An aquatic assault course at one of Scotland’s most famous swimming pools – designed to ensure kids and big kids alike have a whale of a time. I was intrigued – and I’ll confess a little bit apprehensive – when we were invited to take the kids along to check out the new AquaDash inflatable assault course at Edinburgh Leisure’s Royal Commonwealth Pool. It sounded fabulous and the photos looked great, but I was unsure if it would have enough to keep my hard to please nine-year-old Tara interested and whether six-year-old Emma – who is not a strong swimmer – would manage the course.
The children didn’t have any such doubts. Tara and Emma grinned from ear to ear when I asked them if they wanted to go along to a trial session and could scarcely contain their excitement long enough to sit still during the short car ride into Edinburgh.
A Brilliant Floating Obstacle Course
We’ve been fans of the ace Commonwealth Pool for years, but this was something different. Very different. Once at the pool we were kitted out with buoyancy aids and given a quick safety briefing, which put all our minds at ease. We were all desperate to hit the water.
Soon we were plunging into the water and laughing as we slid, climbed, bounced and whooped our way around the AquaDash course. Like the other participants we followed a set route, but were able to set our own little family challenges, like who could cross over the ‘stepping stones’ first; and who would be the first to fall into the water. It was like one of those shows you see on TV my kids adore.
In all we tackled nine exhilarating challenges – with the zany names like ‘bonkers bridge’, ‘wacky wiggle’ and ‘adventurous action tower’, giving clues about what each entailed and capturing the sheer fun of clambering all over these giant inflatables. It is a completely immersive experience – sometimes literally – as you all lose yourself in a world of water and beaming smiles.
Our 50 minute session flew past and we all had a great time bonding and playing together as a family. That’s my ideal for a family day out. Even young Emma rose to the challenge without the slightest hesitation, showing that the AquaDash course really is suitable for anyone aged six and over.
The real test of how the day went came when I asked Emma if she enjoyed herself. Without pausing she enthused: “I loved it. I really liked sliding into the water.” She also asked: “Can we come back with my friends?” Tara, meanwhile, was already planning a repeat visit for her forthcoming tenth birthday. High, but deserved, praise indeed!
Further Information
The latest addition to Edinburgh Leisure’s smorgasbord of family activities, the AquaDash is the first of its kind in Scotland. It opens to the public at the beginning of the local school holidays on 12 February 2018. Based on our fun-filled dash, it is bound to be a massive hit, so in order to avoid any disappointment we recommend that you book a session in advance.
There are a maximum of 50 places in each AquaDash session. Sessions last 50 minutes (including a 10 minute briefing) and participants can use the pool afterwards for a swim.
Price: £7.50 adult; £5.00 child (6+).
The following adult to child ratios must be observed: children aged 6-8 years old – 1 adult to 2 children; children aged 9+ can do the AquaDash without an adult.
AquaDash launches on Monday 12 February 2018 and will be available at these times:
School Holidays
Monday and Friday: 11.00, 12.00 and 13.00hrs
Sunday: 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 13.00, 14.00 and 15.00hrs
Term Time
Saturday and Sunday: 13.00, 14.00 and 15.00hrs
Book online at: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/aquadash
*This blog comes in association with Edinburgh Leisure
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