Los Angeles has plenty of beautiful beaches to cool off at on hot summer days, but sometimes it can be a bigger headache than you want to deal with—loading your car, traffic, crowds and those pesky sharks you always fear once you're in the water. Thankfully there are also great swimming pools for kids throughout the area. And no, you won't find raging pool parties at these spots; these pools will allow your kids to have some good ol' fashion fun this summer. So when you're looking for some summer acitivities for kids, consider these swimming pools.
This Sawtelle-area pool is more aquatic playground than swimming hole, but that’s why your little ones will enjoy it. The wading pool barely goes deeper than four feet; kids will likely stick to the jungle of fun fountains on the zero-entry incline (read: no underwater steps!). And did we mention there’s a water slide, too?
$3.50 adults; $1 for 17 and under.
This isn't your typical swimming pool. Seaside Lagoon is a saltwater lagoon steps away from the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can swim under lifeguard supervision, and there are also water slides, a playground, beach volleyball and picnic areas. The water park, if you want to call it that, is only open during summer months—this year you can visit between May 27 and September 4.
$7 adults 17 and up; $6 children 2-17; free 2 and under.
Looking for swim classes? Waterworks Aquatics in Pasadena has lessons for every level in year-round heated pools. Often voted as the best place to learn to swim by various local publications, Waterworks Aquatics also offers birthday parties and family swim nights that include inflatable toys, games and more.
Prices vary.
There is something for everyone at this pool facility. Whether you're looking to have a recreational swim, your little one needs swim lessons or your teen wants lifeguard training, VNSO Aquatics Center provides all that and more. There's even a small 1-foot-deep wading pool with a mushroom-shaped fountain for the itty bitty ones in your family (though this little pool is only open during the summer months). Because there's so much going on here, we recommend checking the pool's schedule.
$3.50 adult; $1 kids 17 and under and seniors 65 and up.
While the beach is barely a mile away from this Santa Monica public pool, that expanse can feel like an eternity in the soul-crushing ocean-bound gridlock; thankfully, this clean, cheerful, brightly-tiled and not overly-chlorinated pair of open-air pools offers a viable alternative. During much of the year, recreational swimming is limited to the smaller splash pool, but on weekends and during the summer it expands to the fitness pool as well. If your child is still learning how to swim, Santa Monica Swim Center offers swimming classes for all levels. Other activities and events are held throughout the year.
$7 adults; $3 kids 17 and under; $16 weekend family pass; Santa Monica residents pay half price.
Kids might not appreciate the history of the Annenberg Community Beach House (it was built by Randolph Hearst for Hollywood star Marion Davies in the 1920s), but they will love the ammenities. The five-acre compound accommodates a main house with a rec room for board games, ping pong and events; plus a swimming pool, a splash pad, beach volleyball and more. Take note: toys and floatation devices are not allowed unless given out by Beach House staff.
$10 adults; $4 kids 17 and under; $5 seniors 60+; free under age 1; $1 Mondays, excluding holidays.
If the above kid-friendly pools don't cut it for you, take a look at our list of the best public pools in L.A.
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