Sun City: The best resort pools in Las Vegas for summer, fall getaways

Summer is a great time to visit Las Vegas thanks to endless hours of sunshine and so many tempting pools to experience.

Pool season in Las Vegas usually starts in March and lasts through the end of October, which means there are plenty of opportunities for pool-themed getaways.

When considering your leisure travel to Las Vegas, frame your planning around the type of pool experience you’d like to have. Some resorts have family-friendly pools and waterpark amenities, while other pool scenes are more tailored to grown-up vacations.

Once you have in mind the pool experience you desire, tailor your visit to stay at one of these top resorts in Las Vegas. You’ll have complimentary pool access as a hotel guest, and benefit from additional onsite amenities and restaurants.

Caesars Palace: Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis

The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace features seven different pool experiences, so this is a winning bet for family or friend getaways alike. Complimentary loungers surround the pools, though those seeking a luxury experience can reserve a cabana or daybed at either the main pool complex or the Venus Pool, where adult guests can swim under the stars Thursdays through Sundays.

Families will find plenty of swim space at the Jupiter Pool, while the Neptune Pool tends to lean toward a more party-like atmosphere. If you’d like to combine pool time with a bit of blackjack, the Fortuna Pool is your go-to with swim-up blackjack tables along the Fortuna Bar.

When not swimming in style, Caesars Palace offers an amazing resort experience with endless onsite dining options, including the recently reopened Bacchanal Buffet. Onsite live entertainment includes headliner concerts at The Colosseum and live performances of Absinthe on the Roman Plaza.

Circa Las Vegas: Stadium Swim

Stadium Swim opens an hour earlier for hotel guests, and this is one of the rare Las Vegas pool venues that stays open year-round with inviting temperatures. With six pools and plenty of bar space, Stadium Swim also stays open late for the nightlife crowd, though take note this facility – and the resort – is for guests aged 21+ only.

Ideal for couples and friend group getaways, Stadium Swim is home to a 143-foot mega screen where the game of the day may be viewed from any lounger on the pool deck. There are also 30 cabanas and 38 daybeds available to rent, so you can translate a quick vacation into a true party weekend.

Circus Circus: Splash Zone & Pool

While some resorts cater to the adult crowd, Circus Circus is one of the most family-friendly resorts and pool facilities in Sin City. The resort’s Splash Zone & Pool is also a favorite among kids, thanks to over an acre of waterpark fun on the Strip.

Between two swimming pools and whirlpools, a 50-foot slide tower and a full water playground, this resort is your go-to when seeking an ideal soaker of a vacation for the whole family. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a mat racer slide, tube slide and speed slide options. Even the tiniest of family members will appreciate the all-ages Splash Pad featuring waterfalls and splashing buckets.

Long after the sun goes down, Circus Circus wins with families thanks to The Adventuredome amusement park with an assortment of thrilling rides and nonstop circus performances.

Golden Nugget: The Tank

Golden Nugget’s award-winning pool complex famously features a 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium that guests can view up close while gliding down the enclosed waterslide or when splashing in the family pool.

The pool and slide is all-ages while The Hideout bar section is exclusively for guests 21 and up. While hotel guests have complimentary admission to the pool and slide, non-hotel guests may access the pool area Monday through Thursday with an admission fee.

Mandalay Bay: Mandalay Beach

Why yes, there is a beach on the Las Vegas Strip, and Mandalay Bay Beach is one of the most popular destinations for families seeking classic waterpark fun. This 11-acre aquatic playground includes a wave pool, lazy river, and ample pool space for those who just want to chill.

Kids must be at least 48” tall to swim and splash in the wave pool, as inner tubes are only permitted on the lazy river. Guests may bring their own tubes or purchase one onsite. And while families may take center stage throughout the aquatic play areas, there are dedicated adult zones and daytime beach clubs if you’re traveling with a more grown-up crowd.

For all ages, Mandalay Bay is also home to Michael Jackson ONE, an award-winning Cirque du Soleil performance. There are also more than 20 onsite food and drink venues at Mandalay so even the toughest of tiny food critics will find a favorite.

MGM Grand: Grand Pool Complex

With 6.5 acres of fun, the Grand Pool Complex offers fun in the sun with four swimming pools, three whirlpools, and cascading waterfalls setting the scene.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy floating along the lazy river that winds through the entire pool complex, and those who rent a cabana will have pool rafts, towel service, and dedicated service for their private space. Guests may also bring their own circular tube floats and enjoy a wide range of complimentary poolside seating.

For the day party crowd, MGM Grand’s Wet Republic is an adult-only playground with its own dipping pools, bungalows and DJ entertainers.

Planet Hollywood: The Scene Pool Deck

Treat your teens to a sweet ride, as Planet Hollywood’s pool deck features a double wave surf simulator. The FlowRider offers guaranteed surfing and boarding waves to novices and pros alike, with an absorbing surface so there’s no need to fear wiping out.

The Scene Pool Deck also features two distinct pools, each with its own bar and service, with one catering to adults and the other dedicated to a family-friendly vibe. Cabanas and daybeds are available no matter which pool is your preference, though you’ll find a DJ at the adult pool if you prefer a more lively environment.

In addition to headliner acts, Planet Hollywood is also home to Criss Angel’s Mindfreak, an iconic illusion performance best suited for adults, though kids 12 and up should do just fine.