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Indoor pool with lots of open swim time?
Jan 2013
I've looked through the BPN recomendations and haven't found
this addressed lately. We'd like to swim at an indoor pool
locally, either in the Lamorinda area or close to the
Berkeley campus, with ideally lots of open swim time. I
don't want to join a gym really, just want to go somewhere
with an enclosed pool. I burn easily but love to swim. Any
ideas? --albino fish
The Berkeley YMCA of course. Actually I think there's a Y in
Lafayette as well. Anon
The Berkeley City Club has a great indoor pool, but single
memberships are expensive. Group / organizational
memberships (up to 5 people) are quite reasonable though,
and that's how I justify my membership. another albino
swimmer
Where can I take my kids swimming? I work!
Aug 2012
Can anyone recommend a public swimming pool with a familiy
swim schedule that accomodates working parents? I would like
to take my kids swimming during the week, but I can't find a
public pool that has recreational swim hours after my work,
even if I leave a little early. I have a 7, 10 and 13 year
olds. The older two like to go to the deep end and dive off
of the diving board, so I'm looking for a pool that won't
limit them to the shallow end. I prefer outdoor because of
the chlorine.
Strawberry Canyon is where we used to go, but
between the horrid traffic from the day camps and the fact
that they close 15 minutes earlier this year, we get 30
minutes of swimming in at best if I leave work early. I'm
very frustrated. When I was little my dad used to take us to
the rec center pool every summer evening. They are some of
my best memories. We spent hours there. Is there any place
like that anymore? Thanks in advance Fish out of water!
For weekday evening swimming we go to Lake Anza in Tilden
Park. Yes it is freezing, but the kids don't mind, and there
are no lifeguards either, but I keep an eye on them and they
don't go too deep. For weekends we go to the Richmond
Plunge. Note, neither Lake Anza nor the Plunge have
chlorine. Have fun!
I looked at the schedules of all the pools I know about, and
it looks like El Cerrito has 'Family Swim' in the evenings
6:15-8:15 on Mondays and Wednesdays:
http://www.el-cerrito.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1464. Maybe
that will fit the bill? --
Try King Pool on Hopkins. They have some late hours.
love to swim
We love the Albany Pool for kids. Good luck!
Ed
Pool for toddler with lots of open family swim time
Sept 2011
Hi, I'm new to the Kensington area and looking for a great
pool for my 2.3 year old. She's a bit reluctant so I'm
looking for a warm pool with easy-to-navigate facilities.
I'm also looking for a pool with lots of open family swim
time so that I can take her by myself preferably in the
mornings. Most places I've searched online have minimal
family swim, offer afternoon/evening classes or seem to have
closed down. Thanks for any pointers! zmt
Downtown Berkeley YMCA.
Parking is a pain, but the pool(s!) are awesome.
anon
My 4 year old takes swimming lessons at Patti's Swim School
in Castro Valley. They offer private and semi private
lessons as well as Baby and Me classes. My son loves the
instructors and I love that he is learning to be safe around
water. The pool is covered with an Aqua Dome during Fall and
Winter so we take classes year round and it's always warm.
castro valley mom
Indoor non-chlorinated pool for swimming w/ babies
April 2011
Looking for an indoor pool where we can swim with our babies
and perhaps do swimming lessons. Non-chlorinated preferred.
Debra
I'm pretty sure the Richmond Plunge in Point Richmond is
non-chlorinated. Plus, it was recently renovated, has a very
gradually sloped shallow end (good for babies) and is just
beautiful. You could check on line about lessons and
schedules. liz
I encourage you to check out the Richmond Plunge (actually
located in Pt. Richmond).
http://www.richmondplunge.org/index.html
It has been beautifully restored and has a huge space to
swim with kids that is shallower than most kids pools (only
approx. 2.5 ft at the lowest). I believe they use saline
and not chlorine & is all solar heated, but could not find
the info. on their website. The only downside is that, in
my opinion, it seems a bit cooler inside than it should be,
but then maybe when you're not swimming, one can get cold
more easily. Good luck....... anon
Toddler/baby pool in east bay
Oct 2009
I am looking for a toddler/baby pool in or nearby Oakland. In my
search, many require a membership fee. Do you know of a kiddie
pool that doesn't have a hefty membership fee? I don't mind paying
an entrance fee but not willing to pay hundreds of dollars. Is the
pool heated above 90 degrees? I know of a good one in San Ramon
but would like something a little closer to home.
Thanks
Strawberry Canyon
has a toddler pool outdoors but it is super warm. We played
with the kids as toddlers on the steps leading into the main pool and there
are some grassy areas to lay your towels on.
The Berkeley YMCA
has its indoor shallow heated pool but it is not shallow
enough for toddlers to really walk around in. It is also where they teach
swim lessons for their youngest clients. Both my kids benefitted from lessons
there. You don't have to be a member. You can just get a kids' membership if
they are taking lessons.
kl
A neighbor just recommended the San Leandro Aquatic Center to me (my daughter
is 9 months.) I haven't been there but she said that admission is $4. You can
find some info on the city of San Leandro website.
Laura
Hi, try the Berkeley High School warm pool. It's heated to 94 degrees (really
nice) and they have parent tot classes every Friday at 3.30 and Saturdays at
10 (I think). The classes are great, but tend to get pretty crowded. No
memebership or advance reservation required - just walk in.
Sonali
March 2009
I love to swim in the ocean, and while on vacation, my soon-to-be
8-yr-old son has been really drawn to the ocean as well. It would
be wonderful if we could find a way to get into the bay or ocean to
swim together on a regular basis. We both have medium-level
swimming skills, but lots of interest and a willingness to suit up
and get into cold water. Does anyone know of an appropriate group,
or lessons, that are geared towards learning safe ocean swimming
for exercise (and fun)?
Thank you
The South End Rowing Club and Dolphin Club may be a place to start. They are
located in San Francisco near Aquatic Park which is a popular place for open water
swimmers to train. I don't know if they have lessons, but they may be able to
point you in the right direction.
Amy
Check out Leslie Thomas- her website is www.swim-art.com. My husband swims with
their group occasionally - i hear she's a great coach.
anon
Dec 2007
Does anyone know of a pool that is open in the afternoon on Christmas day?
I need to swim due to a back condition, and my pool is closed. I've tried
Oakland Hills Tennis club on Redwood road, but the water is too hot and
they usually close by 1:30 or 2.. A day pass to the Claremont costs
hundreds. Also I don't want to bother my friends who have to show up with
me. Any ideas?? I'm desperate.. it makes a huge difference in my pain
level.
swimgirl
All public pools will be closed and most private gyms will close as well.
I think your best bet may be a hotel, since they can't close for the
holidays. Some of them offer day-use passes for their pools. It's
usually quite pricy, but you're desperate, right? Think of it as a
Christmas gift to yourself. Maybe try the Claremont first? (I haven't
done this locally.) Otherwise, do some research with Tripadvisor and then
make some calls. Even if there isn't a candidate in the East Bay, I bet
there's one in SF.
anon
You could check the El Cerrito Swim Center. It's a beautiful outdoor
pool.
Rebecca
Check with the 24-Hour Fitness at Hilltop Mall. Its pool is usually open
all the time. Perhaps the El Cerrito public pool will also be open.
-- sometime swimmer
March 2007
Hello,
I am looking for an indoor pool which is toddler friendly. Just something where my 21 month old can play
around at rainy or cold days. I live in San Leandro but basically any place in the east bay would be fine.
Thanks a lot!
We love the Silliman Center in Newark. My 2-year-old loves the little slides off
the play structure, and the fountains.
Afterwards we always have noodle soup and steamed vermicelli with shrimp at Vung Tau
III just up the road. Then we drive home all drowsy and head to bed!
http://bayareafun.googlepages.com/pools
Vung
Oct 2007
I need to find a hotel with a good lap pool so I can visit my son at
Occidental College. It is essential that I swim every afternoon due to
health reasons and back injury. The only pool I've found so far is the
Rose Bowl Swim center; Hours are not ideal and would involve extra
driving, which is hard for me.
I'm looking in the Eagle Rock, Glendale, Pasadena area, perhaps even
Burbank.
Can't be a small pool, or a very warm pool.. I need to do real swimming to
deal with severe back pain, especially with travel. Also I need frig with
good freezer in the room so I can store gel ice packs for my back.
Would appreciate any suggestions; I have spent hours on phone and on-line
and can't seem to find a place that has pool and frig/freezer and close
enough to the school.
swimgirl
Have you tried looking at http://www.swimmersguide.com? It lists lap pools
in cities around the world! I know because I travel a lot and I too need a
pool and a frig/freezer when I'm on the road. There is a great pool at
Occidental. I wonder if your son could investigate the possibility of you
being able to swim there during your visit, especially since you have a
medical condition. Sorry, I can't suggest specific hotels in the area, but
Occidental's website (maybe via the Admissions Office) has hotel
suggestions that you can call to check. Also, I have stayed at hotels that
will put a frig in your room if you request it. For medical conditions
they don't usually charge for it, but there may be a small fee. At other
hotels, I have asked them to put a bag of my ice packs in their kitchen's
freezer and they have been happy to oblige. Good luck!
adisk
I don't know about a hotel, but you should check out the web site
www.swimmersguide.com. It provides listings of public and hotel pools all
around the world, evaluated by swimmers.
I know that you said the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center isn't convenient for
you, but I wanted to let you know that it's a really great pool for
swimmers. I always swim there when I'm visiting my inlaws in ALtadena.
The lanes are really long, and the temperature is right. It's rare for a
hotel pool to provide an adequate lap swimming experience, since most are
too short and/or too warm.
Is there a pool at Occidental that you could use when you're visiting your
son? Good luck, and I hope your back heals soon.
Carrie
I can't help you with hotels that have lap pools; but can help you with
places to swim. US Masters Swimming has a website with a link to ''Places
to Swim'':
http://www.usms.org/placswim/placswimform.php?LMSCID=38
Often you can join a Master's workout (helps if you join the national
organization for about $35/year). Usually you have to pay a small fee to
join a team's workout (like $5 or $10). Also, you can often tell where
they swim (local high school, college or YMCA or the like) and then just
check out the public swimming hours there.
In terms of refrigerators, I have recently been through this at a lot of
hotels as I needed to store breastmilk. Every hotel I have stayed at was
able to bring in a small refrigerator into the room and only one of them
charged me. Good luck.
Nikki
April 2006
Do you know of any indoor pools besides the YMCA (membership
and pool fees are too expensive for us) in Oakland/Berkeley/San
Leandro/Hayward area? We are hoping to find an indoor pool
where we can pay a small fee to attend during ''open
swim''/toddler-swim-with-parents time. Last summer we enrolled
our daughter in the Alameda Park and Rec toddler swim program,
but it was always so windy and cold at this outdoor pool, that
we cancelled. We used to live in SF where there Park and Rec
Pools (indoor) charged a small fee for ''free'' (no instruction)
swim. Hoping to get our water baby into the pool experience
asap. Thank you for your recommendations.
Margaret
Last year I took my 2 year old--then one to the Hayward Plunge. It is
indoors and located right off of Foothill in Hayward. The facility is
indoors and family friendly. Kristie
I don't know any indoor pools besides the YMCA but the El Cerrito
public pool and the San Ramon pool are great! Big slides,
fountains, toddler shallow part and kid size and regular adult
size areas. And San Ramon is definitely warmer than Alameda or
even Berkeley. Check www.el-cerrito.com/recreation/swim
http://www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/parks/activitiespdf/aquatics.pdf_center.html
love the pool
Check out the Silliman Activity Center on Mowry in Newark. It has an
indoor water park. Supposed to be absolutely wonderful, although I've
heard it can get crowded in the summer.
Monika
I recommend the Albany pool. It might be a bit too far north for you, but
it's a great pool and quite reasonable. The web site with additional info
is http://www.enterit.com/ALBANY6640/. Kara
Albany High Pool
http://www.enterit.com/ALBANY6640/
cheap swimmer
Dec 2005
I'm looking for a place to lap swim. I can't afford a YMCA
membership, but don't quite qualify for financial assistance. I
also have no car. I need a pool that's cheap but not scary,
easily accessible to public transit (or walkable - I live near
Lake Merrit), and has lap swimming hours during the day. If it
has childcare, that's a bonus!
Dry and Flabby
Try Oakland Parks & Rec http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/programs/aquatics.asp
(click on the pool names in the navigation bar on the left for lap swim times)
Lions Pool at Diamond Park and Temescal Pool near Oakland Tech are both open for Lap swim year round. I know they are cheep and as far as safe, my 76 year old mother swam at both pools for many, many years.
You might also want to look into the mommy and me swim class durring the summer. They used to be great.
natasha
I missed the original question, sorry, but wanted to pipe up and
recommend (Highly!) the lap swimming at Laney College. You can
sign up online at http://www.peralta.cc.ca.us/ (they'll even give
you a fake ID # instead of using your SSN if you request it). The
classes are DIRT CHEAP, the pools are outside and gorgeous, and
the instructors are terrific--patient, knowledgeable, and
supportive. I believe it costs a total of $15. Per semester. For
a 10-week, twice-a-week class! An undiscovered jewel of the Bay
Area. (If you drive, parking is $.50/day extra and available in a
lot.)
Jennie
May 2005
Hello everyone.
I have checked the archives, and looked online some more, but I cannot seem to
find what I want. I am looking for a nearby pool (nearby to North Oakland) where I
can take my 20 month old swimming. I do not want a class, but a family swim time.
The Berkeley Y is way too expensive for me. I'd like to pay a few dollars each time I
go. I'd also like the water to be heated. Outdoor/ indoor doesn't matter. I live very
close to the Temescal pool and would love to go there, but every time I walk by and
ask, the person in the office doesn't know if they'll have a family swim time. Another
Oakland public pool-can't remember the name- has a family swim time, but it is
right smack in the middle of nap time, 12 to 2:(
Any suggestions or leads for me out there? I need to get my son in the water!
Thanks in advance,
Katja
Recommended:
City of Berkeley Swimming Pools
City of Oakland Swimming Pools (2)
Strawberry Canyon Pools (2)
Hello everyone. I actually posted the question and have received may replies via
email. Thank you!! I'd like to share with everyone what I have found:
You may download a summer schedule for Oaklnad parks at www.oaklandnet.com/parks
This includes swim times for My Clymond, Fremont, deFremery, Like Oak, Lions and
Temescal pools.
Also recommended were Mills colllege pool, Roberts Regional Recreational Area, El
Cerrito, Berkeley High- the old ''south'' pool by the softball field, Diamond Park, and
Strawbery Canyon.
Hooray. Thanks for your suggestions.
Katja
April 2008
I want to start swimming with my 2 month old but don't want him being
in all the chlorine. I have been reading about ozone pools where they
don't use any chemicals.
Are there any pools around that we can go to? Willing to drive fairly
far, he loves the water so much.
mom of a swimming baby
This probably isn't appropriate for a two-month-old, but by June or
July you might find it to be a good option: Lake Temescal, near the
junction of Hwys 24 and 13, is a lovely little gem of a lake managed
by the East Bay Regional Parks District. At this time of year the
water is too cold for little ones, but during the warm days of summer
the water in the shallows gets quite warm, and the sandy beach is a
hit with toddlers. You can find info on the EBRPD website.
Carrie
I did an extensive search for non-chlorine pools in the greater Bay
Area about 3 years ago. I got alot of leads that turned out not to be
chorine-free. The best I found was in Santa Rosa, a low-chlorine city
pool where they make their own chlorine from salt, and the
concentration is MUCH lower. It's Ridgeway Pool, (707) 543-3421, but
that's still at least an hour away from Berkeley. Also,Ridgeway
doesn't use muriatic acid, which is a chemical used in most public
pools and may be more hazardous to our health than chorine.
Some of the Cal pools used to use bromine, which is similar to
chorine, but more benign for some people. As far as I know,
Cal has converted all their pools to chlorine, because it's much
cheaper. I actually looked seriously into the idea of building a pool
in our backyard, but decided not to because of the expense.
I hope someone answers your question with some new info about a pool
I don't know about!
mwk
I have the idea that the lap pool at El Cerrito Swim Center
is not chlorinated, but only found this info on the website:
''What types of chemicals are in the water?
In order to keep the water sanitary and safe and adhere to
health regulations we use liquid chlorine (sodium
hypochlorite), Hydrochloric acid,
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and calcium chloride.'' I
guess you can call to find out.
we love the el cerrito pool
June 2006
I am looking for a non-chlorinated pool in the Berkeley area, or
else for someone with a private pool who would accept a modest
financial donation (or trade) in exchange for regular lap usage.
Any ideas out there?
I know the non-chlorine question has been asked before on this
list, but not recently.
Many thanks!
Jane
the pool at the el cerrito community center on moser lane is not
chlorinated. it is bromine (sic), and the pool itself is a
gorgeous lap pool. the lap times can be spotty, and the masters
swim a lot. i believe the week day times are 6-8 and 10-1 right
now, but you can get a schedule from the front desk. you can get
a 10 swim pass for about 50.00
juliet
Feb 2005
I am looking for an enzyme pool in the East Bay. Our son (15
mos) loves to be in the water, but I am reluctant to let him
swim/take swim lessons in a clorinated pool due to his somewhat
severe eczema. Is there one out there? Thanks!
Nancy
This question--which pools have no chlorine?--was asked (for an
adult) in Sept. 2004. To the best of my recollection, the only
answer given, which I'll repeat, was to swim in a freshwater lake
such as Lake Anza.
David
Sept 2004
I am looking for a non-chlorine swimming pool to swim in, in or
near Berkeley. I've become allergic to chlorine, and swimming is
my favorite form of exercise by far. I would love to find a
private or public pool using an alternative form of water
cleaning. I'd be more than happy to pay someone a monthly fee to
swim (2-3x week) in a backyard pool, and would be very
respectful of their place and schedule.
If I don't find a pool to swim in regularly, I'd consider
building a lap pool, and would then be seeking to try out
someone else's non-chlorine pool a few times to make sure my
body could handle the filtering/cleaning method.
I'd be really grateful for any offers, possibilities - swimming
lights me up and puts me in great shape!
mwk
If you can't find such a pool, you could swim in Lake Anza,
weather permitting.
David
Jan 2005
My mother-in-law is coming to visit for an extended stay. She
is handicapped and gets her only exercise by swimming. Does
any one know of a handicap-accessible pool, that she could use
on a drop-in basis?
Mary
Recommended:
Albany City Pool
Berkeley City Pools Berkeley High (2)
Oakland City Pools Lion's Pool
Richmond Swim Center
Sept 2004
Does anyone know of a women swimming group where only women are
present(including life guard)? Something similar to Curves but
for swimming activity? Areas of convenience are Berkeley,Albany
or nearby.
Thanks
Check out UCB's Hearst pool. There is a small, little used women
only pool outside the women's locker room. As recently as a month
ago I found it was open Tues & Thurs 6:30-7:30 for open swimming,
although I can't find further information on their website right
now. I know they also hold women-only water fitness classes in
that pool several times a week. If you've never been, the Hearst
pool is beautiful, and the women's pool is very private. The
number & website for the entire Recreational Sports program is
510-642-6400/calbears.berkeley.edu
Sofia
Does the downtown Berkeley YMCA have this? I know there are
three pools, and they do have workout rooms for women only, so
you might stop by and see if they have any women-only swim
sessions. Also, what about Mills College?
Bets
July 2004
we just came back from santa fe and the city there has 2
wonderful toddler swimming pools-12''-18'' deep, with water
slides and animals that are really just decorated showerheads
etc. is there anything like this near berkeley? i found a lot
of info about swim lessons on the site but not about pools
like this. thanks!
jc
Recommended:
El Cerrito City Pool
July 2004
Summer is here and the whole family, including the dog, would
like to go swimming. Our children are young, under six years old
and not good swimmers. Are there any swimming holes for both
dogs and their humans within 3+ hours from the Bay Area? Any
good swimming/camping combinations for families with dogs.
Ann-Marie
I took my Labrador to Lake Del Valle about 6 years ago, with some friends. We
rented a rowboat (with motor attached; rowing got old REALLY fast), and found
a 'private' cove. Tied up the boat and enjoyed the water with the dogs. I'm not
sure how well that would work for very young kids, but it was fabulous then.
Jennie
June 2004
I'm looking for a public swimming pool (preferably indoor)
near El Cerrito that my toddler and I can use during A.M.
hours (anytime before noon). I have checked the Hilltop Y,
the El Cerrito community pool, and the Richmond swim
center- none offer family swim time before noon. Does
anyone know of a facility?
Kim
Recommended:
Albany City Pool
June 2004
Love Berkeley, but swimming indoors at the Y during the summer
just doesn't do it for me, and it just doesn't get warm enough
for me to want to head up to the Strawberry Canyon pool. I'm
looking for recommendations about public pools in the Lamorinda
area. I'm willing to go through the tunnel to get some heat,
and am hoping to find public pools with a bit of grass, shade,
a wading pool for my 10 month old, as well as waist-high water
for when he wants to ''swim''.
Chilly Mama
I live in Orinda and belong to the Sleepy Hollow Swim and
Tennis club, which is close to my house, and has been a
lifesaver during the hot weather. I have some friends from
Berkeley & Oakland who are members of the Orinda Park Pool. It
it close to the freeway and has some great programs. All the
pools here are great.
Orinda Swim Mom
May 2004
I'm looking for an East Bay location for aquajogging (running
upright in the water with a float belt). Ideally it would be a
separate deep diving pool, but maybe there's a pool where the
deep end is sometimes available for aquajogging? Pools with the
lane markers in place won't work, and a crowded free swim isn't
ideal either.
I'd prefer a pay-as-you-use-it place, but would consider a
membership. We live near Lake Merritt, but would be willing to
drive a bit for the right situation. Thanks!
Amy
Recommended:
Spieker Pool UC Berkeley
March 2003
I recently asked for advice on getting my reluctant nine-year
old to learn to swim. Based on the advice I got, I am now
looking for a swimming pool in the area where we can spend lots
of fun non-swimming time together this summer. Ideally, the
pool is: WARM, about 3 FEET DEEP or so (NOT a kiddie splash
pool full of toddlers), no more than 20 minutes drive from
Albany, allows us to bring some toys, and has convenient
weekday open swim. I guess I'm not too picky about indoor vs.
outdoor. I prefer not to have to pay a huge ''membership'' type
fee, but might consider it for the perfect place.
R.K.
Recommendations received:
Richmond Swim Center (2)
Other suggestions:
This might be kind of a strange idea, but a friend of mine used
to live in one of those apartment buildings that abut the El
Cerrito shopping center on the Albany side and there was a pool
there that was almost always empty, and there are several such
buildings near there. I'm wondering if you approached the
manager of one of those buildings and asked if you could pay a
fee to swim there with your kid if s/he would go for it? You
could maybe draw up some sort of liability release form to sign
ahead of time too. It's kind of a wacky idea, but there are so
few swimming options in the area, but I had a brother with a lot
of water fear, I know that crowded swimming spots only added to
his anxiety.
Check out the Orinda Park Pool. The pool has sloping sides so
it's got a lot of shallow water. The water is warm, toys are
ok, but floatation devices are not. There is a separate
toddler area. I'm a Masters swimmer and I think OPP is too
warm for a workout. You have to purchase a membership and pay
annual dues so this might be more of a commitment than you were
looking for. You can sell the membership when you want to give
up membership, in fact I think OPP sells it for you. We go
from N. Berkeley over the hill and down Lomas Contadas to the
pool in about 20 minutes.
You might try the pool at the Piedmont Rec. Center (although I
am not sure it'll meet your ''20 mins. away'' criterion). The
facility has a big, deep lap pool, another pool which sounds
like what you are looking for, and a baby pool. I should say,
however, that there almost certainly will be a lot of littler
kids in the medium-sized pool, at least ''littler'' when compared
to a 9-year-old. But it's a nice facility, and otherwise sounds
like what you want.
Wendy
July 2002
I am a Southern California transplant to Berkeley and
it's taken 19 years to develop this craving, but I want
a sunny summer hanging out by the pool with my kids
(ages 6 years and 21 months). I am interested in hearing
recommendations for public and private pools. What is
the Strawberry like? Is there a good toddler pool? Is
it crowded? Sunny? What's parking like? Do the summer
sports camp and swim lessons interfere with pool use by
the general public? Can anyone tell me about Orinda
Park Pool? Any other private or public pools I should
know about? We live in North Berkeley and I am willing
to drive about 20-25 minutes to find a warm, sunny
summer haven about three times a week. Thanks!
Karen
Recommendations received:
Encinal High School Pool
Lake Anza
Lake Temescal
Lakeridge Athletic Club
Re: Pool for Hanging Out (July 2002)
If you want a toddler pool and don't need a lot of structure, check out the
Encinal High School pool this summer. I went last year with my son (then
just over 1), and we had a blast. They have a toddler pool from 2' to 3.5',
a larger pool with standard depths, and even a diving pool (torture to this
single mom--I wanna go dive!). The kiddy lessons, as I recall, are for an
hour on Saturdays and just $2--and the best part is, after kiddy lessons
are over, it's Free Swim and your $2 lets you stay as long as you like!
The ''lessons,'' at least for very little ones, are nothing
to write home about, but did serve to make my son more
comfortable in the water and to start to kick. We didn't
get to blowing bubbles or even putting faces in the water,
but I hope to get to that this summer.
The pool is open for about 10 weeks. If you email me, I can
let you know when I get the schedule. These classes are on a drop-in basis,
so there's no paying ahead of time & missing classes. Hope to see you
there! I have reddish brown hair and freckles, and my son is pale like me
and has curly blond hair.
Jennie
Feb 2002
For her 7th birthday, my daughter would like to have a
party at a hotel pool (not a neighborhood pool) that
turns into a slumber party. As her birthday is in May
and weather could or could not be an issue, I was thinking
of either an indoor pool or something on the other side
of the tunnel where it might be warmer.
Does anyone know of a kid-party-friendly hotel or motel
that would let us do something like this? I'm not really
interested in spending $300-400 for a suite at a fancy
hotel but more like a small hotel or motel with a couple
of adjoining rooms. Thanks!
Allison
The Embassy Suites Hotel in Walnut Creek has an indoor
pool and they even advertise a ''birthday party package''
that includes pizza delivery. (I've seen the ads in
Parents' Press.) I've stayed at this hotel myself and
it's really nice! Check out http://www.embassysuites.com.
Also, they usually have much lower rates on the weekends.
- Sharon
I too was polanning on having a sleepover for my daughters
9th birthday party. I live in Fremont and Chuck E. Cheese
is within walking distance from the Hilton, which is why
I chose it. I was told in no uncertain terms that they
do not do parties. I explained that all I wanted was a
suite (of several rooms if necessary, but all in one)
and that there would be nine kids and four adults to
supervise. Most of the evening would be spent at Chuck
E. Cheese and the rest of the evening would be spent
doing girl stuff, watching videos, ordering room service.
That kind of stuff. They told me the fire marshall will
not allow more than four people in any of their rooms.
This is the Hilton we're talking about here. Of all the
hotels in the area, they should have been most able to
accommodate my small requests. If the Vice president
can book a whole floor, they should be able to handle
what I asked for. To say I was angry was mild. It's not
like the girls would be running up and down the halls
disturbing other customers.
Anyway, if you find a friendly hotel who is open to this
idea, I would also be interested in knowing who they
are. My daughters birthday is in April and I do have a
plan B (my neighbor who would be helping me chaperone
has volunteered to send her husband and son away camping
for the weekend so we could do the sleepover at her house).
I don't have enough room to do it at my house which is
why I thought of the hotel idea and really indulge the
girls with the room service which is not an everyday
thing for most of them. The fact that Chuck E. Cheese
is just down the street only added to the fun factor.
marianne
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