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Swimming may be the last thing on your mind when it comes to things to do around town. Grey skies and cooler temperatures do not lend themselves to thoughts of swimsuits and splashing. However, many communities have indoor swimming pools and rec centers with pools, and these facilities provide year-round fun for a very small price.

Many rec centers nowadays are developing enormous pool/gym/recreation facilities. The pool areas often have a lazy river, a water playground, and even water slides. However, even the more traditional indoor pools that are often connected to a civic center or high school offer loads of autumn fun.

The best thing to do is call ahead to find out when the free swim hours are. Most places have designated times for lap swimming, team practices, swim lessons or other structured private sessions.

Also, find out what kind of fun flotation devices or toys are provided and what kinds you can bring. Many indoor swimming pools offer water noodles, water discs, goggles, diving rings or other sinking things for public use. Now is also a great time to stock up on swim toys. With the seasons changing, all the summer stuff is on clearance.

It's not a bad time of year to consider swim lessons for children, either. Usually, off-season sessions are not crowded and it makes no difference as to what time of year they are held. However, be aware that there might not be quite as much variety as far as when the classes are offered.

Ask specifically about parent/child swim classes for preschool-age children. It's a unique and fun activity to do while older siblings are in school. It's also a great way for kids to burn off energy as it gets increasingly rainy or windy on the playground.

Check out some of these swimming games for some great things to do at an indoor pool.

Also, review these swimming safety tips if its been a month or so since the children have been in the water. Most facilities will have lifeguards, but if your child is aware of the swimming safety rules, it goes a long way in preventing problems.

Above all, don't hesitate to get into the water with them rather than sit on the side. Swimming is a lot of fun for any age, and whether you are race diving for rings or watching your child for the 33rd time jump off the diving board, having you in the water makes the experience extra-special.

15 Minute Moment
Make up a new song to the tune of "Mary Had A Little Lamb" and sing it at the top of your lungs. Make sure the lines rhyme and that it's extremely silly.