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🏊‍♀️ FAMILY SWIMMING VENUES🏊‍♂️

  • FamilyFunDarloMum
  • Mar 2, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 26

I’ve put together this list below as I see many people asking for swimming venues for families as one of the top questions.


These are just my own recommendations based on where I’ve been. Please check with the venues directly for any updates. Information correct at the time of publishing.


Dolphin Centre, Darlington


💦The main swimming pool has undergone a complete refurbishment in 2024, followed by the toddler pool with lots of new splash play equipment. They have extra family swim sessions on during school holidays and they also run toddler sessions during term time. They also have diving boards and a training pool.

~Other activities-‘DC Bowl’ Ten Pin Bowling , ‘Under the sea’ Softplay (for up to age 8). Other activities such as table tennis, badminton and basketball available too. Call 01325 406000 to enquire.

ℹ️No need to pre-book for swimming. Check out their swim timetables here


Accessibility-More info here


Parking-not onsite. Council run car parks within the town centre where this leisure centre is located. The nearest is Feethams Multi-storey. Or the closest disabled parking is at the town hall but limited spaces. Check out rates and info here



Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre


💦Has a main pool for lane swimming and a small training pool where they also hold toddler splash sessions (splash tots).



💦For a private family swim, Ashgrove Lodge & Swim Spa in Middlesbrough hire out their pool for private use. Last time I went it was £25 for a family of 4, then £5 per person after that for up to 8 people max, but please enquire directly with them for the current prices. This is only a small pool but it is heated and it’s nice to have private use of it for you and your family. They also offer spa sessions too. There is also some seating just next to the pool for family wanting to come along to watch.

Please note: I would advise that this pool isn’t suitable for mobility impaired, as it’s up some quite steep steps to get in the pool and the pool is built up from the floor

ℹ️They tend to get booked up fairly quickly though so follow their page Ashgrove Lodge & Swim Spa and message them if interested in any slots available. ENQUIRE VIA THEIR PAGE HERE


📸Credit; Ashgrove Lodge and Swim Spa



💦For babies and toddlers (and older kids who aren’t fussed about slides) I recommend The Fish Tank. This was where we took Leo for his first swim. The changing rooms are fully catered for babies with baby changing tables in each cubicle, the pool is heated and it’s got a really relaxing feel to it with natural light coming through. This is bookable online and again limited numbers for each slot due to the pool being small, it never feels overcrowded though as they don’t allow too many in at once. (Double nappy wear system in place, happy nappies can be purchased on site or at time of booking to collect)

There is also a sensory room for babies and toddlers and adventure play room for children up to 8 years old which you can pay to book a session in before or after your swimming or even just on its own. There’s a cafe selling some lovely food with a small play corner too.

Follow their page for more info and updates including weekly swim schedules.


📸Image Credit; The Fish Tank, Newton Aycliffe



This is a good choice for active kids with a wave machine, water slide, water jets, cannons and bubbles. There’s also a shallow baby toddler area too with tipping buckets. Look out for the Big Swim sessions on the timetable for the sessions that have these turned on. There is also a spectator area.


📸Credit; Northallerton Leisure Centre


SPENNYMOOR LEISURE CENTRE


Recently refurbished (Summer 2024). This pool has a wave machine, slide, seaside splash area for toddlers and a gradual slope to get in the pool as well as a spectator area. No need to pre book. They also have a softplay on site and sensory room.


There are others too but I’ve not personally been to them (atleast not in my adult life anyway). These include👇👇


💦Splash Stockton provided by Tees Active has 2 slides, a wave machine, water jets and a seperate toddler pool. Check out their big splash sessions on the timetable for these facilities to be in use. MORE INFO HERE


💦Billingham Forum, Thornaby Pool and Ingleby Barwick Leisure provided by Tees Active all have giant inflatables in the pools during their family sessions. (I have been to Thornaby Pool and I personally didn’t like it. The pool was very cold and didn’t look clean. Kamron wanted to get out after 10 minutes. There are plans to build a new pool at the current Thornaby Pavilion Leisure Complex)


📸Credit; Tees Active (Rapid Racer Inflatable at Billingham Forum)


💦The Dinkie Den, Trimdon Grange A swimming lesson venue that also offers adhoc private hire use. A small heated pool perfect for first swims with little ones or for private sessions with little kids. ENQUIRE VIA THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE


Available for private hire with heated pool, sauna and sun loungers as well as a tennis court. Works out around £10-£15 a head depending on numbers. BOOK HERE



I hope you enjoyed reading my blog write up. If you would like more family ideas for places or events to visit please follow my Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/familyfundarlomum


If you are a local business offering family activities or events and you are interested in collaborating with me to help promote your venue, please complete this enquiry form and I'll be in touch 👇https://www.familyfundarlomum.com/contact-8


Many Thanks

Charlotte (familyfundarlomum)

-Mum to 2 boys, Kamron-7 and Leo-19 months (as well as stepmum to Damon, 14)

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