PITTSBURG, Kan. — Spring graduation season is a sure sign that summer vacation is just around the corner. In a matter of days, kids of all ages will be able to spend a lot of quality time with parents, play video games, and simply enjoy the innocence of childhood all day long with Mom and Dad.

A good way to keep the ‘youngins’ occupied, entertained, and worn out is to spend a few hours at Lincoln Park each day. Not only is there plenty of space to run around in, two of the park’s main attractions are opening soon.

The Pittsburg Aquatic Center opens for the season on Friday, May 22, operating from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. on weekends. The aquatic center features a large pool, two water slides, a lazy river, kiddie pool with slide, and a sand volleyball court.

Admission to the center is $4 for swimmers 15 and under or 55 and older. For ages 16 to 54, admission is $5. Anyone under four is free.

If you are a true sun worshipper planning to spend a lot of time at the pool this year, the aquatic center offers individual season passes for $50.

For those who can’t wait for the aquatic center to open, a more low-key option to beat the heat is at the Schlanger Park splash pad, opening May 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Another favorite at Lincoln Park is Kiddieland, also opening on May 22. Until the end of May, Kiddieland will only be open from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Beginning June 2 through August 9, Friday’s hours will be extended to include Tuesday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours will remain the same.

Both Kiddieland and the aquatic center can be booked for private parties.

For more information about Kiddieland, the aquatic center, and summer events in the park, visit pittrec.org

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews