Family Friendly Boston – What to Know About Boston University Pool (and its Awesomeness for Kids!)

We’ve found swimming to be our go to activity in the winter since there are a whole bunch of indoor swimming pools around us.  Not too long ago a neighbor was celebrating a birthday and all the kids from our building were invited to a pool party at Boston University (BU).  Initially I was surprised at the venue since there is a pool on campus as well as a number of other closer pools.  That is I was surprised until we got there and discovered how incredible the Boston University pool is for kids!

Things to Note:

1) Pool
BU actually has a couple of different pools, but the one I thought was the most note worthy is the kid pool.

  • It’s in a separate room from the lap/lane pool
  • It has life guards
  • It has a long, zero depth ramp so children can slowly get into the water
  • It has a pool depth of 3-5 feet
  • It has a basket ball hoop & basket balls
  • It has small raised trampoline like sections under the water so children don’t have to swim clear to the walls to touch the ground
  • It has lots of floaty toys like pool noodles, boards, and water tubes
  • It has a lazy river
  • Warm water (about 85 degrees)
  • A 15 person hot tub

2) Changing Rooms
The Boston University Pool has family changing rooms!  These are amazing!  There is a set of 6 (if I remember correctly).  You can take your family in and lock the door. Inside each changing room is a toilet, sink, bench, a handful of lockers and a shower with a pull down shower head.  This made getting kids changed so much easier since I didn’t have to chase them around the locker room and keep them from running out of the shower and away or getting in anyone else’s space.

3) Price/Getting In
Unfortunately you have to know someone at BU to have access to their amazing pool.  If you can find a friend you can get in on a daily pass for $12/adult $8/child which gives you access to so much more than the pool.  (There is a climbing wall, gym equipment, dance classes etc.) Learn more about Guest Passes.

4) Getting There
The green line drops off right in front of BU, and there is also a parking garage behind the fitness center.

Summary and Rating  ★★★★☆

Four Stars. We thought this pool was amazing and for a family swim it’s perfect with warm water, leveled ramps, toys, a lazy river and family changing rooms.  The only down side I can see if that you have to know someone from BU to get in, there are no single day/single use passes otherwise, which is a complete bummer because the place is amazing.

Have you been here before?  If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below. 

Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center 
915 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215

Phone: 617.358.3740
Website: http://www.bu.edu/fitrec/

Hours: Vary