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Princess Anne Recreation Center swimming pool in Oceana, VA
Photo: D Miles
View of Princess Anne Recreation Center in Oceana, VA
Photo: Grey Cat
View of Princess Anne Recreation Center in Oceana, VA
Photo: Angela Beck

Princess Anne Recreation Center

4.0(149 reviews)$Sports
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 3-14. Younger children enjoy supervised swim times and beginner programs, while tweens and teens gravitate toward the basketball courts and fitness areas. Toddlers can participate in age-appropriate recreational programs offered seasonally.

About

Princess Anne Recreation Center is a family-friendly community hub in Virginia Beach that offers something for everyone year-round. With an indoor pool perfect for rainy days, basketball courts for active kids, and seasonal family programs, it's an affordable option for parents looking to keep children entertained while getting some exercise themselves.

Highlights

  • Indoor heated pool with open swim times and family-friendly shallow areas
  • Full-size basketball courts available for pickup games and practice
  • Seasonal family programs including youth sports leagues and swim lessons
  • Fitness areas where parents can work out while kids play nearby
  • Climate-controlled facility perfect for year-round activities

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive right when doors open on Saturday mornings (9 AM) to avoid crowds and get prime pool time before swim lessons begin
  2. 2.Pack swim goggles and a towel from home as the vending options are limited
  3. 3.Check their seasonal program schedule online before visiting,they offer affordable family swim nights and youth sports leagues that require advance registration
  4. 4.Weekday late afternoons (4-6 PM) get busy with after-school crowds, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter visit
  5. 5.Bring quarters for lockers and consider water shoes for pool areas as tile can be slippery

Best Time to Visit

Sunday afternoons between 1-3 PM offer the most relaxed atmosphere with shorter wait times for facilities. Weekday mornings (before noon) are ideal if your schedule allows, as most kids are in school and you'll have more space in the pool and gym areas.

What to Know

This is a city-run facility with very affordable daily rates and membership options (check with staff for current pricing). Ample free parking is available on-site, and while there are vending machines, no full food service is offered, so plan meals accordingly.

Seasonal Notes

Summer brings extended pool hours and special family swim events. The center may have modified hours during major holidays, so call ahead during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Indoor facilities make this an excellent rainy day or hot summer destination when outdoor play isn't ideal.

Nearby Eats

Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread are located within 2 miles on Virginia Beach Blvd, both offering quick, kid-friendly meals. For pizza after swimming, check out Chanello's Pizza nearby on Princess Anne Road,a local favorite that hits the spot after an active afternoon.

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