools at Pioneer and Hawthorne parks open June 18th. Bonus: Free swim lessons will be offered June 16–19 at South Pool, but make sure to register ahead of time as they’ll likely fill up fast.

Photo by LeeAnn Cline on Unsplash

Dozens of new lifeguards are ready for the season.

Some of my best memories as a kid were at the pool. Long summer days spent trying to perfect the “no splash” dive, sucking down grape Otter Pops and ice cream sandwiches from the concession stand, and racing my friends across the pool like we were Olympic athletes.

This year, Parks & Rec is onboarding over 60 new lifeguards, all Red Cross certified, to help keep our pools safe and fun. Here’s what you need to know for your summer schedule:

Rose Pool: Daily, 12–7 PM
South Pool: Daily, 12–6 PM
Wading Pools: Daily, 12–6 PM
Spray Grounds: On timers, 10 AM–8 PM

Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash

Cool off through the end of August.

Pools are expected to stay open through August 30th, wrapping up with the always-popular "Dog Days of Summer Swim" on August 31st from noon to 3 PM at Rose Park.

One quick note: the North Park spray ground is still under repair, but crews are working on it. For all the latest pool info, schedules, and updates, visit Billings Parks & Rec and follow them on social media.

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Five of the Biggest Waterfowl in Montana

I fake my bird knowledge.

When we happen to spot a tall bird wandering in a marshy area, I'll say to my spouse, "Look! There's a loon!" but it could very well be a crane.

Like most Montanans, I can recognize bald eagles, wild turkeys, robins, Canadian geese, a few types of ducks, etc., but most of the time when we see a big, unusual-looking bird on our adventures, I'm lost.

90% of the time, I'm probably incorrect. If you're like me, perhaps this article will help you identify five of the biggest waterfowl you'll see in Montana.

Gallery Credit: Michael Foth

Source: Splish Splash! Billings Pools Are Almost Open for Summer 2025

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