Philadelphia’s public pools provide fun for all ages—and opportunities for Philadelphians of all ages, sizes, and abilities to be active.  

Water provides natural resistance. It also cushions the body, so movement is easier on joints and bones. And water draws heat from the body much faster than air does, so you can work up a sweat without overheating. 

This season, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are again teaming up to offer free fitness classes at Parks & Rec pools, now through August 12.

Here’s the schedule: 

Cherashore Playground Pool (851 W. Olney Ave., between 10th and Wagner; (215) 685-2897)
Aqua Zumba on Fridays at 6 p.m. 

Cobbs Creek Park Pool (280 Cobbs Creek Parkway, between Locust and Spruce; 215-685-1983)
Aqua Zumba on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. 

Mander Playground Pool (2140 N. 33 St., at Diamond; (215) 685-3894)
Water Aerobics on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12 p.m. 

Lawncrest Rec Center Pool (6000 Rising Sun Ave., at Comly; (215) 685-0597)
Aqua Zumba on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. 

Pleasant Playground Pool (6757 Chew Ave., between Pleasant and Vernon; (215) 685-2230)
Aqua Zumba on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m. Classes at Pleasant end after August 5. 

Please note: Thunderstorms, heavy rain, or staffing shortages can cause class cancellations. Please use Parks & Rec’s Finder app to contact a pool to confirm if a class is taking place.

Have ideas for other aquatic fitness activities in future summers? We’d love to hear them! Contact gethealthyphilly@phila.gov. 

Can’t make a class? Consider these options: 

  • Water walking: You don’t need to know how to swim to take advantage of our pools! All Philadelphia public pools have shallow ends (two, three and/or four feet). Walking in water takes more energy than walking on land, while giving joints a rest.
    • Try: Walking in waist-deep or chest-deep water. Stand upright with your shoulders back and your core engaged. Walk with your whole foot making contact with the ground (heel first, then ball), not just your toes. Walk backwards and sideways to work other muscles. Lift your knees higher or pump your arms to increase intensity. 
  • Swimming: A full-body workout, swimming builds endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. City pools offer free swim lessons for children, and some can include adult learners; talk to staff on site for more information. For many beginning swimmers, the biggest hurdle is getting comfortable in the water. Spending time in the pool – walking, splashing, seeing what it feels like to put your face in the water – can be a great first step.
    • Try: Swimming or walking a mile (65 lengths of a 25-meter pool) – whether in a day, a week, or over the course of the summer. 
Find a pool near you!