The Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center is a state of the art indoor swimming pool, complete with children’s play area, wet jets, slide and lap lanes. It is FREE for Henrico residents on weekends. For YMCA members, it is included in your membership.

Review

This facility is SO clean, so safe and such a great way to enjoy swimming during non-summer months. The Family Swim area features a zero-entry pool with play area, including a fun slide.

This area is only 1’6″ deep, but keep your kiddos close because this area leads to steps that will take you to a 3’6″ roped off section. This second area has a basketball hoop (balls are provided). The third section of this pool (also roped off) is 4″ and has a twisty, tunnel slide. It is ONLY for those using the slide.

The lap pool is adjacent, and has several lanes.

To swim in either pool you must register via the YMCA app. We registered for Family Swim from 12:00-1:00, and then again from 1:15-2:15. The Family Swim closes between each session, but the lifeguards let us swim in the lap pool (no one else was using the lane).

There’s a lifeguard for the lap pool and another for those using Family Swim. To ride down the big blue slide (not pictured), kids pass a swim test (swim 25 meters then tread water for 10-15 seconds immediately afterward).

Once your child passes the swim test, they’ll have a wristband to wear each time you come to visit. Only 5 families can register to swim at a time, so I never worried about chaos or not being able to see my kids. Children may use diving rings, but not large pool toys or floaties.

There are life jackets available.

Free Access for Henrico Residents

This YMCA facility, focuses on the mission of the “Learn to Swim” Program; thus, it is FREE for Henrico residents on weekends during specific times.

To take advantage of this FREE opportunity, you’ll need to register as a non-YMCA member using the app. Then, when you come to swim, bring an ID or something with proof of your zip code.

Continue your free fun by heading to Fairfield Library, about 2 minutes away.

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Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!