Ready for the hottest day of the year so far, Twin Cities?
The Como Park Regional Pool, Highland Park Aquatic Center, and Phalen Beach are all opening Saturday, as temperatures are expected to rise well into the 90s.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for a high near 96 on Saturday, which would be the Twin Cities’ hottest temperature of the year so far and close to the record for the day — 99 in 1956.
High temperatures in the low 90s are expected on Sunday and Monday, and there are chances for thunderstorms beginning Saturday night and extending through Tuesday.
If you’re looking to cool off, the Como Park and Highland pools offer open swim from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Phalen Beach open swim lasts from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the all-new splash pad will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Both pools feature splash pads, lap pools, children’s pools, diving boards, climbing walls, water slides, concessions, and locker rooms. The Como pool also has a zip-line and a lazy river.
At Phalen Beach, open swim and the splash pad are free. Other amenities at the beach include sand volleyball courts (bring your own net), locker rooms, free meals for youth Monday through Friday, canoe clinics, watercraft rentals (including paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks,) and sailing, rowing, and swimming lessons.
Due to popular demand, Tot Time is back at Como Pool for children younger than 6 years old on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning June 10. Admission for one parent-child pair is $8; additional children cost $4 each.
Only the splash pad is open during Tot Time, but parents and children are welcome to stay for other amenities at 11 a.m. for no extra cost.
Admission rates for the pools are:
- Under 4 feet: $6
- Above 4 feet: $7
- Family: $24 (Up to 5 people, $4 for additional members)
- Deck Fee: $4 (for non-swimmers)
In order to minimize waiting time, visitors intending to buy memberships or punch passes are encouraged to purchase those in advance online and to pick them up at the Oxford Community Center.
Annual and Summer memberships as well as punch cards are available online. Both pools and the Phalen Beach splash pad close Sept. 4. The Phalen Beach open swim closes Aug. 27.
