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Jun 30, 201203:33 PMWeekend Warrior

What to do and where to go in the OKC metro

Stay Cool at Four Local Pools

When I was little, I remember my mother telling me that I was going to turn into a fish if I didn't get out of the pool and dry off occasionally.  Now that the summer heat is in full swing in Oklahoma, I am doing my part to see if that mother-implied legend really will come true.  My kids and I spend a lot of time in the pool during this time of year—and when I say a lot, I mean we have permanent swim suit tan lines, can't hardly keep the beach towels laundered up and are on a first-name basis with the ladies who run the snack bar at our local pool.  But when it tops 100 degrees in the afternoon, being submerged in water is absolutely one of the best places to be—plus, it's a great way to get your kids outside and active, and is an inexpensive way to have memorable summer fun. 

Here are four of my family's favorite pools in the metro—perfect for if you'd like to see if your family is half-fish, too:

Where to Go:

• Westwood Water Park (2400 Westport Drive, Norman)—Westwood Water Park has all the amenities we seek in a local pool—fun slides, diving boards, a baby pool, a huge main pool and reasonable admission prices.  A bonus for my family is the additional 2-3" pool on the south side of the complex, which is specifically designed for kids under age 7.  My kids love that the pool is deep enough to jump into, while still being able to touch the bottom—and I love that admission is only $4 per person for the afternoon session (1:00-5:30pm) and $3 for the evening session (6-8pm).You can add on the slides for $2 per person. Westwood is open through August 19. Find more information about Westwood Water Park

• Earlywine Family Aquatic Center (SW 119th & May, Oklahoma City)—Earlywine offers some really cool perks, including a beach entry pool, a 40' bowl slide (including a 20' drop into the pool below!), and cool floating toys for younger kids to climb on in the pool and a concession stand with a menu that includes more than just chips and candy. Admission is $6 per person, or $3 after 6:00pm. Through August 12, the Aquatic Center is open daily from 12:00-9:00pm. Then, it is open select weekends through September 3 from 12:00-6:00pm.  Find more information about Earlywine Aquatic Center.
   
• Reno Swim & Slide (101 S. Douglas, Midwest City)—Reno Swim & Slide offers a beach entry area with spraypark features (including a big mushroom-like water feature that is great for younger kids), a separate baby pool, multiple water slides, and a fun rock wall to climb in the main pool. The pool is open Monday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm and Sunday, 1:00-8:00pm. Admission is $6 for ages 6 and up, and $3 for ages 5 and under. Find more information about Reno Swim & Slide here.
   
• Mustang Aquatic Center (1201 N. Mustang Road, Mustang)—Only 15 minutes from downtown OKC, the Mustang Aquatic Center includes two water slides, splash pad features, beach entry and plenty of space to swim. The Mustand Aquatic Center is open 11:30am-6pm, Monday-Saturday; and 1:00-6:00pm on Sunday. (Please note that the Aquatic Center is open 11:30am-4pm on Wednesday, July 4th.)  The pool also offers a Monday Family Swim Night from 7:30-9:30pm. Regular Admission $5 per person (ages 4 and up) and free for ages 3 and under. For more information, visit cityofmustang.org

How to Save:

• At the Reno Swim & Slide, avoid some heat and take advantage of the Family Special admission deal—go between 6:00-8:00pm and receive free admission for two children (under 10 years of age) with one paid adult admission.
• The Mustang Aquatic Center is offering  "buy-one-get-one-free" admission for MetroFamily readers through Saturday, July 7. Just mention "MetroFamily" at the admission gate for this money-saving deal exclusively for our readers! 

Happy swimming!
Brooke