Free swimming and snack in County Durham for children

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Please be aware you need to apply for a free Thrive card first

https://www.durham.gov.uk/freeswimming

Children and young people aged 18 years and under can attend any of our general swim, inflatable and fun sessions free of charge. Splashability sessions are also available free for children, young people and adults who have a disability.  

Please note that inflatable sessions are suitable for children aged eight and over who can swim 25 metres (we may ask children to demonstrate they can swim before allowing entry onto the inflatable). The inflatable sessions at Freeman's Quay, The Louisa Centre, Newton Aycliffe, Teesdale and Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex can allow children under eight years on the inflatable as long as a responsible adult is in the pool and the child can swim 25 meters. 

Sessions are available at Chester-le-Street pool timetable, Consett pool timetable, Freeman's Quay pool timetable, The Louisa Centre pool timetable, Newton Aycliffe pool timetable, Spennymoor pool timetable, Teesdale pool timetable, Wolsingham pool timetableand Woodhouse Close pool timetable, please see your local pool timetable for dates and times. 

Adults who qualify for a concessional rate can also swim free if your child is a non swimmer and needs support in the pool. View Leisure centre pricing guide for concessionary information. 

Fun and Food

Free swimming sessions are funded by Fun and food to support families during the holiday periods. Our free swim sessions also include a healthy snack. 

Thrive card

Your child will need access to a free concessionary Thrive card to access the swimming sessions. You can apply for online and pick up your card when you visit for your session. You will only need to apply once for a Thrive card. If you applied in the summer holidays your card will still be valid. 

Terms and conditions

• Free swimming is available to people 18 years and under 
• Only one session per day per person. 
• Normal pool admission and supervision policy applies. 
• Free swimming is available from Saturday 22 July 2023 until Sunday 3 September 2023.
• Offer is available at the following Durham County Council pools: Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe, Woodhouse Close, Teesdale, Freeman's Quay, Chester-le-street, Wolsingham, The Louisa Centre, Consett and Spennymoor Leisure Centre.
• Offer only applicable for general swim, fun sessions, inflatable sessions in both the main and small pool.
• Excludes lane swims.
• Free thrive cards given to all concessions.
• No bookings are necessary, first come first served at the pools.
• No cash alternative is available.
• Not available on Bank Holidays.
• Free swimming is available to County Durham residents only.