Swimming can be a wonderful way to squeeze in a workout during the frigid winter months in Minnesota, not to mention it’s guaranteed to wear out your most stir-crazy child! We’ve rounded up a list of indoor facilities around the Twin Cities where you can splash, slide and swim away the cold weather blues. Most of them offer swimming lessons as well:
BEST FOR THE BUDGET
Great River Water Park
@ Oxford Community Center
270 Lexington Parkway N., Saint Paul, MN 55104
Cost: $5/pp under 48″, $6/over 48″, $20/family of 5, $4/additional member, $3/deck fee
Extra savings: Half-price Open Swim every Monday & Wednesday, Four Dollar Sundays ($4/pp) and Family Fun and Fitness Fridays ($2/pp one Friday each month – upcoming winter dates are January 16 & February 20, 2015).
Open Swim hours: Find all hours here.
Details: If you don’t mind water a little on the chilly side, this indoor facility has a fun splashy activity pool for the youngest kids, two enclosed waterslides, a lap pool and diving boards — and the prices are the best in town. There’s a sauna, too, if you need to warm up. Read about our trip to Great River Water Park here.
Williston Fitness Center Pool & Splash Pad
@ Williston Fitness Center
14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka MN 55345
Cost: Day-use for non-members is $5/pp ages 1-14, adults with children ages 1-2 pay $8/pp to swim in the splash pad, adults with children 3+ do not pay the fee. Cost includes admission to the Williston Tree House, an indoor playground with a climbing structure, slides, and rope swings. Adults and infants under one year are always admitted free to the Tree House.
Open Swim hours: Find all hours here.
Details: The indoor playground-splash pad combo makes for an excellent deal, particularly during the coldest months. Nicki of the blog Minnemama Adventures details a visit to the Williston Fitness Center here.
MODERATE CHOICES
Maplewood Community Center Aquatic Center
@ Maplewood Community Center
1830 County Road B East, Maplewood, MN 55109
Cost: Day passes are $6 plus tax per youth, $8 per adult, and $20 per family.
Open Swim hours: Find hours here.
Details: This facility has a zero-depth entry area with a submarine slide and spray features, a lap pool, and a slide for older kids as well.
Grove Cove Aquatic Center
@ Maple Grove Community Center
12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN
Cost: $7/pp non-resident, $6/resident, $25/family non-res, $22/family res
Open Swim hours: Find all hours here.
Details: The enclosed features of this indoor/outdoor pool complex include a zero-depth entry area with fountains and a junior slide, a 130-foot long slide for the big kids, a lap pool, a climbing wall, and a cool rope swing. Special hours apply for the water features so make sure to check the schedule before heading out.
Chaska Community Center Pool
@ Chaska Community Center
1661 Park Ridge Drive, Chaska, MN 55318
Cost: $7.50/pp non-resident, $5.75/res
Extra Savings: Family Days are the first Monday of each month; residents are admitted free, non-residents are BOGO.
Open Swim hours: Find all hours here.
Details: Younger kids can brave the caterpillar slide and splash feature, older ones will enjoy the twisty slide and rope swing. Note that special hours apply to the big slide and swing; please check the pool schedule before coming out.
Tropics Indoor Waterpark
@ Shoreview Community Center
4580 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, MN 55126
Cost: $8.95/pp non-resident, $7.40/resident, $34.75/non-res family up to 6 members, $4.50/each additional member. Cost includes admission to Tropics Indoor Waterpark and Tropical Adventure Indoor Playground.
Open Swim hours: Find all hours here.
Details: Lots to enjoy here from the Shipwreck Beach splashy play zone, the unique Shark Attack jukebox waterslide, water sports activities and much more. A good deal, especially combined with a visit to the indoor playground.
SPLURGES
Waterpark at The Depot
@ The Depot Minneapolis
225 South 3rd Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401
Cost: $20/pp non-hotel guest, under 2 swim free with paying adult.
Open Swim hours: Find all hours here.
Water Park of America
1700 American Blvd. East – Bldg B, Bloomington, MN 55425
Cost: $19.95 – $39.95/pp
Open Swim hours: Find all hours and prices here.
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