Mom’s 2 Million-Gallon Secret Weapon

By now, the kids are bored with summer vacation, or if not bored, getting on YOUR nerves. It's the middle summer and while we've had a couple days' reprieve from the heat, rest assured it's coming back.

They're probably also HOT. There are roughly 2 million gallons of water in Cedar Rapids. No thanks to Mother Nature. So tell the kids to chill out. Literally. If they haven't visited the pool yet this summer, or they need a "refresher" course, we're here for you. Introduce them to Mom's 25,000-gallon (give or take a few thousand) secret weapon at your nearest watering hole.. Cedar Rapids has a cool pool system where the kids can make a splash.

According to the City of Cedar Rapids website, open swims are available at these times and locations this summer

Bever Pool, 2700 Bever Ave. SE: Monday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cherry Hill Aquatic Center, 341 Stoney Pt. Rd. NW: Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m., Mon./Wed./Fri. 6:30-10 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday 1-8 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m.

Ellis Pool, 2000 Ellis Blvd. NW: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends 1-5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Tuesday/Thursday 1-8:30 p.m.

Jones Pool, 201 Wilson Ave. Dr. SW: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends 1-5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 1-8:30 p.m.

Noelridge Aquatic Center,1248 42nd St. NE: Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m. & 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday 1-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-8 p.m.

For around $5 it's an easy fix for the summertime blues and you can also purchase a pass for the whole season. That info is online here. Several local splash pads are also open and don't cost a thing.

Happy swimming!