Great Escape: Poolside Places to Beat the Heat

I don’t know if you heard, but it’s supposed to be breaking 100 this week. And in this blistering heat, there is no better place to chill out and cool off than in the pool. Thankfully, there are plenty of places nearby where you can splash away the heat.

1)     The YMCA – This one is almost a no-brainer. There is no better place to cool off with your friends and family than at the nearby Y, and there is no better time to join than now. Reap the benefits of a junior lifeguarding program, aquatics classes of all kinds as well as private swim lessons and water polo. And the Roxborough YMCA Polar Bears are a great way to start your kids on the road to competitive swimming.
Where: 7201 Ridge Ave.

2)     The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Philadelphia – In the same vein as the YMCA, this Kroc Center is a real getaway in your own backyard. The Kroc’s Family Water Park has everything you could want in water fun, from a lazy river to play equipment and an entrance that makes you feel like you’re at the beach. The area has volleyball nets, a water slide, and plenty of poolside rooms for parties and celebrations. And with a 10-lane, competitive pool and a warm water therapy pool, you can bet that you’ll never be bored here.
Where: 4200 Wissahickon Ave.

3. The Flourtown Swim Club – Just a few miles outside the city, the Flourtown Swim Club is a nice little spot to get your kids involved in water athletics. Swim teams are a great way to socialize and enjoy the weather, and before you know it you could have potential Olympians on your hands. This year’s registrations and information on the swim club and day camp are available at the swim club website, so hurry and turn your children into Gators today!
Where: 1528 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown

4. Oreland Swim Club – But if you aren’t looking to become a Gator, consider another of the great swim clubs in the area. The Oreland Swim Club is another great spot to turn your kids into great swimmers, or just to have them learn a variety of strokes and have a good time in the water with other swimmers. This member-owned swim club has been in the area for over 40 years and hosts a slew of volleyball nets, basketball courts, playground equipment and, of course, a great pool for use.
Where: 190 Paper Mill Road, Oreland

5. Plymouth Township – It’s a little farther up the road, but the Plymouth Township Community Center has it all. With the pool’s year-round swim lessons, even if you are spending your summer on vacation, you can get your kids into the pool at some point. With water aerobics classes for all types of exercise and personal training, you can truly make the most of your time at this pool while you cool off and enjoy getting in shape. There are also walk-in options for those who just want to test the waters.
Where: 2910 Jolly Road, Plymouth