Great River Water Park

Swimming Lesson Registration

We offer swimming lessons at Great River Water Park in the fall, winter, and spring. Summer swimming lessons are available at our outdoor facilities, Como Regional Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center. 

In the land of 10,000 lakes, cost should never be a barrier to water safety skills. That's why summer youth swimming lessons will now be offered free of charge! Swimming lessons are open to everyone who lives in Saint Paul.

 Learn More About Swimming Lessons 

About Lap Swim

• No pre-registration is necessary.
• Twenty-five-yard, six-lane lap pool.
• Max of four people per lap lane, first come first serve.
• Fee is $9 per person or included with all-access aquatics memberships.

Lap Swim Hours

Regular Open Swim Hours

• Youth under the age of 12: Must be accompanied by an adult.
• Youth ages 12 to 14: A parent or guardian must check-in with an aquatics supervisor if youth ages 12 to 14 intend to stay at the facility without a parent or guardian.

Please note: Swimmers must exit the water 15 minutes before closing time. This allows for time to shower, change, and gather belongings before the facility closes. 

*Monday, Wednesday and Friday hours are "children's pool only" from 9-10 a.m.

About Water Aerobics

• No pre-registration is necessary.
• Open to all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Class is most effective when a participant is able to stand with their head above water in the shallow end of the pool.
• Fee is $9 or included with all-access aquatics memberships.

Water Aerobics Hours

About Aquatic Teen Fitness

Join us for Aquatic Teen Fitness at Great River Water Park. The goal of this program is to build community, increase fitness, learn lifeguarding skills, and have fun. This program includes:

• Swimming
• Sauna
• Music
• Healthy snacks
• Games and drills
• Mentorship
• Guest speakers
• Service projects

And more!

Program Details

• Ages: 14-18
• Cost: Free
• Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
• Time: 3-4:30 p.m.

About Rondo Community Open Swim

Join us from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays for free open swim. All ages are welcome. 

Program Details

Ages: All
Cost: Free
Days: Sundays
Time: Noon-5 p.m. (Free water safety education training will be provided from 3-3:25 p.m.)

About Saint Paul Sunnies Developmental Swim Team

The Saint Paul Sunnies Swim Team seeks to inspire a lifelong love for swimming. This program aims to:

• Promote an active lifestyle
• Teach important water safety skills
• Build appreciation of the rewards and challenges of swimming

The Saint Paul Sunnies is a developmental swim team with a mission to reach youth who have  experienced barriers to traditional swim teams. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Live in Saint Paul
• Ages 10-14 (exceptions can be made based on skill level)
• Meet skill prerequisites (see below)
• Priority is given to youth who are Saint Paul swim lesson participants in levels 4 or 5 and/or have a barrier to access a traditional swim team. 

Skill Prerequisites

• Independently swim front crawl 50 yards (one lap)  
• Demonstrate rhythmic breathing  
• Tread water for one minute followed by 30 seconds front float and 30 seconds back float and then exit the water using a pool edge (not the ladder)
• No flip turns or dives required

Cost

$75/session. Financial assistance is available.

Contact an Aquatics Supervisor at 651-642-0390 to learn about upcoming tryouts. 

About Sensory Friendly Swim Time

This all-ages open swim time is for people with sensory sensitives. It's scheduled when the facility is typically quieter and less occupied. 

No background music, announcements, slides, water features, hair-dryer or swim suit dryers allowed. Staff will only use whistles in an emergency. Quiet room available. No registration is necessary. 

Program Details

Ages: All 

Cost: $8/person or $6/person for groups of up to five. (Free for one caregiver per participant. Free for age 2 and under.)

Days: Sundays

Time: 9-11 a.m.

About Women's Swim Night

We encourage women and girls of all ages to explore Great River Water Park. This program aims to help all community members feel comfortable in the water. It provides a dedicated time for only women and young children to use the facility.

Frosted windows offer privacy. The pool will be reserved for Women's Swim Night staff and participants only.

Program Details

Ages: Women and girls of all ages, boys age 7 and under
Cost: $3/person (Free for age 2 and under)
Days: Mondays
Time: 7:30-9 p.m. (Optional swim instruction will be available from 7:30-8 p.m.)

To request a group reservation, call Great River Water Park at 651-642-0390. Ask to speak with an aquatic supervisor.

Group Reservation Guidelines

• Group reservations must meet facility capacity projections for the requested date.
• Groups must pay in full when they arrive.
• No refunds.

Group Safety Expectations

• Groups must check-in with our aquatics team upon arrival for a water safety overview. This includes an introduction to the facility and our rules and regulations.
• Adults must supervise any child in or around water.
  • Supervisors should be completely focused on the children. They should never engage in other distracting activities, such as using their phone or reading.
• Groups visiting our aquatic facilities must meet the following child-to-staff ratios.
  • Please note: The required ratio of staff to older children should be met without including staff who are supervising infants or toddlers.
  • Whenever children under 5 years are in or around water, supervising staff should be within an arm’s length.

Admission Price and Memberships

Visit Great River Water Park for a daily fee, or buy an annual all-access membership. An annual membership gives you access to all our aquatics facilities and programming. This includes water aerobics and lap swim.

You do not need to live in Saint Paul to use our aquatics facilities or buy a membership.

Learn About Aquatics Memberships

Water Features

• 25-yard, six-lane lap pool
• Children's activity pool
• One-meter diving board
• Large water slides

Activity Equipment

• Large floats
• Life jackets available

Other Amenities

• Men's, women's, and family locker rooms
• Designated eating areas
• Sauna

There are no concessions at Great River Water Park. You may bring snacks and consume them while at the tables on the pool deck. No glass, peanuts, or alcohol allowed. 

Please note: Some amenities and features may not be available at all times. Call 651-642-0650 for updates.