Splash into summer at some of the best swimming pools across Atlantic Canada!
After a busy morning playing tennis (or just throwing balls), head over to the pool for a refreshing dip. The whole family can enjoy the six-lane, 25-meter pool, which is open daily with lifeguards on duty. If your little fish is still learning how to swim, sign her up for swimming lessons. The pool also offers synchronized swimming, polo and diving classes.
Go play: 609 Colby Dr., Dartmouth 902-462-8877 halifax.ca
Home to the Bay Breakers Swim Team, this centre has a heated outdoor pool (not that kids ever notice the cold water!), complete with four swimming lanes. It costs $5 per person or $15 for the whole family, making it a great place for a day of fun. The pool offers public swim times from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and 12 to 3 p.m. on weekends, so your little swimmers can splash and cannonball to their heart's content. You can book this awesome pool for birthday parties and special occasions. Make sure also to rent the BBQ so you can enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers on the picnic tables. Check out their activities calendar online to find out about upcoming events!
Go play:
12 Westwood Blvd., Upper Tantallon
902-826-2100
stmargaretscentre.ca
This historical landmark in the heart of Charlottetown is a beautiful place to explore with your little ones. Start your morning with a walk along the boardwalk or the woodland trails. Then it's time for lunch! Pack your own picnic or enjoy a meal at the Dairy Bar. Now, are you ready to cool off? Little kids can run around in the splash pad, and big kids will want to dive into the outdoor pool. It's open daily until 7:45 p.m., and it's free!
Go play:
100 Brighton Road, Charlottetown
902-629-1864
city.charlottetown.pe.ca
This saltwater pool is a must-visit for tourists and locals! The heated outdoor pool gets its water supply from the Bay of Fundy, so your wee one can experience the "ocean" for the first time. Enjoy the saltwater pool from June to September from 11 a.m. until 6:45 p.m. every day. The pool is at the heart of Fundy National Park, so after a morning in the pool, go explore! You'll definitely want to check out the ocean during low tide, where kids can find lots of cool sea creatures like barnacles and periwinkles.
Go play: 51 Point Wolfe Rd., Alma, Fundy National Park 506-887-6000 historicplaces.ca
Qplex is pool central! There's a junior six-lane Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool for big kids to swim a few laps in. It flows into the leisure pool that features two waterslides, a vortex and awesome spray features, and then finally into the kiddie pool (which sports a graduated slope entrance for wee ones). Your little fish will love the tot pool, where they can practice blowing bubbles and kicking their tiny feet. Family change rooms are on-site, and you can purchase day or season passes.
Go play:
20 Randy Jones Way, Quispamsis
506-848-5900
qplex.quispamsis.ca
Like many of the other spots on this list, Bannerman Park has a baseball diamond and vast grassy areas for lounging, dog walking and picnicking. What makes it unique is its L-shaped swimming pool, complete with a diving board for daring swimmers. Bannerman Park boasts a new pool house with accessible washrooms and change rooms and an awesome splash pad. This park is perfect for a day of fun in the sun.
Go play: Bannerman Road 709-576-2309 stjohns.ca
Read more: Canada's best summer resorts for families> All the best indoor water parks in Canada> 8 great Maritimes playgrounds>
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