During our long Northwest drizzly season, taking kids swimming at an indoor pool is a surefire way to get the wiggles out. The kids love it. On top of that, as parents know, swimming is not just a fun activity or sport, it's an important safety skill.
Like everything, our indoor swimming season has been interrupted. But as restrictions ease, more indoor pools in Seattle-area communities are reopening. We've gathered here seven local places to take the kids for a wiggle-busting swim.
A few notes: Plan to read and follow all stated rules at each of these pools, including staying home if you or anyone in your household doesn't feel well or may have been exposed to the virus, and keep in mind that locker rooms at most facilities remain closed. Advance reservations are required.
Seattle-area swimming pools open now:
1. Lynnwood Recreation Center swimming pool
This popular pool is open for advanced-booked family swim sessions. Check the schedule for swim times; generally, there are three afternoon sessions and one in the evening, each one hour long. Book online (you will need a City of Lynnwood login) or call 425-670-5732.
2. Federal Way Community Center swimming pool
Federal Way's leisure pool is open for family swims in the afternoon and evening. Non-members welcome; just pay the guest fee and note that a photo ID is required for ages 12 and older. Call 253-835-6900 for details and to reserve a swim time.
3. Covington Aquatic Center swimming pool
Book 25-minute recreation swim sessions to burn off some kid energy here. Two sessions can be booked back-to-back if available. Reserve a time online or call 253-480-2480.
4. Mary Wayte Swimming Pool, Mercer Island
Mercer Island's community pool is open for family swim sessions, which are generally at late-morning, afternoon or evening times. Check the schedule and reserve online.
5. Mountlake Terrace Pool
Call to reserve an open swim slot for your family members; each session is capped at 30 swimmers, and individual families must keep their distance from other families. Lifeguards will set out toys for swimmers that will be sanitized after each session. Check the schedule and call 425-776-9173 to reserve.
6. Northshore Lagoon swimming pool, Bothell
This pool is part of the McMenamins Anderson School complex. Book a one-hour swim session at the warm saltwater pool and your whole fam will love it. Call 425-219-4359 for more info and to reserve your spot.
7. Safe N Sound Swimming, Seattle
This pool, located beneath a Chinese restaurant on Westlake Avenue, is known primarily for its one-on-one swim lessons. Families can also rent half the pool for a private swim session for up to five people from the same family or pod. The cost is $60. A full-pool rental for a family or pod group of up to 12 people costs $175. Rentals are for one hour. Call 206-285-9279 for more info.
8. People's Pool, Tacoma
People's Pool is the first Tacoma Metro Parks pool to open. They have Family Swim sessions as well as sessions available at their Tot Zone area. The Tot Zone is for ages five and younger and includes spray features and a shallow area. Reservations are currently free but preregistration is required.
9. Norpoint Pool, Tacoma
Norpoint pool is the second Tacoma Metro Parks pool to open. They have Family Swim sessions for all ages as well as Toddler Zone sessions, designated for the 5 and younger crowd. Visiting Metro Parks pools is currently free but reservations are required.
A few more pools are open for lap swim and water exercise only, for adults and teens. Some families have booked staycations at local hotels for access to a swimming pool as well. Just be sure to call and confirm that the hotel's pool is open and what families need to do to swim, such as reserve a time slot. Happy swimming!
