K is a huge fan of swimming, and was not ready to take a break during the winter.  We have been to two public indoor pools in Alexandria- Chinquapin Rixse pool and Mount Vernon RECenter pool.  Both are fun places for young kids, but I found them both to be pretty cold after the first few minutes.  They are probably perfect for lap swimmers, but not ideal for a mom chasing after a toddler!

Here are other indoor pools in the Arlington area- please comment if you have been to any and have additional info.  It will be appreciated!

Arlington Public Pools

Wakefield Pool- Arlington

There are six 25-yard lanes, a diving board, and a separate instructional tank.  It has a “beach” (sloping) entrance, which is always a hit with beginning swimmers.  I have heard that it is a little warmer this year than usual.  I have also heard that this pool may close after this winter, as it is going to be replaced soon by two new pools.  703-578-3063

Washington-Lee Pool– Arlington

This is the newest pool- it just opened in 2009.  It has a 25-meter pool with a diving area, and separate instructional pool that serves as a kiddie pool when there are no classes.  They have life jackets and water toys for anyone to use.  There is not a pure beach entrance in the larger lap pool, but it has a ramp and a very wide set of stairs that are on the full side of pool.  This pool also has 4 family changing room and private showers.  They do provide life jackets.

Yorktown Pool– Arlington

Six lane 25-yard lap pool, a diving board, along with a small “wading” pool.

703-536-9739.

http://www.arlington.k12.va.us/15401081151920707/site/default.asp

Other Public Indoor Pools

Chinquapin Park Recreation Center- Rixse Pool– Alexandria

Monday – Thursday: 6am – 8:45pm, Friday 6am – 5:45pm, Saturday & Sunday: 8am –  When we last visited, we were told that we could not bring water wings, noodles, or life jackets.  There is no separate kiddie pool, but there is a beach entrance. Adults are $6.85 ($9.15 out of county), kids 5-18 are $5.95 ($9.15 out of county), and kids 4 and under are free.  703-519-2160

http://alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=12352

George Washington RECenter– Alexandria

25-meter pool with a poolside spa, a beach entrance, and wading area.  Adults are $6.85 ($9.15 out of county), kids 5-18 are $5.95 ($9.15 out of county), and kids 4 and under are free.   703-780-8894

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/gwrec.htm

Mount Vernon RECenter-

As I mentioned above- we have been to this pool, and enjoyed it.  There is a great separate beach entrance for play for kids under 6.  There are gentle jets of water that at the top of the slope, and there are also fountains and tumble buckets further in.  Adults are $6.85 ($9.15 out of county), kids 5-18 are $5.95 ($9.15 out of county), and kids 4 and under are free.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/mvrec.htm

Audrey Moore RECenter– Annandale,VA

There is a slide as well as a diving board open from 1pm – 4pm on Saturday and Sundays.  All kids have to pass an ability test before trying either one out.  Adults are $6.85 ($9.15 out of county), kids 5-18 are $5.95 ($9.15 out of county), and kids 4 and under are free.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wakerec.htm

Providence RECenter- Falls Chruch, VA

This pools has a  small beach entrance, and is a little warmer than other pools.  Adults are $6.85 ($9.15 out of county), kids 5-18 are $5.95 ($9.15 out of county), and kids 4 and under are free.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/prorec.htm

Cub Run ReCenter- Chantilly, VA

Cub Run RECenter is a little far, but is well worth it from what I have heard!  It has a leisure pool area with two water slides and a water playground along with a separate 25-meter swimming pool.  One of the slides is a 30-foot high slide that exits the building in a tube, as well as a 20-foot slide.  The slides require the children to be 48 inches tall.  Within the leisure pool area, there is a lazy river, an open shallow water area, and a water playground/sprayground with a toddler slide and beach entrance.  Make sure that you call before you go, as many of the features are not open during the week at all times.  This pools has a beach entrance, and is a little warmer than other pools.  Adults are $6.85 ($9.15 out of county), kids 5-18 are $5.95 ($9.15 out of county), and kids 4 and under are free.

Check out Our Kid’s great review for more info…. http://www.our-kids.com/static/?f=cubrun

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wcrec.htm

DC Public Aquatic Centers

Wilson Aquatic Center– Washington, DC

I have friends that drive to DC for this pool, and absolutely love it! The best thing, is that it is warm!  There is a lap swimming pool, as well as a separate kid pool with beach entrance.  The kid’s pool is under 3 feet.  There are jets and tumble buckets, as well as basketball hoops, and other toys for the kids to borrow while they are there.  There are also family locker rooms.  DC residents are free (with proof of ID).  Non-residents are…adults -$7, kids 6-17 -$4, and kids under 6 -$3.

There is a great review by a new favorite blog of mine- Mommy FTW-   http://mommyftw.com/2010/12/16/all-you-need-to-know-about-taking-your-toddler-to-the-wilson-aquatic-center and http://mommyftw.com/2009/12/28/the-wilson-aquatic-center-in-dc-baby-heaven/

http://app.dpr.dc.gov/dprmap/details.asp?cid=3

William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center– Washington, DC

http://app.dpr.dc.gov/dprmap/details.asp?cid=91

Takoma Aquatic Center– Washington, DC

http://app.dpr.dc.gov/dprmap/details.asp?cid=84

Deanwood Aquatic Center– Washington, DC

http://app.dpr.dc.gov/dprmap/details.asp?cid=106

Marie Reed Aquatic Center– Washington, DC

http://app.dpr.dc.gov/dprmap/details.asp?cid=68

Turkey Thicket– Washington, DC

http://app.dpr.dc.gov/dprmap/details.asp?cid=90