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What: Piedmont Park Pool
Where: Piedmont Park
When: Weekdays 11 – 5 pm, Weekends 12:30 – 5 plus extended hours for members
Cost: Weekdays 11 – 1:30 pm FREE, Other times $4 per adult, $2 under 16 or over 65
Last week I took the boys to the brand new Piedmont Park pool in the middle of Piedmont Park. It’s a wonderful new pool with seperate lap lines, fountains, zero entry, stairs, wheelchair entry, lazy river, whirlpool and lots of various elevations, great for children of all sizes. I especially liked the “seats” in the water around the pool. In addition to being a great place for adults to sit in the water, it’s perfect for little ones who want to splash around, while big brother or big sister swims in the deeper water.
The boys LOVED the lazy river and the whirlpool. From the crowds there, they weren’t the only ones. Overall, the pool was a bit crowded for me. I asked the lifeguards if there was a slower time and they said it was pretty crowded all the time, but especially on weekends. However, when I asked the boys if they liked the pool, everyone said “YES”, adding it was a great place for tag, lots of places to hide, and nooks and crannies to get away. There is one small corner that is 6 ft. deep, but for the most part, it’s not over a 4 ft. deep.
Although we didn’t use it, they also have a refreshment stand, so if you forgot to pack lunch or the kids get the munchies (mine are always STARVING at the pool.) this is a great option. Right outside the gate is a super playground as well.
If the weather is dicey, check the website to find out if any of the areas of the pool are closed before you go. Become a fan of Piedmont Park on facebook and receive an email notice via the service when the pool is closed.
Not really free swim, but someone was telling me about Cool River Tubing in Helen, GA. The cost is $5 for adults and I believe free for under 5 (not confirmed). They have an hour and a half trip and a longer trip of tubing down the Chattahoochee. They give group discounts and I believe they also have a waterslide. I heard it was alot of fun and something inexpensive that even my three year old would enjoy. I will let you know when I check it out.
That sounds FANTASTIC! Please do let me know. Take some photos or a little video. If you're interested, I'd love to have you do a guest post for Field Trips with Sue.
We went tubing in Helen over Father's Day and it was EXCELLENT. (I heard that Fouth of July weekend was very crowded.) Our daughters (5 and 3) were free and they asked to go down the river over and over.
Tips: Children two yrs old and younger are not recommended; They provide the mandatory lifejackets for children; Tubes have bottoms so kids will not fall through; You can use their connectors to keep little ones attached; You don't necessarily need one, but you can bring or buy a 'pushing stick' (like a broomstick) to get you over some of the rock clusters; They have picnic tables and small bbq grills by the river to make/eat your own lunch, or you can use their concession stand (hot dogs, ice cream, etc.).
http://www.coolrivertubing.com
Highlights form their site:
Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon family vacation at Cool River Tubing Company! Take a river tubing trip down the scenic Chattahoochee, or play all day on our wonderful waterslide.
We offer two different trip lengths. The shorter takes 1-1.5 hours; the longer takes 2-2.5 hours. Actual time depends on water level of river.
All of our tube trips include your tube, U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver, a shuttle service and a relaxing float through the scenic alpine village of Helen, GA. Our customers park at the Cool River Headquarters and are transported up river to the two different length rides. You will then float down the Chattahoochee River back to Headquarters where you are parked.
Tel (706) 878 2665
A very good time for not a lot of $.