Free weekend swimming sessions
We are offering free weekend swimming sessions for young people aged 18 years and under.
Apply for a free Thrive card for your child before visiting for your free swim
What's available
Children and young people aged 18 years and under who live in County Durham can attend selected inflatable and fun sessions free of charge at weekends. Please note that inflatable sessions are suitable for children aged eight and over who can swim 25 metres (we may ask children to demonstrate they can swim before allowing entry onto the inflatable).
Free sessions are available at:
| Leisure Centre | Day | Time | Type of session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre | Saturday | 1.30pm - 2.30pm | Inflatable |
| Consett Leisure Centre | Saturday | 12.00 noon - 1.00pm | Rafts, floats and slide |
| Freeman's Quay Leisure Centre | Sunday | 1.30pm - 2.30pm | Rafts and Floats |
| The Louisa Centre | Sunday | 3.00pm - 4.00pm | Rafts and Floats |
| Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre | Sunday | 1.30pm - 3.00pm | Rafts and Floats |
| Peterlee Leisure Centre | Sunday | 1.00pm - 2.00pm | Rafts and Floats |
| Teesdale Leisure Centre | Sunday | 11.00am - 12.00pm | Rafts and Floats and Inflatable |
| Wolsingham Leisure Centre | Sunday | 11.00am - 12.00pm | Rafts and Floats |
| Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex | Saturday | 1.00pm - 2.00pm | Inflatable |
Adults who qualify for a concessional rate can also swim for free if your child is a non swimmer and needs support in the pool. View Leisure centre pricing guide for concessionary information.
Thrive card
Your child will need access to a free concessionary Thrive card to access the swimming sessions. You can apply online and pick up your card when you visit for your session. You will only need to apply once for a Thrive card. If you applied previously for the school holiday sessions your card will still be valid.
Terms and conditions
- Free swimming is available to people 18 years and under and supervisors/ carers on concessions.
- Normal pool admission and supervision policy applies.
- Free swimming at the weekend is only available one session per weekend.
- Free swimming is not available during the week.
- Offer is available at the following Durham County Council pools: Consett, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe, Woodhouse Close, Teesdale, Freeman's Quay, Chester le street, Wolsingham and The Louisa Centre.
- Offer NOT available at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.
- Offer only applicable for, fun sessions, inflatable sessions in both the main and small pool.
- Free thrive cards given to all concessions.
- Excludes Lane swims, general swim and aqua classes
- No bookings are necessary, first come first served at the pools.
- Only one session per day per person.
- No cash alternative is available.
- Not available on Bank Holidays
- Free swimming is available to County Durham residents only.
