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Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center

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Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center
Address

3201 Watts Lane
Richmond, VA 23223

GET DIRECTIONS
Contact
804.918.7433
Our Hours

Mon – Fri: 6 a.m.-12 p.m. & 3-7 p.m.
Sat: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Become A Member

With no joining fees or long term contracts, there's no better place than the YMCA to get and stay healthy for the entire family!

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Join Today
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center kiddie pool and splash pad
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center youth swim lessons
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center indoor swimming pools
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center youth swim lessons with instructor
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center swimming pool

  • Overview

    The Frank J. Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center was built in partnership with Henrico County to provide citizens of Henrico’s east end a place to swim, learn water safety and have access to safe aquatic facilities.  Construction began in 2019 with a grand opening in September 2020.

  • activities

    The Frank J. Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center boasts a variety of activities and programs and is unique in that it is the only solely aquatic center in our association.

  • Hours and Reservations

    If you live in Henrico County, you can swim at the Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center for FREE on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:15-3:15 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. See below for more information!

  • Holiday Hours

    2025

    Wednesday, November 26          -Close at 6 p.m.

    Thursday, November 27              -Closed

    Friday, November 28                  -Regular Hours

    Wednesday, December 24          -Close at noon

    Thursday, December 25              -Closed 

    Wednesday, December 31           -Close at noon

    2026

    Thursday, January 1                    -8 a.m.- 12 p.m.

    Monday, January 19                    -Regular Hours

    Sunday, April 5                           -Closed

    Monday, May 25                         -Closed

    Thursday, June 19                       -Regular Hours

    Friday, July 3                              -Regular Hours

    Saturday, July 4                          -Close at 4 p.m.

    Monday, September 7                -Closed

    Wednesday, November 25        -Close at 6 p.m.

    Thursday, November 26            -Closed

    Friday, November 27                 -Regular Hours

    Thursday, December 24            -Close at noon

    Friday, December 25                 -Closed

    Thursday, December 31            -Close at noon

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Check Out Our AMENITIES

  • Lap Pool – Indoor Heated
  • Family Pool – Indoor Heated
  • Group Exercise
  • Splash Pad
  • Universal Locker Room
  • Male Locker Room
  • Female Locker Room
  • Swim Lessons
  • Swim Team
Young boy coming out of the pool during a swim lesson at the YMCA.
Come swim!

Henrico Residents Swim for Free!

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

If you live in Henrico County, you can swim at the Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center for FREE on Saturdays and  Sundays from 2:15 – 4:30 p.m. During this time, ALL users, including members, need a reservation. In addition, You must have a YMCA account to swim.

Follow this two step process to schedule your time:

STEP 1: Create YMCA account

CREATE ACCOUNT
CREATE ACCOUNT
  • If you already have a member or non-member account skip to step 2 
  • After you create this account return to this page :

STEP 2

RESERVE SWIM TIME
RESERVE SWIM TIME
community


Our Story

The Frank J. Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center was built in partnership with Henrico County to provide citizen of Henrico’s east end a place to swim, learn water safety and have access to safe aquatic facilities.  Construction began in 2019 with a grand opening in September 2020.

Read More
Read More
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center splash pad and kiddie pool
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tour The facility

Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center swimming pools
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center water slide
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center youth swim lesson with instructor
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center splash pad
Frank J Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Still Have Questions?

Contact Us

  • Are there discounts available for seniors, students, or families?

    Yes! Don’t let income stand in the way of a healthier you! With our income-based memberships, you can have all the benefits of being a YMCA member at a price you can afford. No matter what type of membership you choose, we offer financial assistance to everyone who qualifies.

  • Can I bring a guest to the YMCA?

    An individual may be a guest at the YMCA up to 6 times per year. After that, we encourage guests to look at our various membership options and come as often as you like! Guests may use the YMCA facility accompanied by a YMCA member for $5 per youth (up to age 18), $10 per individual and $20 per family. Ask the member services staff at your branch for more information.

  • Does the YMCA offer childcare services for members?

    Yes! The YMCA offers both Childcare and Childwatch services. Childcare is part of our youth development offerings and includes before and after school care. YMCA Membership includes free Child Watch for our members ages 6 weeks to 11 years old!  We’ll watch your little one while you workout, swim, play basketball or more, as long as you stay in the building.

  • Can I use my YMCA membership at other YMCA locations?

    Yes! Membership to the YMCA of Greater Richmond ensures entry to all 16 of our branches.

become a member AT THE Frank J Thornton FAMILY YMCA

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY