Best Bets for Indoor Pools

Outdoor pool season is still three months away, but that shouldn't keep you out of the water. Several recreation centers have indoor aquatic facilities that offer wet--yet warm--water play. All of these pools offer far more than your standard lap swimming and leisure pool activities. So don't let the cold weather keep your family out of your swimming suits, check out these best bets for indoor pools.

O'Fallon's Natatorium Indoor Aquatic Center
Splash, squirt and dump using the natatorium's interactive water features. This pool facility includes water slides, a lazy river and vortex, water-play structures for young children, and a raised catch pool with waterfalls. Admission is $7.25 for adults, $5.50 for kids 3-18, free for kids 2 and under, and $6.50 for seniors. Discounts apply to O'Fallon, Mo., residents.

The natatorium is located at Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O'Fallon, Mo., 63368. Call 636-474-2732 for details and the pool schedule.

Photo courtesy of the city of O'Fallon, Mo.

The Lodge Des Peres Aquatic Center
Surfs up at the Lodge Des Peres' indoor wave pool. Kids can also explore a tot pool, kid pool with fountains and spouts, and slides. Mom and dad can take a soak in the hot tub. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and kids 3-17 and free for kids 2 and younger. Des Peres residents take $2 off admission. Hours vary, so check the when-to-swim schedule on the Lodge's website.

The Lodge Des Peres is located at 1050 Des Peres Road, Des Peres, Mo., 63131. Call 314-835-6150 for details.

Photo courtesy of the Lodge Des Peres.

The Heights Aquatic Center
The 13,000-square-foot indoor water park features a two-story slide, lazy river and vortex, and a play area for young children. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for kids 3-15, $5 for seniors, and admission is free for kids 2 and younger. Discounts are available for Richmond Heights and Maplewood residents.

The Heights Aquatic Center is located at 8001 Dale Ave., Richmond Heights, Mo., 63117. Call 314-645-1476 for details and pool hours.

Carondelet Park Rec Complex
A two-and-a-half story waterslide keeps older kids entertained, while a splash park delights toddlers and preschoolers at Carondelet Park Rec Complex, managed by the YMCA. The aquatic facility also includes a vortex and a lazy river. The water is a tropical 85-degrees everyday. YMCA members use the pool for free, and guests can "test the waters" on a guest pass.

Carondelet Park Rec Complex is located 930 Holly Hills, St. Louis, Mo., 63111. Call 314-768-9622 for details and pool hours.

Photo courtesy of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis.

Edward Jones Family YMCA
Wade into the waters of the Edward Jones Family YMCA in Maryland Heights. The pool features a slide, interactive area for little waterbugs and zero-depth entry. YMCA members use the pool for free, and the same guest policy applies to this branch of the Y as Carondelet.

Edward Jones Family YMCA is located at 12521 Marine Avenue, Maryland Heights, Mo., 63146. Call 314-439-9622 for details and pool hours.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater St. Louis.

The Pointe in Ballwin
Float along the lazy river, spin through the vortex and slip and slide down two stories at the Point in Ballwin's indoor aquatic facility. Admission is $7, and discounts apply to Ballwin residents.

The Point in Ballwin is located at 1 Ballwin Commons Circle, Ballwin, Mo., 63021. Call 636-227-8950 for details and pool hours.

St. Peters Rec-Plex Natatorium
In addition to the competition swimming pool (with an adjustable depth hydraulic pool floor), and diving towers and springboards, the St. Peters Rec-Plex Natatorium also features a waterslide, water play area and current channel. Admission is $7.75 for adults, $5.25 for kids under 18, $5.50 for seniors, and $3.25 for military. Discounts apply to St. Peters residents.

The St. Peters Rec Plex Natatorium is located at 5200 Mexico Road, St. Peters, Mo., 63376. Call 636-939-2386 for details and pool hours.

Lori Barker, Sprout editorial assistant, contributed to this article.