Iāve put together this list below as I see many people asking for swimming venues for families as one of the top questions.
These are just my own recommendations based on where Iāve been. Please check with the venues directly for any updates. Information correct at the time of publishing.
š¦The main swimming pool has just undergone a complete refurbishment (January 2024). They have extra family swim sessions on during holidays.
The toddler pool and slides are currently closed for refurbishment and will reopen in Spring 2024. The main pool and diving boards are available. Family and baby toddler sessions currently take place in the main pool.
Other activities-You could also go bowling or to the softplay at this venue too. Read my blog post on the soft play
ā¹ļøNo need to pre-book. CHECK THEIR TIMETABLES HERE
AYCLIFFE LEISURE CENTRE, NEWTON AYCLIFFE
š¦Has a main pool for lane swimming and a small training pool where they also hold toddler splash sessions (splash tots).
š¦For a private family swim, Ashgrove Lodge & Swim Spa in Middlesbrough hire out their pool for private use. Last time I went it was Ā£25 for a family of 4, then Ā£5 per person after that for up to 8 people max, but please enquire directly with them for the current prices. This is only a small pool but it is heated and itās nice to have private use of it for you and your family. They also offer spa sessions too. There is also some seating just next to the pool for family wanting to come along to watch.
Please note: I would advise that this pool isnāt suitable for mobility impaired, as itās up some quite steep steps to get in the pool and the pool is built up from the floor
ā¹ļøThey tend to get booked up fairly quickly though so follow their page Ashgrove Lodge & Swim Spa and message them if interested in any slots available. ENQUIRE VIA THEIR PAGE HERE
šøCredit; Ashgrove Lodge and Swim Spa
š¦For babies and toddlers (and older kids who arenāt fussed about slides) I recommend The Fish Tank. This was where we took Leo for his first swim. The changing rooms are fully catered for babies with baby changing tables in each cubicle, the pool is heated and itās got a really relaxing feel to it with natural light coming through. This is bookable online and again limited numbers for each slot due to the pool being small, it never feels overcrowded though as they donāt allow too many in at once. (Double nappy wear system in place, happy nappies can be purchased on site or at time of booking to collect)
There is also a sensory room for babies and toddlers and adventure play room for children up to 8 years old which you can pay to book a session in before or after your swimming or even just on its own. Thereās a cafe selling some lovely food with a small play corner too.
Follow their page for more info and updates including weekly swim schedules.
šļø CHECK AVAILABILITY AND BOOK HERE
šøImage Credit; The Fish Tank, Newton Aycliffe
This is a good choice for active kids with a wave machine, water slide, water jets, cannons and bubbles. Thereās also a shallow baby toddler area too with tipping buckets. Look out for the Big Swim sessions on the timetable for the sessions that have these turned on. There is also a spectator area.
šøCredit; Northallerton Leisure Centre
SPENNYMOOR LEISURE CENTRE (temporarily closed for refurbishment works, last checked March 24)
This pool has a wave machine, slide and a gradual slope to get in the pool as well as a spectator area. No need to pre book.
ā¹ļøMORE INFO HERE
There are others too but Iāve not personally been to them (atleast not in my adult life anyway). These includešš
š¦Splash Stockton provided by Tees Active has 2 slides, a wave machine, water jets and a seperate toddler pool. Check out their big splash sessions on the timetable for these facilities to be in use. MORE INFO HERE
š¦Billingham Forum, Thornaby Pool and Ingleby Barwick Leisure provided by Tees Active all have giant inflatables in the pools during their family sessions. (I have been to Thornaby Pool and I personally didnāt like it. The pool was very cold and didnāt look clean. Kamron wanted to get out after 10 minutes. There are plans to build a new pool at the current Thornaby Pavilion Leisure Complex)
ā¹ļø FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE
šøCredit; Tees Active (Rapid Racer Inflatable at Billingham Forum)
š¦The Dinkie Den, Trimdon Grange A swimming lesson venue that also offers adhoc private hire use. A small heated pool perfect for first swims with little ones or for private sessions with little kids. ENQUIRE VIA THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE
Available for private hire with heated pool, sauna and sun loungers as well as a tennis court. Works out around Ā£10-Ā£15 a head depending on numbers. BOOK HERE
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog write up. If you would like more family ideas for places or events to visit please follow my Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/familyfundarlomum
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If you are a local business offering family activities or events and you are interested in collaborating with me to help promote your venue, please complete this enquiry form and I'll be in touch šhttps://www.familyfundarlomum.com/contact-8
Many Thanks
Charlotte (familyfundarlomum)
-Mum to 2 boys, Kamron-7 and Leo-19 months (as well as stepmum to Damon, 14)
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