I am a mother to 5 young children, ages ranging from 5 months old to 8 years old. We decided to head out to Freedom Aquatic Center in Manassas, Virginia to swim one night after my husband returned home from work. Luckily, swimsuits still fit from last year and the kids were happy campers getting dressed, finding beach towels, and goggles.
When we got into the parking lot, I was immediately impressed with the building. It was large in size and uniquely built. You could see in through a large window from the parking lot. I could see people playing volleyball while others were using the indoor track above them. There was also ample parking and was well lit (we arrived after dark).
When we checked in, I let the staff member know that it was our first time and she was so helpful making us feel comfortable. She directed us to the family changing room since we had a large family. There we found lockers and a changing area (don’t forget your own lock), and then there was a separate area for the bathroom and shower. The first thing I noticed was how clean the changing room was. And this was late in the afternoon! I was impressed!
After we got all suited up and ready, we headed out to the pool area. There are two separate pools that you can see: A competition/lap pool (there were many swim leagues practicing when we were there), and a leisure pool with hot tub area. They have life preservers to use for no cost. There is a giant slide that caught my girl’s attention right away, but when we asked the lifeguard, they informed us that it’s only open certain days and it was closed. 
After a little bit of an “oh man” complaining session, we waded into the water. That was awesome for my little guy who just wanted to sit and splash in the water. My older kids went on into the deeper area and swam until they were worn out. They had a small lazy river and a swirly vortex area too. We even had our 5-month-old baby get in the pool for the first time. She loved it, I think because the water was so nice and warm. I also noticed that with only my family and two other children in the leisure pool, 3 lifeguards were on their chairs. I loved the hot tub, and it was reserved for people 16 years of age and older.
When we were finished swimming, we got everyone rounded up and went back to the family changing room where the kids took a warm shower and got dressed again for the cold weather outside. Overall, we had a blast. My kids desperately needed to get out of the house during this cold polar vortex and I needed them to wear themselves out in play. This was a very good place for both. I liked that the pool itself was small enough that I could keep an eye on all my kids while sitting in one spot. The lifeguards were amazing and were definitely working hard to keep my kids safe. I am extremely happy with my experience at this facility.
Additional Information
- The leisure and competition pools are open daily, please consult the website for the latest information.
- You do not have to be a member to use the facility; however there are month, 6-month and annual membership available. Daily admission for adults is $9, children (ages 3 to 15) is $6 and seniors $6. They also offer a special family package for $16 (2 adults and 2 kids). A full list of rates and membership options can be found on their website.
- Birthday parties can be held at the Freedom Center, learn more here.
Photos by Elaine Simonsen.
