We’ve got just the thing to keep you cool this summer. Even if you don’t have a pool in your backyard, you may be looking for a cool way for your children to enjoy this summer. While many people would prefer to swim in a lake or float a river in one of Texas’s beautiful state parks, a trip to a public pool can be just as enjoyable. With the size of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, there are many options, but here are some of the best public pools in the DFW area.
Bahama Beach Waterpark
The best family waterpark value in the metroplex is at Bahama Beach. It’s only a 10-minute drive south of downtown Dallas. Everything is in one place, from 45-foot-tall slides for big kids and adults who are still kids at heart to an interactive water playground with a 1,000-gallon dumping bucket for the little ones. For those looking to unwind, grab a tube, wade into one of two zero-depth entry beaches, and float down the lazy river.
Bahama Beach Waterpark, 1895 Campfire Cir, Dallas, TX 75232
Holmes Aquatic Center
Curtis Park’s Holmes Aquatic Center includes a 50-meter pool, a massive water slide, 3- and 1-meter diving boards, and a walk-in ramp for handicapped access. For younger children, there is a separate pool with an aerated fountain and a shaded area.
A zero-depth sprayground, approximately 1,500 square feet in size and adjacent to the existing children’s pool, automatically distributes water to more than 25 spray and water features, allowing younger children to safely spray, splash, and slosh the day away.
Holmes Aquatic Center, 3501 Lovers Ln, Dallas, TX 75205
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Pool
Since its inception in the 1970s, The Fraternal Order of Eagles Pool has earned a reputation for being a hotspot for families and the elderly. It’s cozy, nestled among shady trees with a grassy lawn for lying out or picnicking. It’s super-casual, with burgers and sand volleyball.
Fraternal Order of Eagles , 8500 Arturo Dr., Dallas, 7522
Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex
The Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex is much more than a public swimming pool; it is a full swim park with water slides, a kid’s play area, and additional regular swimming pools for recreational swimming. There’s also a relaxing 200-foot lazy river, as well as more thrilling options for the kids like cannons, bubblers, and more. A 50-meter Olympic-size pool, a training pool, and separate diving platforms are also available at the complex.
Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex, 1334 E Rosemeade Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75007
The Margaret Young Natatorium
The Margaret Young Natatorium is a year-round aquatics facility that is affordable to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Aquatic fitness classes, water therapy, swim lessons for all ages and abilities, and American Red Cross certification courses are available at the natatorium. The natatorium also offers public open swim times, party room rentals, and after-hours facility rentals.
Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, 14032 Heartside Pl, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Walnut Hill Swimming Pool
There is always something to do, see, and experience at Walnut Hill Swimming Pool – with recreation programs, athletic leagues, aquatic facilities, special events, art programs, and environmental education opportunities!
Walnut Hill Swimming Pool, 4141 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas, TX 75229
Frog Pond
The Frog Pond Water Park is a seasonal aquatics facility that is affordable to swimmers of all ages and abilities. Aquatic fitness classes swim lessons for all ages and abilities, and American Red Cross certification courses are available at the water park.
Farmers Branch Aquatics Center, 14032 Heartside Pl, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Allen Bolden Pool
The Allen Bolden Pool is a 50-meter-long L-shaped public pool in Arlington. There is only one diving board and one entry point at zero depth. This is a great, peaceful place to layout, surrounded by beautiful manicured open space, while the pool itself offers a lot of fun for kids of all ages. There are six shade structures and a concession stand as well.
Allen Bolden Pool, 2800A S. Center Street, Arlington, TX 76014
Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake
Lynn Creek Park’s beach was recently renovated and is now plentiful in smooth sand. Nearby visitors will find a concession stand, a playground and even covered picnic tables. Joe Pool Lake just might call itself the birthplace of summer fun. Between the boat docks and Oasis on the water restaurant and the breezy good times at Lynn Creek Park, few would argue with that statement.
Lynn Creek Park, 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Dallas Swimming Pool Bag Essentials
A trip to the pool is an excellent way to pass your time during summer. You cannot imagine a better way than cool refreshing water during a sunny or rather hot day. Nothing could be better than that. But the last thing that you wish to happen is to arrive at the swimming pool only to find out that you have left something important. This will ruin the much-expected fun.
Having a list of all the swimming essentials ensures that you have packed everything. Below are things to always keep in your swimming pool bag:
For your clothing and accessories, ensure you pack the following:
Swimwear
This is quite obvious. A swimsuit and cover-up give the ideal amount of coverage, and it is a must-have to go swimming. Check with local pools to find out the guidelines on the swimwear they allow and don’t allow. Some swimming pools don’t allow street clothes like jean shorts in the pool, so having your swimming suit is essential.
Shoes
A pair of sandals or flip-flops are great for walking to and from your car. Furthermore, they are crucial if you will need to visit the restroom.
Towel
A towel is essential in every swim bag; you can use it to dry off and also spread out on a pool lounger and laid on. For convenience, pack a towel per person.
Hat
A wide-brimmed floppy hat can help protect your face from the sun.
For your safety at the pool, pack the following essentials:
Goggles
Swimming goggles are a must-have for swimmers. These are good to protect their eyes from chlorine. Make sure you have a few pairs; make sure they are comfortable and fit well. Along with goggles, nose clips are great to have on hand to help keep water out of your nose.
Sunglasses
They will shield your eyes from sunlight glare. Just go for the cheaper glasses that you won’t mind if they get scratched.
Sunblock
Having sunblock is essential for going to the pool; the last thing you want is a painful sunburn. Keep a few in your bag to make sure you always have sunblock and can reapply every 2 hours.
First aid kit
Kids can get injured while playing around the pool. A first aid kit can help with allergies or headaches.
Floatation Aids
Your local pool might provide these but if not, consider pack a life jacket, puddle jumpers, arm floaties if you have littles that do not know how to swim yet. Check with the pool to see what type of floatation aids are allowed or provided.
Food/Snacks
One thing that you are guaranteed is that your kids will get hungry after all the splashing around. Curb the hunger with snacks and if you plan to spend the entire day there, pack fresh fruits, granola bars, or any other relevant item.
Water
You might think that you are in a pool and that you might not need water, but that is not true. You are still losing water as you sweat. Carry your stainless steel or plastic bottle filled with cold water to keep you hydrated.
Fun Pool Essentials
You are pretty sure that you want to have all the fun possible. You can pack:
Reading Materials
When your kids are enjoying the pool, you can enjoy your favorite book.
Pool toys
What kid doesn’t enjoy having something to play with at the pool? Pack their pool toys, including diving sticks, pool noodles, pool squirters, and fun floats, to make their pool time more memorable.
Money
Nothing is more disappointing than wanting refreshments from the pool concession stand, but then you realize you have no cash. Throwing a small coin purse in your swim bag with some cahs will come in handy if you choose to visit the concession stand.
Wet Bag
A wet bag is a great way to keep everything else in your swim bag dry. You can use a plastic bag, but reusable wet bags bought at your local sports store or Target/Walmart will work better.
Conclusion
Going out to the pool during a hot day is a great way to spend your free time. Packing the above items, you are guaranteed an enjoyable day.
