Great River Water Park

Winter/Spring Swimming Lesson Registration

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 Saint Paul residents.

Winter/Spring swimming lesson registration opens on November 20, 2024 at 9am. 

 Swimming Lessons 

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

• 25-yard, 6-lane lap pool 
• Children's activity pool
• One-meter diving board 
• Large water slides 
• Large floats 
• Men's, women's, and family locker rooms
• Sauna
• Designated eating areas
• Life jackets available
• There are no concessions at Great River Water Park, but patrons may bring in snacks and consume them while at the tables on the pool deck. No glass, peanuts, or alcohol allowed. 

Learn more and purchase aquatics memberships:

Aquatics Memberships

Regular Open Swim Hours

Youth under the age of 12 must always be accompanied by an adult. A parent or guardian must check-in with an aquatics supervisor each time a youth ages 12-14 intends to stay at the facility without a parent or guardian. 

Swimmers must exit the water 15 minutes before closing time to allow for time to shower, change and gather belongings prior to facility closure. 

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

• 25-yard, 6-lane lap pool.
• Max of 4 people per lap lane, first come first serve.
• Fee is $9/person or included with all-access aquatics memberships.

• 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/person or included with all-access aquatics memberships.

Join us on Sundays from 12pm-5pm for free open swim. All ages are welcome. Free water safety education training will be provided from 3-3:25pm. 

Ages: All
Cost: Free
Days: Sundays
Time: 12pm-5pm

Youth will participate in a supportive community, increase physical fitness, learn lifeguarding skills, and have fun. This drop-in program consists of swimming, sauna, slides, music, healthy snacks, games, drills, community mentors, guest speakers and service projects. No pre-registration necessary.

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

This all-ages open swim time is for self-identified individuals with sensory sensitives, 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. 

Cost: $8/person or $6/person for groups of up to five. Free for one caregiver per participant. Ages two and under are free.

Date/Time:  Sundays, 9am-11am

This program is intended to provide equitable access to swimming facilities for women and girls who may otherwise not be utilizing these spaces due to religious beliefs or cultural practices. Windows are frosted for privacy and access to the pool will be reserved for Women's Swim Night staff and participants only.  

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

About Saint Paul Sunnies Developmental Swim Team

Saint Paul Sunnies seeks to inspire a lifelong love for the sport of swimming while promoting a healthy lifestyle, instilling a deep understanding of safety around water and building generational understanding and appreciation of the rewards and challenges of swimming.  Saint Paul Sunnies is a developmental swim team with a mission to reach youth who have historically experienced barriers to traditional swim teams. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Saint Paul resident
• Ages 10-14 (exceptions can be made based on skill level)
• Meets 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 1 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.

Fall 2024 Season

Fall Tryouts

• Tryouts will be held nightly from 4:30-6pm on Sept. 23, 24, 26 & 27, 2024.
• No preregistration necessary - just pick a night and show up.
• Participants will demonstrate the above prerequisite skills.

Fall Practice Dates

• Practices will be held Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri from 4:45-6pm From Sept. 30 - Dec. 5, 2024 
• No practice on 10/17, 10/18, 10/31, 11/28, 11/29
• Swim meet on Dec. 6, 2024

2025 Winter/Spring Season

Winter/Spring Tryouts

• Tryouts will be held nightly from 4:30-6pm on Jan. 6, 7, 9 & 10
• No preregistration necessary - just pick a night and show up.
• Participants will demonstrate the above prerequisite skills.

Winter/Spring Practice Dates

• Practices will be held Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri from 4:45-6pm from Jan. 13 - March 13
• No practice on 1/20, 2/17
• Swim meet on March 14, 2025

Great River Water Park
270 N. Lexington Parkway
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Ph: 651-642-0650
ParksAquatics@ci.stpaul.mn.us
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Frequently Asked Questions