Aqualink Box Hill

Aqualink Box Hill is a fantastic, modern leisure centre that’s become a go-to for our family when we need to get the kids out of the house and burn off some energy. It’s much more than just a pool; it’s a full-on aquatic playground combined with serious swimming facilities. You'll find everything from standard lap pools (both indoor and outdoor) to a warm water therapy pool, diving boards, and, the main event for our little ones, an incredible indoor water play area. It’s a large, bustling place that manages to cater to everyone from competitive swimmers to toddlers just getting their feet wet.

Age Appropriateness

This is one of the best things about Aqualink Box Hill—it genuinely caters for a huge range of ages. For babies and toddlers (from 6 months up), there's a dedicated toddler pool with a beach-style entry, which is brilliant for crawlers and nervous little ones. This area also has a splash pad with bubblers, geysers, and gentle water sprays that are perfect for sensory play. Preschoolers and younger primary kids will spend hours in the main aquatic play zone, which features a small slide, water rainbows, and the famous giant tipping bucket. For the older, more confident swimmers (usually 5+), there are diving boards and even a Tarzan rope that they set up during specific times. They also offer comprehensive swimming lessons for all ages, from infants right through to adults.

The Highlights (Pros)

• The Splash Zone is a Winner: The indoor aquatic play area is the undeniable star. It’s interactive, colourful, and has enough different features to keep kids entertained for a solid couple of hours. The slide is wide and not too steep, so even younger kids can go down with a parent.
• Excellent Facilities and Cleanliness: The entire centre is generally very well-maintained and clean. The change rooms are spacious, and there are dedicated family change rooms which are a lifesaver. The pools themselves are pristine, and you can tell they take safety and hygiene seriously.
• Accessibility is a Priority: It’s great to see how much thought has gone into accessibility. There's step-free access, ramps into all the pools, accessible change rooms, and even aquatic wheelchairs available. This makes it a genuinely inclusive place for all families.
• Great for Year-Round Fun: Being mostly indoors, it’s the perfect activity for a rainy day or to escape the summer heat. The heated outdoor pool is also a lovely option for sunny days.
• Plenty of Parking: There is free onsite parking, and I’ve never had an issue finding a spot, which is a huge relief when you’re trying to wrangle kids and a mountain of gear.

The Watch-Outs (Cons)

• Can Get Very Busy: As you’d expect, it gets packed on weekends and during school holidays. This can make the change rooms feel a bit chaotic and the play areas crowded.
• Splash Pad Operating Hours: The splash pad and water features aren't on all day. They typically run during set times, which can be frustrating if you arrive in the middle of a break. On weekdays, there's often a long break between 12 pm and 3:30 pm, which can be right in the middle of a toddler's prime playtime.
• Supervision Rules are Strict (for good reason!): Children under 5 must be within arm's reach of an adult at all times, and kids aged 5-9 need to be actively supervised. They enforce this with wristbands (pink for under 5s, yellow for 5-9s), so be prepared to be in the water with your little ones.
• Café Can Be Pricey: While it’s convenient to have a café on-site, the prices are what you’d expect for a captured audience. Packing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea.

Practical Survival Tips for Parents

• Check the Timetable Before You Go: This is my number one tip! Always check the website for the aquatic play and lap lane availability timetables. This will help you avoid disappointment with the splash pad being off or turning up when the pool is full of school groups.
• Go on a Weekday Morning: If you have preschoolers, the best time to visit is on a weekday morning as soon as the splash pad opens (usually 9 am). You’ll get a good hour or two in before it starts getting busier.
• Pack Smart: Bring a lock for the lockers, pack plenty of snacks and water, and don’t forget the essentials like rashies and sunscreen, even for the indoor pools, as the building has large windows.
• Family Change Rooms are Your Friend: Seek out the family change rooms. They offer more space and privacy, which makes getting everyone dressed and undressed so much easier. You'll also find baby change tables available.
• Embrace the Wristbands: The supervision wristband system is there for safety. Just accept that if you have a little one, you’re getting wet! The 1 adult to 2 children (under 5) ratio is strictly followed.