Being one of the largest swimming complexes in Prague, the Podolí Swimming Stadium stands as a testament to Czechoslovakia's mid-century architectural vision. It has recently been recognized as a national cultural monument. Families looking for an engaging and active day out will be delighted with the offerings of this iconic center. They can soak in the history while their children make waves in one of the several pools designed to suit all swimming levels, from the smallest paddlers to seasoned junior swimmers.
With two 50-meter pools, one indoor and one under the open sky, swimming at Podolí is a year-round activity that caters to the unpredictable whims of weather, ensuring that a splash is always an option. Additionally, the 33-meter outdoor pool dedicated to water polo matches adds a competitive edge to the venue, often attracting local events that can be a thrill to watch or participate in. Parents and kids alike can appreciate a facility that prioritizes fitness and fun, providing ample space to play, practice, or relax by the water.
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Beyond swimming, Podolí Swimming Stadium offers a variety of aquatic experiences, including a diving pool and additional facilities for relaxation like a steam area and sauna, perfect for those looking to unwind after a few laps or learning sessions in the pool. With space to accommodate both the leisurely and the competitive, it’s no wonder that this swimming center has not only been a part of Prague's community for over 55 years but also a favored destination for active families visiting the city. Whether cooling off in the summer or escaping the chill in a heated indoor pool, visitors of all ages will find a welcoming splash at Podolí.
If you come to Prague during the warm season, visit Zlute Lazne, located 600 meters from the water park.
Why It Might Be Interesting for Kids
Swimming Stadium Podolí, nestled within Prague's lush district of Podolí, offers a delightful outing for families, particularly those with energetic kids looking to splash around and explore aquatic adventures. Here are some reasons why Swimming Stadium Podoli is worth visiting with kids.
1. Variety of Pools:
- Indoor 50m Pool: It allows children to enjoy swimming all year round, no matter the weather outside.
- Heated Outdoor Pools: Kids can bask in the fun of an outdoor swim even when there’s a chill in the air. With a 50-meter outdoor pool and a smaller 30-meter one, they're perfect for budding swimmers and those looking to make a splash.
2. Children’s Attractions:
- The stadium, with a water slide and other playful features, caters to children's love for fun activities and is designed to keep them engaged and entertained.
3. Training Heaven: The pools at Podolí provide an excellent spot for young swimmers to hone their skills. The facilities cater to all levels, whether for competitive training or simply learning to swim.
Children from toddlers to teenagers will find the Stadium Podolí engaging. The younger crowd relishes the joy of playful splashing. At the same time, older kids and teens can appreciate the more advanced swimming facilities or take a fun, swift ride down the water slide.
Safe, accommodating, and endlessly entertaining, Swimming Stadium Podolí is a fantastic venue for families seeking an amusing and healthy way to spend the day. It's professional-level amenities and child-friendly fun make it a top pick for families visiting Prague.
History of Podolí Swimming Stadium
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In the charming neighborhood of Podolí, hugging the right side of the picturesque Vltava River stands a notable landmark within Prague: the Podolí Swimming Stadium. Known in Czech as Plavecký Stadion Podolí, this swimming center has been a focal point for aquatic sports and family outings since its inception.
The vision for this grand sports facility was brought to life by Czech architect Richard Podzemný. His blueprint developed into a site that creatively combined concrete engineering with a flair for modernist design. Construction started in 1959, marking the beginning of a six-year-long project.
By 1965, Prague witnessed the grand unveiling of the stadium. Complete with a unique metal sculpture by artist Vladimír Janoušek, it quickly garnered attention. It was considered a technical curiosity of its time. The stadium's layout included a standard swimming pool and a variety of facilities to engage both competitive swimmers and the public.
Over time, the center has undergone numerous renovations to modernize its amenities and maintain its status as a prime location for families. The establishment also underscored 2015, which marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating a rich history that has witnessed countless splashes and spurred waves of joy for numerous families and aquatic enthusiasts.
Facilities Overview
The Swimming Stadium Podolí is a paradise for swimming enthusiasts and a comprehensive recreation destination for families. This swimming center offers a variety of aquatics for all ages, ensuring visitors find both excitement and relaxation daily within its extensive amenities.
Indoor Pools
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The indoor area of the swimming complex boasts two 50-meter-long pools catering to serious lane swimmers and those seeking a leisurely dip. These pools maintain a comfortable temperature year-round, providing an ideal environment for training or casual swimming regardless of the weather outside.
Outdoor Pools
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Visitors can bask in the sun at the outdoor pool facilities during summer. The stadium features a heated 50-meter-long outdoor pool for a refreshing swim and an additional 33-meter outdoor pool, both seasonal attractions designed for maximum family fun. There is also a paddling pool where children over 1 year old may stay under parental supervision.
Diving Facilities
The complex is equipped with a 33-meter-long outdoor diving pool for diving enthusiasts. This pool provides the necessary depth for a range of diving activities. It is also a training and spectator events hub, inviting a vibrant community of diving fans.
Additional Amenities
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After a swim, visitors can unwind with a host of other amenities. The stadium houses a variety of saunas, a steam room, and facilities for massages and rehabilitation, offering a spectrum of relaxation options. For those looking to stay active, a fitness area is available. To round out the experience, a restaurant is on-site to refuel and gather with loved ones.
Best Time to Visit
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Visiting the Swimming Stadium Podolí, with its combination of indoor and outdoor pools, can be a joyful experience for families year-round. However, particular times stand out for those planning the ideal outing with children.
Weekdays, specifically Tuesday to Thursday, are typically less crowded. Visiting during morning hours, from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, lets families enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere as the day begins.
Weekends can offer a livelier experience, but expect higher numbers of visitors. For those with children who enjoy a vibrant scene, arriving early in the morning or late afternoon – around 4:00 PM – may help avoid the peak midday rush.
In terms of seasons, the summer months are a delight at Podolí for families, offering the bonus of the outdoor water slide and sunbathing areas. Children can splash and play under the sun, while parents can unwind poolside.
For a quieter visit, the late spring or early fall provides an opportunity to enjoy the amenities without the summer crowds. The indoor pool ensures a comfortable swim experience even if the weather is cooler.
Important Note: Always check the official website for occasional closures or time changes due to events. It's best to look ahead and plan around these to make the most of your visit to Swimming Stadium Podolí.
How Long Does It Take to Attend?
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Visitors planning a trip to the pool complex should allocate approximately 1 to 2 hours to enjoy the facilities fully. This duration provides ample time for families to relish a refreshing swim or engage in various aquatic activities.
Suggested Schedule:
- Arrival and Setup (15 minutes): Upon arrival, families can find a spot to settle down, change into swimwear, and store belongings in the available lockers.
- Swimming and Activities (1 - 1.5 hours): Most visits will likely be in the water. The center boasts outdoor and indoor pools, ensuring year-round access to visitors. An hour and a half allows for relaxed lap swimming, playful splashing, or sliding down the fun toboggan for the kids.
- Rest and Refreshments (15 minutes): After swimming, families can take a moment to dry off and grab a snack or drink at the on-site facilities, if available.
This recommended duration is adaptable to personal preferences and the pace at which a family chooses to experience the stadium. During summer or weekends, the facility can become quite popular. Visitors may wish to add extra time to their visit to accommodate potential crowds or relax under the sun by the poolside.
Is Swimming Stadium Podoli Worth Visiting?
This swimming pool in Prague is a delightful destination for families looking to dive into a day of aquatic fun. With an array of pools, including an indoor 50m swimming pool, an outdoor 50m pool, a children's pool, and an outdoor 33m pool suitable for water polo, there's no shortage of splash-worthy activities. Here are the main reasons to visit Swimming Stadium Podoli:
- Indoor Facilities: Open year-round, offering swimming opportunities regardless of weather.
- Outdoor Amenities: Available primarily in summer, the outdoor pools provide a refreshing escape.
- Family Friendly: Features like a small relaxing pool and beach-like areas are perfect for children.
- Health & Fitness: Complete with a sauna, steam area, and fitness facilities for a well-rounded visit.
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Swimming Stadium Podoli is worth visiting for its family-oriented facilities, recreational versatility, and charming locale. The extra changing room area opened during summer accommodates the influx of visitors, ensuring a comfortable experience.
The stadium's pools cater to relaxed bathers and serious swimmers seeking leisure and activity. The venue prides itself on its cleanliness and the quality of its facilities. Moreover, the Stadium is not just a place for swimming; it offers sauna and steam areas for adults to unwind while children enjoy the water.
In conclusion, the Swimming Stadium Podoli is a stellar attraction for families. It provides varied swimming pools for all ages, clean and well-maintained facilities, and extra amenities for comfort and relaxation. Encouraging an active lifestyle in a delightful setting, this stadium should be on your itinerary when visiting Prague with kids. Plan your visit and embrace the joy of swimming at this celebrated aquatic center.
