Is it a waste to join a pool if you have a 2 year old?

[Anonymous]

I need stuff to do with my 2 year old twins this summer and I thought a membership at a pool with a kiddie pool might be fun. But do you think that they are too young to really enjoy it? Last year, I just put a plastic pool in my yard, which they loved. This year, I was hoping to get out and be more social. But these memberships are not cheap. What do you think?

[Anonymous]

They will love it. Just make sure the kiddie pool is shallow enough and well shaded.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I found I was not able to handle two young kids by myself comfortably (not twins, but infant and toddler). So we joined and didn't use it much at that age. We only went when dad could go too, and used the little pool and sprinkler in the yard. I wish I had waited. But it may have worked better for others.

[Anonymous]

My kids LOVE the pool. I took them many times by myself last year, when they were 12 months, and 2.5 years.

I think your 2 year old twins will love it, and it will not be too much to handle, but you will have to WATCH them (no book reading, cell phone gabbing, etc.). Check out the kiddie pool before you join, because some are better for young kids. I think the thing is, they need to be able to easily navigate getting in and out of the pool by themselves (because kids that age are always in and out, in and out). But as long as they can do that, you should be able to park yourself in a chair (close by) and just watch.

[Anonymous]

We joined one last year (my son was 2 last June) and we only ended up going 2-3 times. My son was just not that into the kiddie pool and would splash around for a little bit and then be done. There are some pools where you can pay by the visit (Upton Hills in Arlington is one). I think that might be more worth it for us this year.

[Anonymous]

It was great for me. There are limited things to do with a two year old, or two. At least this way you will be comfortable.

[Anonymous]

The kiddie pool at Mt. Vernon is fenced in, so I could easily handle two at a time. They loved it!

[Anonymous]

OP here-- Thanks for the input. I live in Arlington and there as so few pool memberships available near by. That said, at the pool where I can get a membership, the kiddie pool is not shaded. Should that fact rule that place out? I also saw a pool that had a shaded kiddie pool but it is much farther from our house and the hours are not as good.

Also, to the poster who mentioned Upton, I saw that place on line. It looks great, but I was worried that it would be really crowded. Has anyone ever been there? What is it like?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Both my children take lessons there in the summer. If you can get help, there is a good Mommy and me type swimming for 2 year olds (though it's a bit cold as it's before or after pool hours).

The baby pool is partially shaded. There are lots of toys by the end of the summer that people leave there. You can get a summer subscription or pay as you go. It can get very crowded, especially on hot, humid days. We go early on Saturdays when it isn't so crowded. They also supply life vests which if your child is potty trained, you can use for the bigger pool.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone ever been to Upton on a week day morning? Is it crowded then also?

[Anonymous]

It is not as crowded on a weekday morning but sometimes there are camp groups, daycare groups etc. who use the pool for field trips. If it is field trip day it will be crowded for a few hours.