Indoor Swimming in West Michigan
Living in West Michigan is inviting to families because of the abundance of swimming and water sports available for their enjoyment. Even though Michigan winters offer a lot of outdoor activities, there are many reasons why people want to get their feet wet in a swimming pool or splash pad.
Here are some places in West Michigan for wintertime splashing fun!
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Forest Hills Aquatic Center
600 Forest Hills Avenue SE, Grand Rapids
Forest Hills Aquatic Center features multiple pools, including an eight-lane, 25-yard standard short course instructional and competitive pool. There’s also a 22 feet by 45 feet diving “L.” All, of which, are available to the public for a fee. Visit their website for schedules and pricing.
G.R. Ford Natatorium at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)
111 Lyon Street NE, Grand Rapids
GRCC’s pool offers lap swimming, water exercise, youth competitive swimming, U.S. Masters Swimming, and American Red Cross Lifeguard Training to all Grand Rapids community members over 18. With six lanes of 81-degree water, the 75-foot-long pool always has a lifeguard on duty. Amenities include men’s and women’s locker rooms, an aquatic lift, kickboards, fins, pull buoys, water weights, and aqua-joggers.
Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
1 Campus Drive, Allendale
The GVSU Field House offers an L-shaped pool that’s 22.86 meters (25 yards) wide by 25 meters long. It has six lanes and a depth ranging from four to six feet at the starting blocks. The diving area has three diving platforms (two one-meter and one three-meter springboard) with a depth of 13.5 feet. The stands have seating for up to 450 spectators.
The pool is used primarily for practice by the GVSU swimming and diving teams. However, GVSU offers daily open swims, lap swims, classes, and community programs. Day passes can be purchased for open swim times.
Great Wolf Lodge
3575 N U.S. 31 S, Traverse City
No matter what the weather outside is like, Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City gives water lovers year-round excitement! Splash, swim, and slide with the whole family, then dry off and head into the adventure park to delight in dry-land attractions. They have everything from bowling and arcade games to mini golf, an immersive MagiQuest adventure game, and more! Kids will love the assortment of entertainment included in your stay—from yoga, arts and crafts projects, dance parties, and story times that wrap up the day. Be sure to keep your camera handy for a photo opportunity with the Great Wolf Kids characters who have been known to roam around the resort. Day and half-day passes are available, but we recommend a stay in this award-winning lodge.
Goldfish Swim School
TWO Locations- 2845 Thornhill Avenue, Grand Rapids & 4950 Wilson Avenue, Wyoming
Enjoy a family fun day in the warmest pool in the region! At a steamy 90 degrees, everyone will be able to have a good time. However, this pool is only accessible via reservation—so splurge on one today! Side note: this is a great place for birthday parties!
Gold Rush Splash Center at Double JJ Ranch
5900 Water Road, Rothbury
Double JJ Resort is home to the Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark which has 60,000 square feet of pure water park excitement! Soar down western Michigan’s tallest indoor waterslide or jump on one of their thrill slides before floating down the lazy/crazy river. Still want more? Then splash in the wave pool, water fort, or toddler pool! You haven’t even had fun until you’ve played water basketball or relaxed in their hot tubs. Bottom line… there’s so many ways to have fun all year round! Discounts apply to those who stay onsite. Reserve your visit online for the best experience imaginable.
Holland Aquatic Center (HAC)
550 Maple Avenue, Holland
Holland Aquatic Center is a world-class facility in the heart of West Michigan! A recent $26.3 million expansion and renovation makes HAC an aquatic and fitness gem for residents and visitors alike. Nationally recognized as a first-rate competition venue for swimming and diving, HAC is also home to other aquatic and fitness options for all ages and abilities.
There’s fun for every swimmer at the HAC, from its 50-meter competition pool to a warm water lap pool a family-friendly Splash Zone with its new lazy river, water slide, small zipline, and zero-entry play area, and large-scale inflatables and long zipline in the 50-meter pool.
Kroc Center
2500 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids
Kroc Center pool equipment is available for use, or you may bring your own. Lifejackets or other flotation devices must have a visible U.S. Coast Guard certification. Reservations are no longer required for Aquatics Center activities. All activities are free to members and insurance program users or included with the purchase of a day pass for non–members. All areas include the water slide, basketball area, lazy river, and toddler play area. These areas may be used during family swims.
Soaring Eagle Water Park
5665 E Pickard St, Mt Pleasant
The Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel design includes a 45,000 square foot indoor water park that features a wave rider, a body slide, a bowl slide, a rock climbing wall, a lazy river, a children’s play area, and a separate pool and sauna. Day passes are available. However, you could also stay in their hotel or at their RV park. This venue includes a full-service restaurant and other traditional hotel amenities.
Please note this water park is the first designated Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Locations for Indoor Swimming in West Michigan:
- WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE FAMILY YMCA, 6555 Jupiter Ave. NE, Belmont
- DAVID D. HUNTING YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids
- MARY FREE BED YMCA, 5500 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids
- VISSER FAMILY YMCA, 3540 Fairlanes Ave. SW, Grandville
- IONIA COUNTY YMCA, 250 E. Tuttle Road, Ionia
- SPARTANNASH YMCA, 5722 Metro Way SW, Wyoming
YMCA locations all have open-swim sessions available to members and their guests. Pools and amenities vary by location.
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Carmelitta Tiffany
“Carmelitta Tiffany is a semi-retired journalist living a quiet life in rural West Michigan. She’s an avid gardener, voracious reader, and enjoys spending lots of time with her dog, MissDottie, and her grandson Henry. She serves those needing “wordy” advice through her business, West MI Editorial Services.
