Taking two kids that cannot swim to a pool alone is daunting, but with a sick husband at home for the third day in a row, I was desperate to get out with the girls–for my sanity and my health. Desperate, I searched things to do online, but I came up short. Then I realized I had a free two week trial to the YMCA and thought this would be the perfect time to actually use it. I went on their website and was over the moon to find out not only was there open swim, but there was also a family night. Awesome! I packed a bag, the girls threw on their suits, and we were out the door.
In our city, the YMCA rotates Family Nights on Saturdays at the Howard and Eastside locations and holds one every Saturday night at the Broadview location. Family night runs from 6pm-8pm and is free for YMCA members and $12 a family for nonmembers. Besides open swimming, there is usually some type of activity in the gym. This time there were two activities: a bounce house and a scavenger hunt.
My outing with the girls was a success, so this past weekend-once my husband was feeling better–we decided to try the family night again at a new location. This was the first time I was at the Eastside YMCA to swim, and I am impressed with the amenities for kids.
There is a water play section with sprays and dumpers, and there is a winding water slide. Also, swim noodles, Puddle Jumpers, and squirting toys are available to use during the open swim. My oldest loved wearing the Puddle Jumper so that she could float alone without having to be right next to me. The youngest loved the squirting toys. Both couldn’t get enough of the waterslide. I must have climbed the steps over a dozen times!
The next place I’m looking forward to checking out is the Kress Center. I heard they also have a great pool area. We are lucky to have so many swimming options in our area.
365 Days of New 