North Shore Aquatic Complex | Swim Lessons, Programs + More

This article shares our experience with North Shore Aquatic Complex in St Petersburg. Here are 7 Must-Know Tips on swim classes, programs, etc!

In St Petersburg for vacation? North Shore Aquatic Complex and North Shore Park are ideal places to see where locals go to enjoy the city parks and recreation.

North Shore Park in St. Petersburg, FL

North Shore Aquatic Complex is located in North Shore Park in downtown St. Petersburg. The surrounding neighborhood is commonly known as Old Northeast.

For people who love to stretch their legs, you can walk from downtown shops to North Shore Park. However, it is most convenient to drive or bike, since the park provides FREE parking.

North Shore Park is considered by many to be the best park in St. Petersburg. Beyond the aquatic center, there are so many things to do! It has beautiful walking paths, an arboretum, kids playground, a large and small dog park, softball fields, tennis courts, basketball & tennis courts, a beach, and volleyball area.

You could literally spend all day here! North Shore Park is located on some of St. Petersburg’s finest real estate with 33 acres of gorgeous Tampa Bay views. It connects with Vinoy Park which expands for another 11+ acres!

Early risers love this park for the breathtaking sunrise views with the sun glistening on the water. It is also a great place to stroll in the evenings to watch dolphins and other wildlife.

Pro tip: There are public restrooms available to use behind the North Shore Aquatics Complex. The entry is closest to the kids playground.

North Shore Aquatic Complex Hours & General Information

• Address: 901 North Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
• Phone: (727) 893-7727
• Website: North Shore Aquatic Complex

North Shore Aquatic Complex features an enormous 50-meter pool plus diving board, a 25-meter training pool with zero depth entry, a kids’ pool with a giant slide, splash pad, and more!

The 25-meter training pool and kids pool both have a zero-depth entry. These two pools are ADA accessible, and the 25-meter pool has an ADA pool lift.

The complex is open weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm; Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays 1 pm to 4 pm. The Kids Pool is open Saturdays & Sundays only in October and April, and it is closed for the season from November to March.

We highly recommend verifying hours and availability for unscheduled visits. Weekends especially can be booked for competitions.

Since the pools are outdoors, they are available for use depending on weather conditions.

North Shore Aquatic Complex is home to St. Petersburg Aquatics and St. Pete Masters Swimming. They offer a variety of other swim classes, programs, and competitions. See their individual websites for full details.

North Shore Aquatic Complex Classes + More Great Info!

1. Swim Classes at North Shore Aquatic Center are affordable for everyone.

Most swim classes these days are not cheap! St Petersburg Parks & Recreation provides classes that everyone can afford. It is one of the things we absolutely love about North Shore Aquatic Center.

Our kids swim class cost $39 dollars and that was for a 2-week course (8 classes). They also offer sponsorships to those that can’t afford this entry fee.

North Shore Aquatic Complex offers a variety of diverse programs for all individuals and skill levels.

Depending on the season, available classes may include: Stroke Technique, Learn to Swim, Triathlon Training, Parent & Child Aquatics, and Water Aerobics just to name a few.

2. Make sure you register as soon as the swim classes become available.

The online swim classes that say “Starting Soon” will become available usually for a very limited time (literally 24 hours in some cases).

The enrollment schedule is the Thursday before the class start date at 8 am. Depending on the popularity of the course, it could book up within the first hour.

To find out when the enrollment date is for your desired class. Click on the class, and scroll down on the page to the “Other Information” section. The online enrollment period will be listed there. Otherwise, visit the complex to enroll.

Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder to not miss the enrollment window that begins at 8 am.

3. The kids pool and waterpark slides in North Shore Park are budget-friendly.

We are always on the lookout for kids things to do in Tampa Bay. North Shore Aquatic Complex children’s pool has a giant slide, a zero-depth entry, and parents can either watch from the sidelines or join in the fun!

You could do a family outing for less than $20 dollars! Admission is FREE for kids 2 years and under, $4.50/child (ages 3-12), and $5.00/adult (ages 13 & up).

Keep in mind that it gets incredibly hot, especially during the summer. It’s best to find some lounge chairs under the umbrella-covered area.

You can also pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables with wide-open Tampa Bay views.

4. You can literally spend all day at North Shore Park.

After visiting the North Shore Aquatics Center, you can easily spend the rest of the day in the park. The beach is literally steps away, along with the playground and arboretum. North Shore Park is open year-round and features water views, slides, swings, and a clubhouse.

5. Don’t forget to pack the right gear for swimming class.

Getting ready for swim classes? Admittedly, we forgot about a couple of items that are important. North Shore Aquatic Complex has literally no shade when you are swimming. There are bleachers and covered areas when you get out of the water. You definitely will get plenty of sun, and in our case, we got a sunburn.

Our favorite kid sunscreen is by Thinkbaby 50+ SPF. It is a mineral-based sunscreen that is safe and natural, and I also use it. After I had skin cancer, we became far more focused on protecting our families’ skin and using quality products!

Babies and toddlers not potty trained will need to be wearing swim diapers under their swimsuits. Our preferred brand is Pampers Swim Pants.

For adults and kids doing laps, you will want to pack swim goggles that don’t leak. Swim caps also may be a requirement depending on your class.

You will need to pack towels since the complex does not provide them.

6. Safety is a priority at North Shore Aquatic Complex.

There is no shortage of lifeguards on duty, as well as office support staff. All 3 pools have lifeguards stationed and actively watching swimmers. They also have a lifeguard training program for those looking for a career ladder.

7. North Shore Aquatic Complex partners with community pools.

During the summertime, North Shore Aquatic Center leans on the community pools to assist with classes. Learn more about the aquatics programs such as summer camps and swim lessons through the St. Pete Parks & Recreation website.

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