Swimming is not only great exercise and good fun, but a skill for life. Get your little ones making a splash with some great swimming lessons designed to get all ages lapping up some time in the water.
Fitness first
With an extensive range of lessons and a firm belief in the benefits of swimming, the Abu Dhabi Health and Fitness Club offers group and private lessons for your child as well as a special Kids Club that runs every Easter and Summer. Here children over five years old can enhance their skills in a range of group activities including gymnastics, swimming and taekwondo. Ten private swimming lessons AED 600, group lessons AED 550. A set of five lessons is also available. Kids Club runs every Monday and Wednesday over the summer at 6.30pm for an hour. More information: 02 443 6333.
Sporty stuff
The Al Jazira Sports Club boasts a full-size Olympic indoor swimming pool, meaning kids can keep cool and get to work on their lap time. Professional swimming instructors at the club offer hour-long swimming classes twice a week at the club, designed to help your child build confidence in the water. A course of 10 lessons costs AED 400. More information: 02 445 4455 or 050 264 9704.
Going for gold
Another club with an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a number of professional swimming instructors, the Armed Forces Officers Club lets children of all ages take to the water and see their confidence grow. Whether you want to encourage your water-baby or see a medal winning swimmer in the pipeline, the club offers a friendly environment and lessons that will see your child develop in no-time. Twelve lessons for non-members AED 720, for members AED 600. More information: 02 441 5900.
Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club
There’s a large pool at the Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club too. The Club is enthusiastic about swimming as well as a variety of other sports. With a medal-winning team already under their swimming caps, the Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club offers a range of privately tutored as well as group lessons for budding swimmers. Lesson prices on request. More information: 03 722 2777.
Fun for all the family
The recreation area at the InterContinental Hotel Al Ain is perfect for a peaceful and relaxing day out with the kids. With a baby pool and family pool on offer, children can splash around to their heart’s content. Meanwhile you can rest easy knowing there is a professional on-site staff and a less than one metre deep pool – perfect for little swimmers. If they tire of the pool they can even dry off with a game of table tennis or play in the kids’ area. Admission for children between 2-16 years: AED 82. Adults: AED 105. More information:03 768 6686.
COME on in!
Let them take a break from backstroke and doggy-paddle with some just-plain-fun water based activities.
Plan a pool party
If you’re lucky enough to have your own pool, or have one in your community, make the most of keeping the kids cool and invite their friends around for a pool party. Grab a couple of inflatable toys and make sure armbands are at the ready; then when they’re all splashed out, treat them to a BBQ – the perfect way to spend a family day by the pool.
Summer’s here!
Let them cool off in the evening and keep them entertained when the heat gets too much. The Millennium Hotel offers a safe and fun children’s swimming pool with a sensible one-metre depth to keep parent’s worries at bay. Keep an eye out for the hotel’s annual summer camp for kids, which offers activities including swimming and games to keep them happy when it really heats up. More information: 02 626 2700
Head for the water
Of course, if you’re not in the mood for a pool but still fancy taking the children for a dip to cool down you can’t go wrong with a splash in the sea! Just be sure to pop on the sun block before everyone heads down to the beach. Family beach (Corniche): AED 10.
