Splash and play at the Swift Creek Family YMCA's indoor pool!

The Swift Creek Family YMCA has such a fantastic indoor pool! This indoor facility had saved us on many cold, rainy days when we needed to get out of the house, but outdoor play wasn't an option. So, in addition to us visiting during inclement weather, we also love bringing our children here before summer pools open up, so they can practice their swimming before summertime. This way, they're more comfortable when the outdoor pools open.

When you arrive at the YMCA, park in the large lot in front of the building. Depending on the ages/gender of your family, you will access the pool from one of the locker rooms. We use the Family Locker Room (my kids are 4 and 8) because they have large bathrooms, and I am comfortable having both children with me in there versus one using a different space. The Family Locker Room opens straight to the indoor pool. There's always a lifeguard on duty, and there are life jackets in many sizes to the left of the water table. Additionally, there are hangers for towels and/or pool bags near the water table. 

The water table is perfect for young children. My son loves to bring a small cup or bucket to splash and play in this area before entering the actual pool water. The pool has a zero-entry. There's a whirlpool near the entry. There are ropes indicating where the 3-feet area is, which is an easy, visual boundary for your children. We always tell our kids they cannot go outside of the ropes. Swim lessons are offered at this pool throughout the year to both members and non-members.

If you have a swimmer in your crew, there are lap lanes and even a designated "Lap Swim" time. A huge, blue slide is at the front of the pool. There is also a small area behind the blue slide for children to run through that sprays and splashes from overhead. It would be best to ask a lifeguard to turn those sprayers on. When you're all done swimming, you can access the locker room and exit the facility. If your kiddos are hungry or thirsty, enjoy some (packed) snacks and water on the comfy chairs just in front of the reception desk. Don't forget to enjoy the playground outside and check out the Little Free Library on your way out!

To enjoy this indoor pool, you must be an active member of any YMCA Richmond Branch. Memberships for a family of four are $84/month. The YMCA offers a sliding scale for families so that everyone in the community can take advantage of these facilities.