Special Events Make for Summer Fun At St. Charles’ Otter Cove, Swanson Pool  

It’s heating up outside, so that can only mean one thing—it’s time to head to the pool.

Plenty of special events and theme days are on deck at both Otter Cove Aquatic Park and Swanson Pool to kick off the season.

At Otter Cove, visitors can enjoy a pool with zero depth entry, a splash park and a lap pool in addition to the thrilling tube, body and drop slides. However, it’s the facility’s lazy river that takes the top spot with patrons.

Monday and Wednesday evenings during the summer bring the chance to have some fun in the Not So Lazy River Walk, which is also offered mid-day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Float Night with inflatables happens Sundays throughout the season while families can snap pictures with otter mascots June and Ollie every Monday.

Many special events are also on the horizon at Otter Cove. Mermaid and Pirate Nights are all the rage with themed activities beginning at 5:30pm on July 9, 23 and Aug. 6. Ollie the Otter will host a birthday bash on July 12 at 3pm. And on Aug. 13, the lifeguards will be serving up some fun with sand volleyball at 1pm.

Many local young people have been training for the annual Splashes Dashes & Spokes Youth Triathlon which will be Saturday, July 20. The event features swimming, biking and running for children ages 5-15, competing in their age groups. The event takes place at Otter Cove’s pool and throughout James O. Breen Community Park.

Swanson Pool, where the motto is Swim. Relax. Repeat., is also ready for an amazing summer. Among those is a pool with zero-depth entry, water and sand play areas, slides and the community favorite—the Lily Pad Rope Walk.

Visitors to Swanson Pool are in for several exciting events. Get those inflatables ready for Float Nights on Mondays and Fridays all summer long. Stanley the Frog will celebrate with a Leap Year Party on Aug. 2. Activities begin at 3pm. And as the pool gets ready to close for the season, Aug. 13 is dedicated to showcasing your school spirit as you prepare for the start of school.

Start saving those online delivery boxes to participate and compete in the annual Sink or Swim Cardboard Boat Race on July 17 at Swanson Pool. Channel your creative mindset and see if your boat floats or sinks. Teams of up to four people, can build their craft and venture out on the water. Compete for fun awards like most spectacular sinking boat and best decorated.

Swimmers can double up on the fun while participating in the same events at different aquatic facilities. The Biggest Splash Contest is at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. July 10 at Swanson Pool and from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at Otter Cove. July 14 is Shark Day with all day activities honoring sharks and protecting their habitats. Make sure to arrive early on July 21 when both pools celebrate Sundae Sunday. The first 150 guests receive a free sundae from Culver’s. Celebrate Christmas in July with fun in the sun on July 25. Santa will visit Otter Cove at 12pm and Swanson Pool at 2pm.

To learn more about upcoming events, including times and other details, visit  ottercove.org/calendar or swansonapool.org/calendar.