Basel Area Pools

Summer, oh my, it is heating up this summer and the best way to escape the heat is to hit the pools. These pools aren’t just rectangular lap pools, nope, they are all kinds of amazing in Switzerland. From baby pools, to slides, to diving boards, to just straight up incredible, we are fortunate enough to have several public pools in our area.

If you do not already have the Familien Pass, considering purchasing this handy little card that not only provides discounts for family activities, but for just about SFr 30 per year, this fabulous deal comes with two pages of coupons, including multiple free passes to pools in the area.

Free entry is a very good thing!

Tip: Place the pool coupons in a jar and allow your children to grab a coupon at random. Once you see what the coupon reads, that will be your summer activity for the day.

Schwimmbad Aesch – Dornacherstrasse 85, 4147 Aesch

A personal favorite is the Aesch pool. Yes, prepare for a rather long journey to get there, but the pool is perfect for little people. The small river was a hit with our son when he was younger. As a parent, I could watch both of my children without having a mommy heart attack. The slide is also a point of interest! A restaurant onsite and ample grass space, I simply adore this pool. Arrange to meet friends here on a sunny day and pack enough provisions for the day.

Gartenbad St. Jakob – St. Jakobs Strasse 400

St, Jakob pool is a gorgeous, outdoor haven for swim enthusiasts. The baby pool has been completely redesigned, making it safer and more enjoyable for small children, which is a plus for parents with small children. The slides are always a big hit with older children, as are the diving boards. With five pools, ample grass space, a restaurant, changing areas and showers, you might just spend an entire day here.

Gartenbad beim Scholss Bottmingen – Burggartenstrasse 15

This pool is lovely in every way. With an expansive lawn area, a sliding board, diving boards, a generous lap pool and a whirlpool, the children can be entertained for hours. There is a restaurant onsite, plus showers and a large locker room.

Naturbad Riehen – Weilstrasse 69

This is truly a one-of–a-kind experience. The Naturbad is just that, natural. No chlorine, no blue pool, rather, the “pool” looks like a lake. I must admit, the pool is hard for our daughter to embrace as she cannot see underwater, but, it has a wonderful relaxed vibe and is perfect for those people who may not do well in chlorine. Small, but delightful, this unique swimming pool is worth a visit.

River Rhine

If you or your children are experienced swimmers, why not try taking a dip in the Rhine?

Make sure you have your Wickelfisch for floating, enter in the designated zones and float away. If this is your first time swimming in the Rhine, consider partaking in a supervised swim in July or August. Meet at 17:45 just below the Tinguely Museum and enjoy the refreshing water. Note that this event may not take place due to COVID. Check with this site first.

Happy swimming!