Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center
A vibrant community hub offering aquatic fun, sports facilities, and affordable treats, perfect for family outings in Roswell.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant community hub offering aquatic fun, sports facilities, and affordable treats, perfect for family outings in Roswell.
"Great place to spend an afternoon with the kids, loved the $1 snowcones!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Tables
Outdoor pool areas get packed quickly. Get there early to secure a table for your family! :sunwithface:
💰 Budget-Friendly Snowcones
Enjoy affordable $1 snowcones, a great treat for kids on a hot day. :ice_cream:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indoor Aquatic Center
Indoor Pool Area
A great place for swimming and family fun, featuring slides and a pool. Perfect for all ages.
Outdoor Pool Fun
Outdoor Pool Area
Open seasonally, this pool offers slides and ample space for splashing and enjoying the sun.
Basketball Courts
Basketball Courts
Well-maintained courts available for public use, with basketballs available for borrow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Understand the Policies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Tables
Outdoor pool areas get packed quickly. Get there early to secure a table for your family! :sunwithface:
💰 Budget-Friendly Snowcones
Enjoy affordable $1 snowcones, a great treat for kids on a hot day. :ice_cream:
📞 Call Ahead for Hours
Court and pool hours can vary. It's best to call ahead to confirm opening and closing times. :telephone_receiver:
🩱 Check Re-entry Policies
Understand the rules about leaving and returning, especially if you plan to take breaks. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Tables
Outdoor pool areas get packed quickly. Get there early to secure a table for your family! :sunwithface:
💰 Budget-Friendly Snowcones
Enjoy affordable $1 snowcones, a great treat for kids on a hot day. :ice_cream:
📞 Call Ahead for Hours
Court and pool hours can vary. It's best to call ahead to confirm opening and closing times. :telephone_receiver:
🩱 Check Re-entry Policies
Understand the rules about leaving and returning, especially if you plan to take breaks. :ticket:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the facility, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center for its affordable fun, particularly the $1 snowcones and enjoyable water slides, making it a great spot for families. However, some guests have experienced frustration with inconsistent lifeguard rules, strict policies, and occasional overcrowding, especially during peak times.
"Spent all day at the aquatic center. We loved the one dollar snowcones. It was very busy but we had a great time. Lifeguards were attentive, kids enjoyed the slides. We’d be glad to return. Recommend it as a place to spend an afternoon with the kids."
D Bebber
"Terrible! They made me pay twice... they didn't have any space outside and wouldn't change it, and they even asked for my return ticket that I had already paid for. They warned me that they wouldn't change it again if I wanted to go on the slides... there was no space available on the slides, not even to sit, and the people at the entrance were still rude. I asked for a change because I wouldn't go in the water alone with my son because I'm on dialysis, and they still wouldn't let me have my ticket and tore my wristbands. Unfortunately, my son was very excited to get in, and I had to stay for half an hour so he could enjoy himself a bit. Once inside, I saw that several people were allowed to enter the covered area with the same wristband while they were freeing up chairs outside. It was very unfair. I take it as racism."
Yara Rodriguez
"Me and my family went swimming today on 7-13-25. I just have to say the lifeguards are very rude and all of the lifeguards have their own rules. My 8 year old daughter and my 6 year old son were going down the waterslide for an hour with no problems and than they switched lifeguards and they kicked my kids off because they were too short after they were already going for an hour by themselves with the lifeguards watching them going down and didn't say anything.. My husband went inside and asked who was in charge of the lifeguards because we wanted to talk to the manager and the lady at the front desk said she doesn't know who is in charge of the lifeguards and that the lifeguards do and say what they want they aren't in charge of them.... IF IT WOULD LET ME LEAVE NO STARS I WOULD... ALL THE LIFEGUARDS HAVE DIFFERENT RULES AND NONE OF THEM ARE ON THE SAME PAGE AT ALL.."
Kaitlynn Wyatt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located in Roswell, New Mexico. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to reach it. Many visitors arrive by car, and parking is generally available. If you're coming from out of town, consider it as part of a road trip through New Mexico, perhaps after visiting Carlsbad Caverns or White Sands.
Yes, parking is typically available at the Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center. However, during peak times, especially on weekends or during summer, the lot can fill up quickly. Arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.
Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft may operate in Roswell, but availability can be inconsistent, especially outside of main areas. It's recommended to check the app for real-time availability before relying on them.
The Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center is located at 1717 W 2nd St, Roswell, NM 88201. It's a central location within the city, making it accessible from various points. +2
The center is generally well-marked and easy to find within Roswell. If you're using GPS, the provided address should lead you directly there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, and it's best to check the official website or call ahead for the most current pricing. Some reviews mention a dollar for snowcones, indicating affordable options are available.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check, especially during peak season or for special events. This can help avoid disappointment if capacity is reached.
Policies on re-entry can be strict. Some visitors have reported issues with needing to pay again or having wristbands torn if they leave and try to return. It's crucial to understand the center's specific re-entry rules before exiting.
It's possible that different areas or activities might have separate access requirements or fees. Clarify this when purchasing your tickets or upon arrival to ensure you have access to all the facilities you wish to use.
Operating hours can change seasonally and may differ between the indoor and outdoor pools. It's highly recommended to check the center's official schedule or call them directly for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Lifeguards enforce rules for water slides, and these can sometimes be perceived as strict. Height restrictions may apply, and rules can differ between lifeguards. It's important to follow their instructions for safety.
Yes, lifeguards are present and attentive at the pools. Visitors have noted their presence, though some reviews mention interactions with lifeguards that were perceived as rude or inconsistent. +2
Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and affordable snowcones. There are also basketball courts available for use. +1
Yes, the aquatic center is generally considered a good place for kids to spend an afternoon. However, be aware of potential height restrictions on slides and ensure children are supervised. +1
Information on outside food and drinks is not explicitly detailed in the provided content. It's advisable to check the center's specific rules regarding outside food and beverages before your visit.
🎫 🏀 Sports Facilities
Absolutely! The Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center features basketball courts that are available for public use. You can even borrow a basketball by trading in an item.
The availability of basketball courts can vary. Sometimes, courts may be closed randomly without prior notice, leading to overcrowding on the open courts. It's recommended to call ahead to confirm court status.
The provided information doesn't specify if basketball courts can be reserved. It seems they are available on a first-come, first-served basis, though some individuals may hog courts.
The closing times for the basketball courts can fluctuate, sometimes closing at 5 PM and other times at 8 PM depending on the month. Calling the center is the best way to get current hours.
While there's no explicit mention of a fee for court usage, you can borrow a basketball by providing a trade-in. This suggests general access to the courts is included with admission or is free.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors' privacy and always follow any posted signage regarding photography restrictions, especially in changing areas or near sensitive exhibits if applicable.
While not explicitly stated, it's always wise to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of children without parental consent. Some areas might have specific rules, so keep an eye out for signage.
Roswell itself is known for its alien-themed attractions, so you might find fun photo opportunities around town. Within the aquatic center, the slides and pools offer vibrant backdrops for fun family shots. +1
Drone usage is typically prohibited in public recreational facilities due to safety and privacy concerns. It's highly unlikely that drones are permitted within the Roswell Recreation and Aquatic Center.
While the Aquatic Center is focused on recreation, the town of Roswell is famous for its UFO lore. You might find themed elements or opportunities for photos related to aliens and UFOs in other parts of the city, like the UFO Museum or alien-themed businesses. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, especially to the outdoor pool, arrive early to secure a table and a good spot. Be prepared for crowds, as it's a popular destination during the summer months. Understanding the center's policies on re-entry and area access beforehand can also help ensure a smoother experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and enjoy more space. If you're planning a road trip through New Mexico, Roswell can be a cost-effective stop for family fun, especially when combined with other free or low-cost attractions in the area.
🏀 Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond basketball, the aquatic center itself offers a great way to stay active, whether you're swimming laps in the indoor pool or enjoying the slides in either the indoor or outdoor facilities. It's a versatile spot for both casual recreation and more dedicated sports activities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Aquatic Experience
The indoor pool provides a more consistent option, though some patrons have expressed disappointment over the removal of an indoor basketball goal. Lifeguards are present in both areas, but their enforcement of rules, particularly on water slides, has been a point of contention for some, with varying interpretations of rules like height restrictions.
Despite some mixed reviews regarding lifeguard interactions and policies, many families find the center to be a great place to spend an afternoon, especially with the affordable $1 snowcones available.
Beyond the Water: Sports and Recreation
However, the availability of the courts can be unpredictable. Some courts might be closed without notice, leading to overcrowding on the remaining ones. Additionally, there can be issues with individuals hogging the court. The operating hours for the courts also seem to fluctuate, sometimes closing at 5 PM and other times at 8 PM, depending on the season. It's strongly advised to call ahead to confirm court status and hours before planning your visit.
For those looking for a more active experience beyond swimming, the basketball courts offer a good alternative. Just be prepared for potential variations in availability and hours, and consider calling the center to get the most accurate information.
Roswell's Unique Vibe
Visitors often come to Roswell seeking out its quirky attractions, such as the International UFO Museum and Research Center or the alien-themed McDonald's. The town embraces its extraterrestrial reputation, offering a fun and sometimes kitschy atmosphere that appeals to tourists.
While the aquatic center itself doesn't directly feature UFO exhibits, its location in Roswell means you can easily combine a day of swimming and sports with exploring the town's unique alien-themed attractions. This blend of recreation and quirky local culture makes Roswell a memorable destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit