Philadelphia’s public pools provide fun for all ages. They also provide opportunities for residents to be active. Now through August 12, 2023 you can take free fitness classes at Parks & Rec pools.

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.

The classes are a joint effort of Parks & Rec and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Here’s the schedule: 

Tustin Pool—5901 W. Columbia Ave., 19151

  • Mondays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Starts July 24.

Lee Pool—4328 Haverford Ave., 19104

  • Tuesdays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Starts July 11.

Johnny Sample (Cobbs Creek) Pool—280 Cobbs Creek Pkwy., 19139   

  • Wednesdays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Starts July 5.

Pleasant Pool—6720 Boyer St., 19119

  • Wednesdays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Starts July 5.
  • Fridays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Starts July 7.

Fletcher (Mill Creek) Pool—743 N. 48th St., 19139  

  • Thursdays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Starts July 6.

Lawncrest Pool—6000 Rising Sun Ave., 19111   

  • Tuesdays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Starts July 11.
  • Thursdays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Starts July 6

Mander Pool—2140 N. 33rd St., 19121

  • Mondays, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Starts July 10.
  • Wednesdays, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Starts July 12.
  • Fridays, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Starts July 7.
  • Saturdays, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Starts July 8.

 Mitchell Pool—3700 Whitehall Ln., 19114

  • Saturdays, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Starts July 8.

Please note: Thunderstorms, heavy rain, or staffing shortages can cause class cancellations. Please click on the pool links above 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 it to 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.  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.
    • Take a lesson! City pools offer free swim lessons for children. Some lessons can include adult learners– talk to staff on site for more information. View this year’s swim lessons in Parks & Rec’s Finder app.
    • 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. 
Keep your cool! Find a pool, sprayground, or sprinkler near you!