With summer temperatures cooking the St. Louis region, every caretaker, babysitter, or overheated adult is thinking the same thing: Let’s go to the pool.
But where? For a city on a river, St. Louis is limited in its swimming offerings—unless you know where to look. Here’s a guide for suburban and urban pools that won’t break the bank.
Slide, dive, swim, play, and relax: The Aquatic Center inside Jefferson Barrack’s 42,000-square-foot recreation center is just as affordable ($4 for kids, $5 for adults) as it is decked with aqua adventures. Kids can run free on the rock climbing wall, diving board, and water slide. Parents love to kick back with the little ones at the splash pad. Cool off at the concession stand with drinks and eats. 305 Gregg.
The Lodge has not one, but four pools—two outdoor and two indoor. Inside, enjoy a warm whirlpool spa or a chillier lap and wave pool. Toddlers also have a tiny pool with fountains, just for them; teens can enjoy a huge indoor-outdoor flume slide. Outside, the lower pool has an oceanic entry, an otter slide, and open space, while the upper pool is a self-contained water park with a whirlpool, lazy river, and two slides. An annual membership grants pool access; for daily admission, 2-year-olds and younger are free. Admissions for 3-year-olds and up starts at $6 for residents, $8 for non-residents, and varies by age. 1050 Des Peres Road.
From dog pool parties to SCUBA diving camp, Kirkwood Park offers just about every aquatic activity you can dream up. The center’s Tot Time is especially touted by moms. It’s a playful splashing session for kids under 6 years old, offered at reduced rates for kids (adults are free). Check out a wide selection of fitness classes, from Aqua Zumba, X-Stream, and River Walk Club, the chance to walk against the current of the Lazy River. With water slides, a competitive lap pool, and a leisure pool, there’s fun for everyone. Open to residents and non-residents, prices vary. Standard admission is $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents, with deals for seniors. Come two hours before closing time for half-price admission. 11 S. Geyer.
This South City pool keeps it simple. There are no slides or diving boards, but with lap lanes and a spacious area for play, the pool is an oasis for city-dwellers in a corner of the city that doesn’t offer many public pools. Kiddos and patrons can participate in Marquette’s Learn-to-Swim program, and the pool is free of charge for city residents. Swimmers will want to bring a hat and wear sunscreen during these dog days of summer—with few trees or coverage for shade, it’s easy to get baked in the sun. No outside food or drink allowed... but it’s only a 12-minute walk to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. 4025 Minnesota.
This University City’s attraction was renovated in 2004 and remains one the city’s most visited public pools, not to mention one of the most diverse crowds in the city. Kids will stay entertained while playing at the kiddie pool, taking a ride down the water slide, and goofing off on inflatable pool toys. The pool also offers lap lanes for aerobic exercise or swimming. No food and drink permitted. Floats and rafts are allowed at the manager’s discretion. Admission is $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents. 7210 Olive.
Maplewood Family Aquatic Center
Maplewood offers the full swimming pool package–water slides, lazy river, 50-meter competition pool–but there’s a catch: it’s only open to residents of Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Brentwood and Rock Hill. However, residents can bring a non-resident guest. Plan to attend some of the Center’s more festive summertime events, including Cardboard Boat Regatta, in which participants build and race their cardboard boats in the pool (August 3) or the Back to School Party (August 10). Admission starts at $4 for residents and $5.50 for guests. 7550 Lohmeyer.
As a general rule, both residents and non-residents should bring a photo ID to apply for a pool pass; residents will need proof of residency (unpaid utility bill, personal property tax receipt, etc.). Hours of operation vary by location.
