**FTC Disclosure: This year I’m an ambassador for the Jones Center for Families, which means I get to do cool stuff there and tell you all about it! I’ve been compensated for writing this post, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think the Center is awesome. You should check it out if you live in Northwest Arkansas or are visiting for the day.
Summer Fun at the Jones Center for Families
As a teacher, I can’t tell you how happy I am summer is finally here. Don’t get me wrong. I loved teaching (most) of my pre-K students this year, but those last few months felt pretty long.
But now it’s SUMMER! And it’s time for summer fun, with or without the kiddos, and the Jones Center for Families has a great slate of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s cut to the chase. Summer is all about swimming and the Jones Center has you covered.
Swimming at the Jones Center
The Jones Center has a junior Olympic pool and a leisure pool with a pretty kickin’ slide the kids (or you) will love. They also have extended swim hours. Family hours are:
Monday:
4:30pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday – Saturday:
12:00pm – 3:45pm & 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Sunday:
1:30pm – 4:45pm
The best thing about the Jones Center pool? No need for sunscreen since it’s completely indoors. Score.
For the adults: I love swimming, but I especially love it when I can swim laps without having kids jumping in and out of the pool or splashing me. The Jones Center offers plenty of adult swimming options.
Monday – Friday: Lap Swimming
8:00am- 1:00pm
4:30pm – 7:45pm (Limited Lanes)
*No lanes available Wednesdays [6:30-7:30]
Saturday:
12:00pm – 7:45pm
Sunday:
1:30pm – 4:45pm
The Center also has swimming lessons through the Razorback Aquatic Club for kids ages 3-17. For adults, they’re holding an evening Learn To Swim Class for beginners and a Masters Swim Class for adult swimmers who want to improve their skills. (Heads up, this is an early one!)
Ice Skating at the Jones Center
So swimming isn’t really your thing, but you’re still looking for a way to stay cool this summer? Why not hit the ice. The Jones Center has the only indoor, year-round ice rink in the area and it is cool, in every sense of the word.
Don’t know how to skate? The Jones Center has you covered with its Learn to Skate Classes for both kids and adults. This summer they’re also hosting two levels of Skating Camps. The beginner level starts June 13th and the advanced June 27th. If you’re looking for a more casual experience, the rink offers a variety of hours for recreational skating. Check the schedule for available skate times.
Swimming and ice Skating are what the Jones Center are known for, but there are many other fun opportunities to get yourself and the kids out of the house and moving this summer. Here’s just a few of them!
Unique Fun at the Jones Center
Kid Fit – You want to work out, but you have the kids with you. Kid Fit is for you. It allows kids to work out with their parents. You get to model how important exercise is and they get to burn off some energy. Win-win. Kid Fit is for kids ages 4-9 and their parents and classes are held on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. (Bonus: It’s only $3/session or free for members!)
First Friday Kids Night – Put this one on your calendar. Beginning July 1st, each first Friday of the month, the Jones Center will hold an energy-pumping kids only event that includes obstacle courses, games, pizza and a movie. From 6-10 p.m. your kids are entertained and burning off some energy while you’re out (or in) enjoying some well deserved time off.
Summer Fun for FREE at the Jones Center
Who doesn’t love free activities? These free events are happening all summer long!
Yoga in the Park – Every Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. bring your mat and enjoy free yoga classes outside of the Jones Center next to the Farmers Market.
Movie Nights – Watch family friendly films for free on the big screen! Check the schedule for dates and movie titles. There are several scheduled for June. 
Farmers Market – The Springdale Farmers Market is in its 20th season this year. The market is held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. all summer long. You can combine a workout at the center with a quick shopping trip for healthy, locally grown food and goodies!
If I talked about all the fun opportunities at the Jones Center, this blog would be far too long. Check out thejonescenter.net and follow the Jones Center on social media to stay up to date on the latest fun events. Memberships start at the incredibly low price of $5/month, but most of these opportunities are open to non-members for a small fee and it’s well worth your time to check it out.
Have a great summer!
