There are lots of things we try to escape in Atlanta—heat, mosquitoes and traffic all come to mind—so it’s funny that our town is so wild over getting into Atlanta’s best escape rooms! Maybe it’s because you play only with your group, or perhaps because its air conditioned, but we think Atlanta is wild for escape rooms because they’re just so fun. Keep reading for our favorite escape rooms geared towards the kids, below.

Time to Escape

Featuring four fun escape experiences, which are now all private for your group only—including Al Capone's Speakeasy which features an in-room actor—Time to Escape gives players feedback on their acuity and the level of difficulty of their mission. Generally for between 2-14 players, these escape rooms include a Western, Alcatraz, Egyptian, and Speakeasy theme.

1441 Dresden Dr #230
Brookhaven
678-705-4320
Online: itstimetoescape.com

Big Escape Rooms

Big Escape Rooms offers adventures where players find clues, crack codes and use their sleuth prowess to solve a series of puzzles within 60 minutes to escape a themed room. With the clock counting down, you may make it, you may not—but one thing is for sure: you’re going to have fun! Of their four rooms, the beginner level—The Basketball escape room—is best for families with kids. It was initially designed for the Atlanta Hawks and built inside of Philips Arena in Downtown Atlanta. The story goes that your team has been trapped inside the locker room and it’s 45-minutes until game time. The coach always hides a spare key, so you have to find it in time to get your team out on the court or will you be forced to forfeit the game.

Big Escape Rooms
444 Highland Ave. NE 4th floor
Old Fourth Ward
678-800-0701
Online: bigescaperooms.com

 

Breakout Games

Whether you choose to play in person (always your group only) or virtually, Breakout Games offers you tons of rooms to choose among—and most are suitable for kids. For 60 minutes, experience immersive entertainment with friends and family, escape normal life, and be the hero of the story. Explore an island, find the kidnapper, restore ancient relics to their rightful owner, and more. For train lovers, this one has a Runaway Train experience that you don't want to miss! 3867 Roswell Rd. NE Buckhead 404-800-9207 Online: breakoutgames.com

Paranoia Quest

Paranoia Quest Whether you have Harry Potter fans, kids who would fearlessly face the Zombie Apocalypse, or detectives-in-training, this downtown location (there's one in Buford, too) will meet your escape room needs. Playing only those in your group, you'll spend 60 minutes trying to solve a challenge that's not built to be scary. 72 Broad St. SW Downtown 678-310-8735 Online: paranoiaquest.com

Amazing Escape

With only 45 minutes, you'll have to work fast to get out of that mountain cabin where you're trapped. And figure out how to save everyone from a mysterious virus. And get out of being convicted for a crime you didn't commit. Best of luck at this Norcross venue. 6040 Unity Dr. Suite C Norcross 470-294-0480 Online: amazingescapegame.com

Urban Escape Games

Investigate something fishy going on in a big-business run space station. Catch a jewel thief in the act. Unlock a researcher from a time warp. This Alpharetta and Marietta operation is "HR" and "Family" safe, so you'll find no scary or lewd surprises when you go. 20 Mansell Ct. East, Suite #275 Alpharetta 678-805-2189 Online: urbanescapegames.com

Featured photo via iStock.

—Shelley Massey

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Great news! NYC’s free outdoor swimming pools are among the many, many things that are reopening for the summer 2021 season. The outdoor pool season starts June 26 and runs to September 12. NYC is home to numerous free, public pools — including the pool from that In the Heights scene. Whether you want to just splash around or work on swimming skills with your kids, there’s a pool for you. Here are the best outdoor pools in NYC where you can beat the heat free of charge this summer.

Know Before You Go

Malcom Pinckney/NYC Parks

Before we tell you the top pools, here's what you need to know about swimming at NYC pools this summer. Outdoor pool hours are free and open to the public from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m., with a break for pool cleaning between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Early morning and late night adult lap swim hours are also available at some locations.

In the past, the city has offered free swimming lessons through the Learn to Swim program. It is still being determined if the program will take place in 2021. More info is available here.

Be Cool, Know the Rules: New York City Public Pool Rules

Wei J. via Yelp

Before you head to one of the pools to take a quick dip, be sure to read all of the rules carefully—and be prepared to take them seriously. Staff is on hand checking all pool guests to make sure they adhere to the rules, and they are not messing around. First, masks are required everywhere except in the pool, and don't be surprised if you have to show your padlock and bathing suit before they'll let you in.

Other rules include:

Only white tees are allowed in the pool (over the top of suits), no water toys or floatation devices are allowed, and you must take a shower in the locker room before entering the pool.

Don't plan on taking more than the essentials (towels, goggles, sunscreen) on the pool deck. Beach chairs, baby strollers bags, blankets, beach balls, phones and cameras are all prohibited on the pool deck.

Despite all the rules, we promise a dip in a public pool can be a fun, mini vacation when the mercury rises in NYC. (For a full list of every free NYC pool, head here.)

Cool Pools: New & Improved Spots to Splish & Splash

NYC Parks

In recent years, the city has rolled out the "Cool Pools." These pools haven't undergone improvements since the 1970s, and are located in under-served areas (one in each borough). The pools are spruced up with more green plantings, fun summer wall art, cabana-style structures for shade, and lounge chairs. The most recent batch of Cool Pools can be found here:

Claremont Pool in the Bronx
Commodore Barry Pool in Brooklyn
Dry Dock Pool in Manhattan
Wagner Pool in Manhattan
Liberty Pool in Queens
Tottenville Pool on Staten Island

Our Favorite Free NYC Pools

Red Hook: Sol Goldman Pool

This Olympic-sized pool is near a recreation center, ball fields, IKEA and cafes. Make a day trip of it and stuff yourself after your swim at a food truck (during the summer they usually park at the edge of the park), or try a hipster cafe on Van Brunt Street.

Insider Tip: This pool is usually a lot quieter than most public pools and includes a large splash area perfect for toddlers. Get there early and you can even score one of the few provided lounge chairs.

Go:
Sol Goldman Pool
155 Bay St. btwn Clinton and Henry
Red Hook, Brooklyn
Nearest transportation: Smith - 9 Streets Station (F, G)

Washington Heights: Highbridge Pool

Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks

Yes, you too can frolic in the massive pool seen in the film In the Heights. Highbridge Pool is part of the larger Highbridge Park, which gets its name from the historic bridge that connects Manhattan and the Bronx. There's an Olympic pool and a wading pool here, and the park itself, part of a $150 million effort to upgrade five neighborhoods parks in the city, includes athletic courts, a rec center, playgrounds a skate park and more. 

Go: Highbridge Pool
Amsterdam Ave & 173rd St. 
Washington Heights
212-927-2400
Nearest transportation: A  or 1 train to 168th Street

Greenpoint: McCarren Park Pool

NYC Parks

Another Olympic-size pool, Greenpoint’s McCarren Pool is located in the 35-acre McCarren Park. After being closed for a couple of decades in the 80s and 90s, the pool became a spot for concerts and events. In 2012 it re-opened as a public pool, with the bathhouse and dramatic entry arch preserved.

Go: McCarren Park Pool
Greenpoint
776 Lorimer St.
Nearest transportation: Bedford Avenue or Lorimer Station (L), Metropolitan Avenue Station (G)

Astoria: Astoria Park Pool

NYC Parks

Astoria Park has the largest pool in New York City, at 330-feet long. As well as the main, Olympic-sized pool and diving pool, you'll also find a wading pool here.

Insider Tip: They have a great area for kids where you'll also find sprinklers. This pool has lounge chairs for use if you can find one free.

Go:
Astoria Park Pool
19th St. and 23rd Dr.
Astoria, Queens
Nearest transportation: Astoria Blvd Station, Astoria-Ditmars Blvd Station (N, Q)

Upper East Side: John Jay Pool

Image courtesy of Thom H. via Yelp

For Uptown Manhattanites, this is the go-to pool, and not surprisingly it's packed with families. Besides having a 145-foot pool and a special diving area (a rare public pool find), the recreation area also boasts a playground wth a "rivers edge" theme: you'll find a Whitehall row boat to play in, an elevated sand table, a water play area, wavy decks and a climbing net.

Insider Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before the pool opens if you're braving a weekend here. Prep the kids before you go, that you might not actually get to go swimming. Lines can get ridiculously long here.

Go:
John Jay Pool
East of York Ave. on 77th St.
Upper East Side
Nearest transportation:  77th St. Station (6)

Staten Island: Lyons Pool

One of 11 Olympic-sized pools built in 1936, Lyons Pool is known for its distinctive chimney feature, which is a well-known Staten Island landmark. From the top of the recreation center you can see Downtown Brooklyn.

Insider Tip: This is one of the few pools with a diving pool. It also features a wading pool for kiddos to enjoy.

Go:
Lyons Pool
6 Victory Blvd
Staten Island
Nearest transportation: Tompkinsville Station (SIR)

Lower East Side: Hamilton Fish Park

NYC Parks

This beautiful pool is an oasis of calm and cleanliness on the Lower East Side. It has such a great reputation that the U.S. Olympic Team used it for practice sessions on their way to the 1952 Helsinki Games.

Insider Tip: The locker rooms don't have benches to sit on or to place your things, while you get ready, so be prepared to juggle. There also isn't much in the way of deck furniture, so bring a large towel or picnic blanket to sit on if you're planning on hanging around for a while.

Go:
Hamilton Fish Park 
Pitt St. and Houston St.
Lower East Side
Nearest transportation: Essex St Station (J, M, Z), Delancey St Station (F), 2 Av Station (F)

Bronx: Van Cortlandt Park Pool

NYC Parks

The largest non-Olympic sized public pool in NYC (it’s 164-feet long), Van Cortlandt Park Pool is edged by trees, a rarity in NYC!

Insider Tip: Expect a long line to get in, but don't be put off by the hordes of people — there's enough room inside for everyone. Want to beat the queue? Plan to get there an hour before it opens.

Go:
Van Cortlandt Park Pool
6000 Broadway and 242 St.
Bronx
Nearest transportation: Van Cortlandt Park - 242nd St. (1)

— Christine Knight & Julie Seguss

Unless otherwise noted, images courtesy of NYC Parks

Cover photo: David F. via Yelp

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Every spring, as winter’s chill dissipates and the days grow ever long, a fierce competitive spirit fills the LA air that can only mean one thing. School acceptance letters! (Uh…and baseball!) With the Dodgers’ opening day quickly rounding into home Friday, April 4th, you can practically smell the peanuts and Dodger Dogs wafting through the stands. To get your pint-sized sluggers psyched for what’s sure to be a World Series-winning season (Clayton Kershaw, are you listening?), head over to Dodger Stadium for a once-in-a-lifetime look behind the proverbial blue curtain.

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Behind the Blue Curtain
Daily stadium tours give mini mega fans an insider’s glimpse at the ballpark’s most restricted and non-public areas. But what’s most fascinating is the incredible history lesson you get not only about the iconic Dodgers’ organization, but also about the game of baseball itself.

Field of Dreams
Imagine soaking in the majesty of the third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball without battling the beer-soaked crowds. Led by an uber-knowledgeable and infectiously enthusiastic member of the Dodger staff, the tour kicks off at Top Deck Level where you’ll enjoy stunning stadium views. A staff photographer is on hand throughout the tour, happily snapping photos of you and your tikes as you move about the ballpark. (Pics are available for purchase at the conclusion of the tour for around $10 a pop.) Of course, you’re also more than welcome to bring your own camera instead and Instagram every single second for free.

Dodger Stadium Tour

Vin Scully Press Box
During the tour, fans gain access to the Vin Scully Press Box where the Dodger action is covered from every angle. Anyone who’s ever watched or listened to a Dodger game will tell you legendary broadcaster, Vin Scully, is as integral to the team as any player on the field. With his unique gift for insightful and compelling commentary,  Scully effortlessly humanizes players beyond the flash and big salaries, and oozes a pure childlike passion for the sport. At 85 years young, he returns to the press box once more this season for a record 65th year doing play-by-play.

Also in the press box, fans see where talented organist, Nancy Bea Hefley, has gleefully played “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh inning stretch since 1988. Sadly, with Major League ballparks phasing out live organ music in favor of DJ’s and canned Bieber jamz, Nancy’s continued contribution to the game is pretty darn special.

Vin Scully Press Box Dodgers Tour

“Winning!”
You may never get closer to baseball greatness than this unless, of course, you’re hiding under Yasiel Puig’s bed. Fans get an up-close and personal look at the myriad accolades the Dodgers organization has garnered over the years, including six World Series titles and numerous Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards. We think there’s more than enough room in that case for another Commissioner’s Trophy this season, no? Just sayin’.

IMG_1550

Hall of Fame
In addition to the Lexus Dugout Club and VIP lounge and restaurant where celebs hangout behind home plate (we hear Conan O’Brien is a regular), fans may also get a revealing glimpse inside the visiting team’s locker room, the general manager’s extensive bobble head collection, Dodger weight room and indoor batting cages depending on availability the day of the tour. But absolutely nothing, nada, niente, zip, zilch is cooler than seeing Jackie Robinson’s retired jersey in the Dodger hall of fame. Along with #42, game-changing legends like Tommy Lasorda, Sandy Coufax and Pee Wee Reese are featured, too.

IMG_1576

Batter Up!
Now, let’s face it. This is the moment kiddos (and admittedly, we adults) have giddily been waiting for all tour long – a chance to actually sit in the Dodgers dugout and take the field. As you slowly ascend the stairs and the grandeur of the surrounding stands becomes visible, you practically hear the theme from “The Natural” begin to play. Fans get a good 10 minutes or so to poke around, pretend chat on the dugout phone and take plenty of photos that will inevitably end up on every family’s Christmas card.

IMG_1631

It’s Not Enough to Be Nominated
At the tour’s conclusion, you and your tots are treated to a look at the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Awards and Cy Young Awards. Pint-sized pitchers will most definitely want a pic next to Clayton Kershaw’s Cy Young bling. After all, they too could be on this wall someday.

IMG_1654

Good to Know: The entire tour is stroller accessible, so feel free to bring your littlest little-leaguers along for the fun.

Hours: Daily tours run about an hour and half and are given at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Please make sure to arrive 15 minutes before your tour. (In other words, start getting the kids ready now.)
Cost: $20 for adults, $15 for kids 14 & under, 3 & under are free.

Parking: Parking is conveniently located in Lot P, right outside the Top of the Park store. Dodger onesies and mini bats anyone?

Insider Tip: Still need more time on the field? At every Sun. home game, kids can run the bases after the game!

Online: mlb.com/la/ballpark/stadium_tours

What’s your family’s favorite Dodger tradition? Let us know!

–Jennifer O’Brien

Photo Credit: Jennifer O’Brien

Is your little one a water baby? Finding the perfect pool to take tiny tots can be tough, but we are here to make it easier. Grab those swim diapers! The following Portland metro pools offer low (or no) chlorine for sensitive eyes, shallow depths for little legs and warmer temps for sensitive skin. Read on to discover our favorite places for babies and toddlers to splash around when the weather heats up.

happy pool baby: photo by M Sundstrom via flickr

Columbia Park Pool
Come on in, the water’s fine. The shallowest part of this pool is 1.5 feet, perfect for coaxing reluctant dippers, or just for sitting and enjoying the water with mom or dad. The water’s heated to a reasonable 86 degrees, and the locker rooms and decks are kept warm, too. That might make it a bit steamy for those not in a swimsuit, but there won’t be a shock to baby’s system when they get out of the water. If that means there’s a smaller chance of a meltdown, we’re on board.

Cost: $4.75/adults and seniors, $3.75/kids, 2 & under free
7701 N Chautauqua Blvd.
503-823-3669
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Kennedy School soaking pool: photo by Pui S. via Yelp

Kennedy School
Minors are welcome in this low-Chlorine option. The pool doesn’t get too crowded, thanks to a limit on the number of soakers at once. Note that this is a soaking pool, not a splashing pool. Kids are very welcome, but the relaxing atmosphere calls for a laidback floating session with a babe, not a splashfest. Check on the temperature to make sure it’s not too hot for those sweet chubby legs. Kids are ok until 6 p.m. After that, it’s time for the adults in the hotel or ‘hood to have some kid-free time.

Cost: $5/person. Free for those from immediate neighborhood, with ID.
5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.
503-249-3983
Online: mcmenamins.com

Pier Pool
Neighbors can’t wait for this favorite spot to open for the summer in early June. You’ll find two 25-foot pools here: a shallow pool, perfect for splashing with the whole family, and a deeper lap pool heated to 84 degrees. Just outside the fenced pool area are towering evergreens, keeping the poolside area shady, and avoiding some of that harsh concrete glare.

Cost: $4.75/adults & seniors, $3.75/child, 2 & under free
N Seneca St. & St Johns Ave.
503-823-3678
Online: portlandoregon.gov

East Portland Community Center pool: photo by Jim A. via Yelp

East Portland Community Center
The East Portland Community Center is a hot spot for families looking to cool off. Family changing rooms and a clean locker room make changing time easy. A 3-lane 20-yard lap swim section heated to 88 degrees, just about right in a warm indoor pool. Check out preschool swim from on Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m., when only the littlest kids are allowed. It might not be calm, but at least those toddlers are in arms-length of their parents. (Preschool parent swim is also available at several other community centers, like Wilson Pool, Grant Outdoor Pool, Mt. Scott, and Matt Dishman.)

Cost: $6/adult, $4.75 senior/teen, $4.25/children (3-13), 2 & under free
740 SE 106th Ave.
503-823-3450
Online: portlandoregon.gov

Harman Swim Center
This westside indoor pool is kept at a comfortable 88-89 degrees to keep all ages swimmers happy and comfortable. Babes ages six months & up can take American Red Cross swimming lessons here, too. Open swims are currently held at a different time every day, so you should be able to find at least one that jives with your little splasher’s nap schedule.

Cost: $5/adult, $4/military, $3.50 youth & seniors, $4.50 out of district, under 1 free
7300 SW Scholls Ferry Rd.
Beaverton
503-629-6314
Online: thprd.org

 

North Clackamas Aquatic Park: photo by Eli Duke via flickr

North Clackamas Aquatic Park
Whew, there’s a whole lot to do at North Clackamas Aquatic Park, and a lot of water fun being had. Bigger kids will be living it up in the wave pool and waterslides, while parents with babes splash around in the wading pool, heated to a comfortable 88 degrees. North Clackamas is a great choice for when the whole family wants to go out to swim. The older kid(s) can go get their thrills and swimming lessons with one parent, and the other can take it slow and easy. Or, take baby to one of the lowkey and affordable preschool swims for kids 8 & under.

Cost: $6:50. See website for details.
7300 SE Harmony Rd.
Milwaukie
503-557-7873
Online: ncprd.com

Firstenburg Community Center
Firstenburg’s zero-depth pool entry lets little ones dip their toes in. Your baby probably isn’t walking in, but it does allow a gradual introduction to the water for curious or cautious kiddos. Baby swim lessons are available, and if you would like to work out while you’re here, there’s a “child watch” program available. You could drop off the kiddo for half an hour, then pick them up and go on a family splashing session. Win-win!

Cost: $7/adults, $5/seniors, $4/kids ages 4-18, 3 & under free
700 NE 136th Ave.
Vancouver
360-487-7001
Online: cityofvancouver.us/firstenburg

—Annette Benedetti

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We have been taking Dahlia to swim class for a little more than six months now and I can’t stress how much she’s learned since she’s started going. Classes are 30 minutes and repetitive, but trust me, at this age, their brains are like sponges and you’ll want them to retain what they learn in class.

It became very apparent to me last week that Dahlia was retaining everything from class when she mimicked what we do in class at home and finishing all the songs we sing as well. The classes aren’t cheap, but I know we’re getting our money’s worth. (You can also do a free trial class if you give them a call and sometimes they have free classes specifically for babies under a certain age).

Listed below are the seven benefits of going to a baby/toddler swim class. These benefits are also true for adults too! It’s never too late to start swimming!  

1. Safety. This is an obvious one & though we don’t have a pool at home, we do have a bathtub, shower, sink, or maybe a friend does or maybe the hotel does if we go on vacation – you get the picture. Whatever the case may be, water is everywhere!

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death in the world according to the WHO. What better way to protect your child then to practice safety. Safety, by-the-way, is the number one thing stressed in these classes.

2. Building Strength. Doing all the Safety drills gets tiring for a little one and that’s all right by me. Anything to get her to nap and sleep well at night, right?

She’s much stronger. Dahlia can now pull herself out of the pool using her elbows & knees. The best part about it, she actually tells me where her elbows and knees are. In addition to that, she’s developed her leg muscles. She used to not be able to do the running & jumping in the water but now she can and even enjoys it.

3. Building Confidence. Not only do I think the classes help build strength physically, I think it helps build her confidence mentally. 

Children are very impressionable at a young age & the more you build them up, the more confidence they will have. Praise is very important in this class & positive vibes only.

4. Overcoming Fears (for the Kids and for the Parents). We were very hesitant at first to take Dahlia to swim classes because we thought she’d be too young, but the face that one of us has to be in the water with her has eased our fears. Not only is she comfortable in the water and submerging herself but we are too! She also used to be scare of having water poured over her head at bathtime, but not anymore.

I’ve asked a lot of parents why they take kids to swim classes and surprisingly, a lot of them tell me that they, themselves, can’t swim so it’s reassuring to know that they are establishing this life skill for their kids.

5. Establishing a Routine. Everyone loves a routine, so what better way to get your baby/toddler started than a class like this one.

Dahlia knows that every Thursday morning, we get into mommy’s car to go to swim school. I can tell she looks forward to it whenever I pack the bag the night before. She also sees the same kids and gets familiar with them as well as her surroundings. After class, we shower & get ready in the locker room and she knows she’ll see the same baby in the class after hers and say, “hi’ to him.

All of this will come in handy when we start getting her into sports or when school begins.

6. Getting them used to Wearing Funny Things. It’s true!  Putting on goggles, fins, and an inner tube can be a bit challenging with a baby/toddler but you’ll reap the benefits later on in life, I am sure.

Also, getting them used to wearing the protective gear means they’ll learn what they are specifically used for. They also look darn cute in these things too!

7.  Lastly, it’s fun! Overall, Dahlia has so much fun in the class and that’s what matters most. She’s making friends, she smiles & sings a long when we sing, gets a kick out of the fun exercises we go through and lastly, she gets to bond with mom or dad individually. What more could a kid want?

I’m glad we started  going to these classes and it also gives us as parents piece of mind to know that she is comfortable in the water. My husband and I both love swimming and hope that she does too!

Happy swimming!

I love to make things, see things, do things + eat things while raising my daughter + 2 Shiba Inu dogs with my husband.  I am a Full-Time Health Professional, Blogger at night & a Full-Time Wife & Mother.  I live in the SF Bay Area & created my blog for my dear daughter, Dahlia.  

While we all love our Oregon Coast, sometimes there’s nothing like a hassle-free trip to the pool where your kiddos can splash and play and you can kick back in a lounge chair beverage in-hand. If you’ve exhausted all of your local spray parks and swimming holes and aren’t keen on the gloom of the coast (after all, there’s a reason they don’t call the Oregon ocean a beach!), head on over to Sunriver in Central Oregon for some fun in the sun.

Sunriver is ideal for a last-minute late summer or early fall family getaway, and now it is better than ever, thanks to the SHARC, an awesome new aquatic facility that’s one of the most amazing pool complexes you will find throughout Oregon and Washington. The “SHARC” (actually an acronym for Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center) is much more than a water park. It boasts a playground, basketball court, bocce ball court, outdoor tubing hill and an amphitheater, and of course the new water facility that has all of us buzzing about this great destination. Here are our tips for enjoying a great day at the SHARC.

What You’ll Love: 
With outdoor and indoor pools, a lazy river, two water slides, an obstacle course, an outdoor hot tub (adults only!), fountains and a toddler pool and sand area, this kicks the whole concept of “a pool” up a notch. The sand and water area is perfect for little ones as they can scoop, dig, splash and wade to their hearts’ content. And you will love that the entire area is fenced, so you can veg while the kiddos splash in the eight-inch pool and dig in the beach-worthy sand. Once they are ready to venture to the glorious pools, you’ll be thrilled to discover that both pools and the lazy river feature zero entry — perfect for your little ones!

Be the Smart One:
The only drawback to this watery paradise? At peak times, it can be crowded. But since chances are good your gang has been up and ready since 7:00am anyway, just try to arrive right before it opens to snag an umbrella and a lounge chair — though, let’s be honest, there’s not much “lounging” with the kiddos running around.

What Not to Miss: 
Before nap time, hit the upscale locker room/bathroom facility which sports a super cool feature: an appliance that functions like the spin setting on your dryer, so you don’t have to lug home sopping wet suits and towels.

Insider Tips:

  1. Food at the pool is restricted to the café area, which is appreciated by all: who wants goldfish swimming in the pool? But hungry tots – and smart families – know that they can head just outside to the on-site picnic pavilion near the playground, which offers shade and an escape from crowded pool action.
  1. Parents will crave the upscale “restaurant style” salads and sandwiches offered at the café, which also features all your typical kid faves (hot dogs, burgers, chicken strips). Waits can be long, so plan to order before tummies are rumbling!
  1. Disposable swim diapers are not allowed, but they conveniently sell “reusable swim diapers” at the front desk for $7.50.

Hours:
Open swim is 10:00 am – 8:30 pm daily through the end of September. If your little guys are not yet in school, check it out the week after Labor Day. The weather is perfect and the whole world, it seems has deserted the High Desert, offering you quiet pool bliss.

What it Costs:
It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it. Before you rent a place, ask if SHARC passes are included. Many houses include them and all resort guests get in free. Not so lucky? Day fee for adults is $25; ages 5 – 18, $20; four and under, free. There will be a reduced rate after Labor Day: $18/15.

SHARC
57250 Overlook Road
Sunriver, Or
541-585-5000
Online: www.sunriver-resort.com

“Like” this story if you’ve been to SHARC and then let us know in the comment section below your tips for enjoying a sunny day poolside. 

— Cathie Ericson

first and third photo courtesy of Cathie Ericson; third photo courtesy of Bonnie Nieuwstraten