When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena
Why Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena in Ann Arbor offers an excellent venue for social gatherings, family outings, and recreational activities. Centrally located at 2150 Jackson Avenue, this facility boasts an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor ice arena, providing year-round options for active fun and relaxation. The pool area is well-maintained and features a water slide, lap lanes for swimmers, and designated shallow zones suitable for children, making it a great destination for all ages. Lifeguard presence ensures safety, while the ample parking and convenient public transit access make visits hassle-free. Beyond swimming, the ice arena seats 800 and hosts local hockey teams and recreational skating sessions, appealing to ice sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy additional amenities in the Veterans Memorial Park, including baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, a skatepark, and rentable shelter spaces, facilitating picnics and group events. The playground nearby offers safe, soft turf for children, enhancing its appeal for families. This mix of facilities combined with picnic areas and natural surroundings creates a perfect meeting place that supports diverse interests and fosters community connection throughout the year.
Here's what people think of Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena
As of recent, Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena holds a 4.5-star rating based on 524 reviews.
Visitors to Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena generally express positive sentiments, reflected by its solid 4.5-star rating from over 500 reviews. Many appreciate the family-friendly environment, highlighting the pool's separate shallow areas and water slide suitable for younger children, alongside lap lanes favored by teenagers and adults. The facility's lifeguard staff are frequently praised for their attentiveness, contributing to a safe swimming experience. Users also commend the park for its clean and well-maintained amenities, ample parking, and the variety of recreational options beyond the pool and ice rink, such as baseball fields and playgrounds. The ice arena, while smaller than major rinks, is valued for its accessibility and frequent open skate hours, providing recreational opportunities for casual and serious skaters alike. On the downside, some reviews mention crowded locker rooms and occasional congestion during transitions between hockey games and open skating sessions. Others note a limited snack bar menu and the typical hockey locker room odor as minor drawbacks. Despite these issues, the overall consensus is that the benefits of the facility, including its multipurpose usage, accessibility, and community atmosphere, far outweigh the negatives, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors aiming to socialize and engage in physical activities.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
john siegel
Nice pool area. Lots of parking, a large changing area and the pool has a waterslide. Perfect for smaller children because there is a large area of the pool that is 3 feet deep or less. Also, lots of chairs and picnic tables if you want to pack snacks.
Kristina Pustinovich
Usually I have no issues here. Except today. My 2 yr old swam for about 20 min before the pool was closed for about 45 min due to a contamination, set to open 25 min before closing. After a little, they announced that if we leave, we can get a free pass. Great! Except my baby was sleeping then eating at the time so we decided to finish up with her and then head out. We finish and I come to the counter for the pass but they say “it’s too late”. Really? There was still at least 20 min until the pool was to reopen- 45 min until closing. I understand they wanted people out of there so they could leave early- but please understand not everyone is able to pack up and leave within 5 minutes of the announcement. We even made sure to clean our area fully of trash and put the chairs back exactly as they clean it for closing. There was still at least 15 people at the pool remaining after we left. Just kinda disappointed.
ravi daitota
A nice place to spend hot summer days. Pool gets pretty full in summer most days . Pool has different depths with markings that makes it safe for different age groups. It even has a water slide . Masks are required indoors / to enter. The pool is quite clean and well maintained considering the crowd it draws. They also have an ice arena, outside snow sledging area ( at your own risk) , a skating ring and play area for kids.
Yvonne Vasquez
Nice swimming area, just make sure to get there early if you want shade on the really hot days!
CABRIA Culp
Have a fun time with my kids at the pool. It was a little crowded because of summer camp. It was great for all my kids 17, 11, 9, and 3.
How to reach Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena
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Why Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena with your friends? This vibrant community hub offers a unique combination of aquatic fun, ice skating excitement, and outdoor recreational activities that make it the ideal spot for social gatherings. Whether you're looking to splash around in a well-maintained pool, glide across a hockey-sized ice rink, or enjoy a sunny day of sledding or ball games, this location provides a lively and welcoming environment for groups of all ages and interests. Its diversity of offerings ensures every member of your crew can find something to enjoy together. Plus, the facility’s convenient location and ample parking, along with access via public transportation, make it easy to meet up with your friends and family. The atmosphere is perfect for both active play and relaxed socializing, making it a natural choice for a clubhouse away from home. With its positive 4.5-star rating from over 500 reviewers, you can trust that Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena delivers consistently great experiences, encouraging everyone to make lasting memories in a safe, fun, and friendly setting.
What kinds of activities can you do at Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena? This versatile facility is home to a large outdoor swimming pool and an indoor ice arena, each offering excellent amenities suited for groups and families. The pool features open swim hours nearly every day, staffed lifeguards, and a fun water slide, creating a splash-filled environment perfect for both kids and adults. Swim lessons and adult-only swim times add flexibility for different skill levels and preferences. In the winter months, or year-round, the ice arena attracts skaters of all ages with its hockey-sized rink. Open skate sessions welcome beginners, families, and seasoned skaters alike, and there are also adult-only skate times for those who want to enjoy a quieter, more focused experience. Skate rentals make it convenient for visitors who do not bring their own equipment. Beyond the pool and ice, the park area surrounding the facilities includes baseball and softball diamonds, providing opportunities for group sports and casual friendly competition. In winter, a sledding hill adds a classic, snowy outdoor activity, making this place vibrant in every season.
Why is Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena especially suited for a group meetup? First and foremost, the size and variety of the facilities mean groups with different interests don’t have to split up. A family with young children, teens, and adults can all find activities tailored to their ages and interests—from toddlers splashing at the pool to adults skating or hitting the baseball field. The property’s setting includes accessible parking for those driving and easy public transit options, helping everyone get there hassle-free. The snack bar and vending machines on-site provide convenient refreshments, so your group can refuel without leaving the premises. Additionally, the welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere encourages socializing before, during, and after activities, fostering a sense of togetherness. The park’s rules for safety and comfort, such as leash requirements for dogs and alcohol prohibitions, ensure that your group’s experience remains family-friendly and pleasant for all attendees.
How are the pool and ice arena schedules structured to accommodate visitors? Veterans Memorial Park Pool operates seasonally, with summer hours generally running from early afternoon through the evening, including weekdays and weekends. The pool closes for the season in late August but offers consistent access during its open months. The daily schedule features open swim periods, swim lessons that temporarily close the water slide, and designated adult-only swim times, providing flexibility for groups to plan their visit based on preferences and age makeup. The ice arena maintains a year-round schedule with open skate times mostly during weekends and afternoons, while adult skate sessions run during weekday mornings and early afternoons. This variety in scheduling ensures that groups can pick times that foster the best experience, whether they prefer a lively weekend outing or a calmer weekday session. Both facilities are monitored by staff to ensure safety, and the ice rink offers skate rental services to accommodate those without personal gear.
What should you know about the location and convenience of Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena? Situated between Jackson Avenue and Dexter Avenue in Ann Arbor, the park is well positioned for easy access by car and public transit. There is ample parking available directly at the pool and ice arena, making arrival straightforward even for large groups. For those relying on public transportation, the Ride bus route 30 stops near the facility, providing a convenient option for visitors without cars. The park itself offers multiple entry points, with the nearest transit stops situated close to both the pool area and other park amenities like the baseball fields and skatepark, ensuring easy navigation for your group once there. Nearby are also additional green spaces, picnic areas, and walking paths, allowing your meetup to extend beyond just activities in the pool and rink. These aspects make it an accessible, efficient, and comfortable venue for hosting family reunions, friends’ get-togethers, or casual social meetups.
What about amenities and additional features that enhance the meetup experience? The Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena provides more than just the basics of swimming and skating. The pool features a classic water slide, making it especially attractive for kids and teens who want a bit of extra excitement. The ice arena’s snack bar, though limited in menu, offers easy access to refreshments and snacks to keep energy levels high during activities. Vending machines on site supplement this with a variety of options. Locker rooms and changing facilities, while described as having a typical hockey locker room ambience, provide essential conveniences for group outings. In winter, the sledding hill in the back adds a nostalgic outdoor play element, perfect for children and adults alike when snow blankets the area. Sporting enthusiasts can also take advantage of the baseball and softball diamonds, which are perfect for casual games or organized meetups. These layers of amenities create an environment where groups can easily spend an entire day engaged in a variety of enjoyable activities.
Why is the Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena a safe and family-friendly destination? Safety and comfort are top priorities at this park, which is reflected in its rules and community guidelines. Smoking and alcohol use are prohibited in the park, ensuring that the environment stays clean and welcoming for people of all ages. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash, which contributes to a safe, respectful atmosphere for human and pet visitors alike. The presence of trained lifeguards at the pool and staff supervision at the ice arena enhance safety for all activities, reducing risks and allowing guests to relax and enjoy themselves. The organized structure of swim lessons, adult-only swim blocks, and designated skating sessions demonstrate a thoughtful approach to meeting different needs while maintaining order and safety. This careful management helps families and groups feel secure and comfortable when hosting their meetups here.
How does the local community perceive Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena? With a solid 4.5-star rating from over 500 reviews, this facility is clearly appreciated by locals and visitors alike. The positive feedback often highlights the friendly staff, the well-maintained facilities, and the variety of options for staying active and entertained. Users especially praise the ice arena for its open skate sessions and the pool for its water slide and relatively uncrowded environment compared to past decades. The spacious parking and public transit access earn frequent mention, reinforcing that getting together here is logistically easy. Some reviews note the typical odours of locker rooms in the ice facility but affirm that it does not detract from an overall enjoyable experience. This favorable reputation bolsters confidence in choosing Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena as a reliable, fun, and social destination.
In summary, Veterans Memorial Park Pool & Ice Arena is a dynamic gathering spot that effortlessly combines aquatic, ice, and outdoor recreational activities ideal for groups. Its well-rounded offerings, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, convenient location, and strong community approval, create a perfect environment to connect, play, and celebrate with friends and family. Whether planning a casual meetup, a birthday party, or just a day of fun-filled activity, this venue stands out as a versatile and enjoyable choice throughout the year.