Splash and slide the day away at Veterans Memorial Park pool in Ann Arbor. Thanks to my then 15yr old daughter for these Veterans Memorial Pool Photos.
Veterans Pool
The pool at Veterans Park offers space for tots, family swim, a slide, and lap swimming. It is one of the three public swimming pools operated by Ann Arbor Parks.
Veterans Memorial Pool Tot Area
Vets Pool has a zero-entry section with sprayers that is perfect for young kids. It is similar to a toddler pool, except it is connect to the main pool. There is a rope separating the tot area from the main pool.
Vets Pool offers tot splash just for kids ages 7 & under and their adults. During tot splash, only the tot section of the pool is open. The rest of the pool is often being used for adult lap swim and swim lessons.
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Vets Swimming Pool Main Pool and Water Slide
The main pool area is typically split into open swim areas and lap lanes. This section of the pool is shallow enough that kids can stand in most of it.
Vets Pool has a water slide that exits into the main pool. My daughter has always been fascinated by the slide when we drive by on Jackson Rd. On her visit, she and her friends took a break from their laps to go down the slide a few times.
Vets Pool Deep End
Children ages 12 and younger need to take a deep end test before swimming in the deep end. This test has to be taken each summer and is not transferrable between Ann Arbor pools. The deep end test is offered several times a day.
The deep end test has two parts:
- Tread water for 1 minute.
- Swim 50 yards – two lengths of the main pool using a front crawl (aka freestyle). Arms have to come out of the water.
Other Veterans Park Activities
The pool is just one part of Veterans Park. The park also includes an ice rink, playground, a skate park, tennis courts, and numerous baseball and softball fields.
Veterans Park Playground is behind the pool locker rooms on the hill. It is surrounded by trees and offers a shady place to play before or after visiting the pool.
The skate park is a big attraction for many Ann Arbor kids and teens. A pool trip is a great way to cool off after skating.
Veterans Park has numerous baseball and softball fields. I imagine a dip in the pool would feel good after a hot afternoon game. My daughter always seemed to be scheduled for evening games which ran past the pool closing time. So we were never able to follow the game with a pool visit.
Vets pool is closed in the winter. But, you can still enjoy the Vets Park Ice Arena or sledding on the hill on snowy days.
Visiting Veterans Memorial Pool and Park
Veterans Memorial Park Pool Hours
Vets Park Swim Hours change when school is in session and are different on weekdays vs weekends and holidays..
- Weekends and Holidays:
- Open Swimming: 10a-8p
- Mondays-Fridays
- May 25-June 13 – 4-8p
- June 14-August 25
- 1-8p
Sunday, August 25 is the last day for Vets Pool in Summer 2024. Buhr Park is open through Labor Day and Fuller Park until September 15.
Age Range
Veterans Swimming Pool is great for all ages. However, if you are just visiting with toddlers, I prefer Buhr Park Pool with a separate zero-entry tot pool. Their zero-entry Tot Pool is separate and a great place for toddlers and preschoolers.
As teenagers, my daughter and her friends enjoyed the lap lanes (they are swimmers) and the slide.
Getting to Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena
Veterans Pool is one of the Ann Arbor City Parks Pools. The park lies between Jackson Ave & Dexter Ave at Maple Rd. The pool is on Jackson Ave (2150 Jackson Ave) There is a parking lot right at the pool.
The Ride bus route 30 has a stop across Jackson Ave from the park.
Veterans Memorial Park Pool Prices – 2023 Admission Rates
Buhr Park offers daily admission, and multi-visit punch pass. The season pass has not returned post-COVID.
Daily Admission rates (for a single 2 hour session) are:
- Adult: $6
- Youth (ages 4-17): $5
- Child (3 & under): Free
- Senior (age 60+): $5
Punch Passes:
- 10 visits – $40
- 25 visits – $100
- 50 visits – $187.50
- 100 visits – $350
Punch passes can be shared among family members. They are valid for one year at any of the City of Ann Arbor pools.
More Information on Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena
Get more information including details on swim lessons on the Ann Arbor Parks Department website.
What to Bring to Vets Pool Ann Arbor
First, you’ll need the obvious swim gear (bathing suits, goggles, towels, and sunscreen). I also suggest bringing water bottles.
Unlike the other Ann Arbor pools, Vets Pool has a concession stand and not just vending machines. You can typically buy snacks.
Swim Lessons & Swim Team at Veterans Pool Ann Arbor
Veterans Park typically offers swim lessons on weekday mornings. My daughter took lessons there several times when she was younger.
New for 2023 all Ann Arbor Parks are offering one swim team – The Octopods. Practices will be held each morning at each of the Ann Arbor City pools. When you register you will pick a location, time, and days of practice.
Other Pools & Places to Get Wet
Are you looking for more water fun this summer? Check out our master list of Places to Get Wet.
Or check out our lists of:
Events at Veterans Park Pool
New for 2024, Veterans Park is offering Tot Splash every weekday from June 14-August 25. At Tot Splash typically only the tot section of the Pool is open. Family swim has been added from 10a-1p on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It is not clear what is open during Family Swim.
There may be swim team practice or swim lessons happening in the main pool during Tot Splash.
Many other events that were offered prior to 2020 have not yet returned and may be lost for good. Give365 had splash days with water games at the pools. Ann Arbor Parks also offered Dive-in Movies at the pools.
