The Last Chance Splash is an outdoor waterpark in Helena with a 50-meter heated pool. The pool and water park aren’t that huge compared to some of the more well-known regional and national water parks, but this is a well-maintained complex complete with a concession stand.
The water at the park is always clean and clear, and there are plenty of lifeguards to keep things safe when it opens around June 21st.
You can visit the water park for some fun on the slides or in the pool, sign up for one of the many water activities like polo or aerobics, as well as take swimming lessons for all ages.
The water slides are one of the main draws at the park. They go a long way towards ensuring kids never get tired of this place. Last Chance Splash is an ideal local stop-off place on a hot day for anyone in the vicinity of Helena.
The park doesn’t usually get too busy during the day unless there are big school groups coming through, although that is a bit more likely at weekends.
This is an absolutely family-friendly facility, and anyone planning on making frequent visits to the park should investigate the range of frequent swimmer passes available. This can work out quite well for families with multiple members, even over just a couple of weeks.
The locals have limited options for outdoor swimming so they make good use of this another reason why the park gets so much use in such a short period.
Last Chance Splash is in a great spot which is also adjacent to two impressive city parks. They are both surrounded by lots of outdoor activity options, and you can access this region of Helena from the I-15 via the Cedar Street Exit.
You can also get to the park along Highway 12 from Missoula to Last Chance Gulch where the water park is located.
The Main Features at Last Chance Splash
The 50-meter lap pool features diving boards and a deep end. There are two water slides and a lazy river, the splash pads that small kids seem to delight in, and there’s diving well with two diving boards. There is also an onsite bath house and family changing rooms.
For really small kids there is a zero-depth pool and a tiny water slide, while the adults may be more interested in relaxing in the nice area for sitting which has plenty of shade if needed.
The teens on the other hand will probably want to head for the deep end and the diving boards and water slides.
Visitors will also find various concession stands as well as lifeguards on duty. The pool temperature is maintained at a steady 82 degrees, and there are quite a few other available activities for kids during school holidays or anyone for that matter to get involved in.
Most visitors to the park report that they found the lifeguards and staff at the front desk to be friendly and helpful always a good sign at any leisure or service facility.
Other Activities
As the park is seasonal and has a short season at that from June to August various ways are offered at the water park to help you make the most of your time during the summer.
For instance, the Last Chance Splash Pool hosts fitness classes from Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm and 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm. The price is the same as the regular admission fee, and there’s no requirement for prior registration so just come and enjoy a class when you can!
As for the Swimming and water-based activities on offer, there are the following:
- Coached Lap Swimming
- Water Aerobics and Water Walking
- Water Polo
- Parent & Child Aquatics
- Preschool and Learn to Swim Classes
- Diving Lessons
- Adult Classes Specials like a Swim League (starter swim team), Swim Clinics (breaststroke & butterfly)
Hours and Fees at the Park
Under normal hours of operation, the hours at the park are typically 1.00 pm-7.00 pm and 1.00 pm-5.00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Fees at the park are around $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for seniors.
For information on fees as well as events and bookings, make sure you check out the Last Chance Splash official site.
The Bottom Line
All things considered, Last Chance Splash is a great little stop-off point in summer for anyone who feels drawn toward some water-based action.
This is going to be especially true for anyone with kids, but the park is popular once the summer is in full swing as the locals love it too!
This Helena water park is by no means the biggest that the majority of visitors have laid eyes on. Last Chance is well-located though, and within range of some decent views not to mention the city’s downtown area.
The water park may prove most delightful however to anyone stumbling across it by chance perhaps at the right time, on the right day, just when they needed it most but didn’t even know.