Beat the heat: Public pools now open

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With school out and summer here, families are flocking to water parks and splash pads to try and stay cool.

The Cool Waters Water Park in West Allis was packed Thursday with families having fun in the sun. For Susanna Sanchez, the water park is the perfect place to keep her kids entertained.

"The weather was nice I was like 'okay let's get out of the house, let's go into some water,' especially with this heat," said Susanna Sanchez.

As families try to beat the heat, the medical director of Aurora Children's Health, Dr. Kevin Dahlman, says spending time outside is important for our health.

"In this day and age, we really recommend for the kids to be outside exercising, because the default, unfortunately, for a lot of us, is kids inside means kids on electronics. It's really great for our brains to be outside running, playing, and having a good time," said Dr. Dahlman.

When playing outside in the heat, we get dehydrated faster. Dr Dahlman says there are signs you should watch out for.

"Maybe become a little lethargic, they may have headaches they may not feel good or even nauseous," Dr. Dahlman explained.

Dr. Dahlman urges parents to limit alcoholic drinks and to always be watching their kids.

“It doesn't take much for unfortunate things to happen. Drownings can happen in a moment and often they are very silent and quiet so there has consistent supervision all the time with kids around the water," said Dr. Dahlman.

If you are looking for family activities, plenty is happening around Milwaukee

"We have the pools opening we have our two aquatic centers open so Cool Waters at Greenfield Park and Schulz Aquatic at Lincoln Park. Next weekend, we will have out splash pads and wading pools open. We have 27 different locations that are open," said Andrea Wallace, assistant director of recreation and business service for Milwaukee County Parks.

For more information on admission and times the county parks are open for the season click here.