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Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Venetian Pool With Kids — The Age & Height Rules That Surprise Visitors

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Family measuring child’s height against a chart before entering Venetian PoolNextBreakout team with AI

Visiting the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is on many family itineraries — a Mediterranean‑style lagoon carved from coral rock, spring‑fed with 820,000 gallons of cool water, waterfalls, grottos, and historic charm. But what most travel guides gloss over are the strict age and height rules for kids, plus ticketing quirks and gear restrictions that can leave families frustrated at the gate.

This guide covers: exactly who can enter, what to bring, and how to plan your day so your kids enjoy the experience without surprises.

👶 Who Can Enter? The Age & Height Rules Explained

  • Children under 3 years old → Not permitted at all. No exceptions.
  • Exactly 3 years but under 38" (≈97 cm) → Allowed only with proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or official ID).
  • 3 years and taller than 38" → Welcome to swim, with adult supervision.

Quick Check: Measure your child at home. If they’re right at the threshold, pack a proof of age to avoid being turned away.

Why so strict? The pool has deep sections (up to 8 feet), caves, and natural features that make it riskier than a typical community pool. These rules keep toddlers and undersized children safe.

🏗️ Renovations & Seasonal Closures

  • Renovation status: As of 2025, Venetian Pool is closed for renovations, with reopening planned for fall 2025. Always confirm on the official page before visiting.
  • Annual closures: Beyond renovations, Venetian Pool is always closed December–January for seasonal maintenance.

🕒 Hours & Operating Season

  • Typical hours: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. during spring and fall; 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. in summer.
  • Closed every December and January for annual maintenance.
  • Hours may vary slightly by season or special events — always confirm before your visit.

🎟️ Ticketing, Capacity & Costs

Venetian Pool is hugely popular, and tickets sell out fast.

  • Online tickets: Best option. Must be purchased in advance (no same‑day online sales).
  • Walk‑up sales: Available at the gate only if capacity hasn’t been reached. On busy weekends, capacity is often met before noon.
  • Re‑entry: Allowed only with a receipt/ticket in hand. No “leave for lunch and come back” unless you keep proof.

Non‑resident rates (2025):

  • Adults (13+): $22
  • Kids (3–12): $17

Residents: Enjoy big discounts with valid ID.

Pro tip: For weekends and holidays, arrive at opening to guarantee entry.

👜 What to Pack (and What to Leave Home)

Allowed:

  • Snacks and food (small bags only)
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Personal chairs in designated zones

Prohibited:

  • Coolers
  • Umbrellas
  • Glass containers
  • Alcohol
  • Speakers or amplified music

Tip: Limited lounge chairs are available to rent inside. Shade is scarce, so bring hats and sunscreen.

🍔 Food & Amenities

  • Snack bar available inside, offering pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, and drinks.
  • Facilities include: restrooms, showers, and changing rooms.
  • Lockers are available to rent if you want to secure valuables.
  • Limited shade; most families bring hats or rent chairs onsite.

💦 Water, Depth & Comfort Factors

  • Water source: Spring water from the Biscayne Aquifer
  • Temperature: A steady ~76°F (24°C), cooler than a heated pool. In summer, the pool is drained and refilled daily.
  • Depth: Ranges from 2 feet in the shallow end to 8 feet at the deepest point.
  • Life jackets: Floaties are allowed in shallow zones, but the deep end requires USCG‑approved life jackets (provided free by lifeguards).

🛟 Lifeguards & Accessibility

  • Certified lifeguards are on duty during all operating hours and strictly enforce rules in deep zones and grotto areas.
  • ADA access: pool lifts and elevators are available; ask lifeguards or staff for assistance.
  • Stroller-friendly paths exist, though space can be tight on busy weekends.

🏛️ A Bit of History

  • Opened in 1923, carved out of a coral rock quarry.
  • Designed to resemble a Mediterranean lagoon, with waterfalls, grottos, and stone bridges.
  • Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — making it a cultural as well as recreational stop.
  • A great way to add a little history lesson for kids while they swim!

🚗 Parking & Stroller Access

  • Main lots: Next to the facility and at the De Soto Fountain roundabout.
  • Overflow lot: Salvadore Park, less than ½ mile away.
  • Stroller/wheelchair access: Elevators available; ask lifeguards for assistance.

🗓️ Sample Family Itineraries

Toddler Plan (2–3 hrs)

  • Arrive at opening → shallow play → snack break → leave before nap meltdown.

School‑Age Plan (4–5 hrs)

  • Arrive early → check out lifejackets → rotate between deep end, snack breaks, and shaded rest.

Make a Day of Coral Gables

  • Morning swim at Venetian Pool → afternoon walk around the Biltmore Hotel grounds → dinner along Miracle Mile.
  • Other nearby stops: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Venetian Fountain, or a family show at the Miracle Theatre. (See our Coral Gables Guide).

❓ FAQs Parents Actually Ask

  • Do they measure kids? Yes. Staff measure and check IDs. If your child is 3 but under 38", proof of age is mandatory.
  • Can we re‑enter later? Only if you keep your ticket/receipt.
  • When is it least crowded? Weekdays at opening. Weekends fill quickly.
  • Can toddlers swim in swim diapers? Yes — but remember the under‑3 ban still applies.

✅ Family Prep Checklist

[ ] Confirm renovation/seasonal closure before leaving
[ ] Book tickets online early
[ ] Bring proof of age for 3-year-olds under 38"
[ ] Pack snacks, sunscreen, towels, hats
[ ] Skip umbrellas, coolers, alcohol, and speakers
[ ] Plan parking or overflow at Salvadore Park

References & Resources

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