2018 Aquatics Events
All aquatics events are held at Sholem Aquatic Center during the annual swim season which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information about any of the events listed below, please contact topher.wendt@champaignparks.com or call 217-819-3995.
Opening Day Celebration | Saturday, May 26 @ 11 am – 7 pm
All Ages
Regular daily admission fees apply ($6R|$9NR) with the exception of FREE admission for United States military personnel
Our fun-loving staff has great free activities planned for you and your little swimmers. Grab the kids, put on your sunscreen and get your summer started in style with the staff of the Sholem Aquatic Center! We’ll also be honoring our United States military personnel by offering them free admission all day long (must show valid military ID at time of entry).
Opening Day Celebration Schedule of Events
All activities are included as part of daily admission
11a-7p Public swim
11a-7p Concessions specials
Noon-1p Free pictures with Mr. Turtle (our Sholem mascot)
Noon-3p Free games & activities
1-2p Free children’s face painting
3p Kids Q&A with our lifeguard staff
Sensory Friendly Swim Day | Friday, June 1 @ 9:00-11:35 am
All Ages
$4|$6, registered event
Enjoy a day of family fun and sensory friendly swimming at Sholem Aquatic Center! Participants must be registered to attend. Please see CUSR’s program guide, visit cuspecialrecreation.com, or call the Hays Recreation Center at 217-239-1152 for more information.
Movie Night at the Pool | Friday, June 8 & August 3 @ 8 – 10:30 pm
All Ages
$6R|$9NR
Join us at the Sholem Aquatic Center to watch some of your favorite movies! Lay out on the beach, rest in a deck chair, or swim in our lap pool, and enjoy the film. Concessions will be open and serving your favorite movie foods.
Father’s Day Celebration | Sunday, June 17 @ 11 am – 7 pm
All Ages
Regular daily admission fees apply ($6R|$9NR) with the exception of FREE admission for dads accompanied by a paying child
Skip the tie or socks…give dad the gift of poolside fun this year for Father’s Day. Bring him to the Sholem Aquatic Center for a fun-filled Father’s Day celebration! Your dad will enjoy a stress-free day while floating along the lazy river, sliding down one of three water slides, or just lounging in the water at the main pool. Our Father’s Day festivities include:
- Free admission for all dads (must be accompanied by a paying child).
- “The Hop & Flop Daddy Drop” – this popular dads-only cannonball contest could land your pops in some seriously cool prizes!
- A “Draw your Dad” picture contest for kids ages 3-12.
- Half-priced rootbeer floats for all dads at The Oasis concession stand.
Splish Splash Water Safety Bash | Sunday, June 24 @ 2-4 pm
Ages 3-9 (must be accompanied by parent/guardian)
Regular daily admission fees apply ($6R|$9NR)
Does your child know what to do if he or she accidentally falls into the pool or is caught in a rip current? Do you have questions about children’s water safety but aren’t sure who to ask? Come learn valuable skills and ask all the water safety questions you’d like at this informative free clinic. Led by our veteran swim lesson instructors and award-winning lifeguards, this interactive and free event will teach children (and their parents) some valuable tips for staying safe at the pool, on the river or by the lake.
4th of July | Wednesday, July 4 @ 11 am – 7 pm
All Ages
Regular daily admission fees apply ($6R|$9NR)
Water your plans for the 4th of July? We’ll be keepin’ it cool at Sholem pool – and you’re invited!
4th of July Celebration Schedule of Events
All activities are included as part of daily admission
12-1p Free face painting
2p Free watermelon-eating contest
3p Adult cannonball contest
3:30p Kid-friendly cannonball contest
4p Free ice cream-eating contest
all day Concessions food & drink specials
Senior Swim Day | Friday, July 6 @ 9:30-11:45 am
Ages 50+
$3|$6
Enjoy this chance to relax at the pool and enjoy the summer sun without any disruptions. We welcome you to come to the Sholem Aquatic Center early just for you! Concessions will be open with a limited menu.
Late Night Swim | Saturday, July 7 until 9 pm
All Ages
Regular admission prices apply ($6R|$9NR)
Enjoy a starlit float around the river, shoot the slides in the dark, or just relax on the beach and watch the night sky. Night swims are open to the public and free for pool pass holders.
Cardboard Cup Race | Saturday, July 14 @ 5 pm
Ages 8+; Children under age 12 must have an adult in the boat
All entries are free with paid admission to the pool; spectators must pay regular admission prices.
NEW! Lap Lanes Available for Testing Boats! SAT, June 30 @ 7-8P
Whether you’re a bonafide landlubber or a pirate king – Sholem’s cardboard boat race is just the thing! This hilarious event is a great way to show off your engineering prowess…or your swimming skills! So gather your crew and create your craft using only cardboard, duct tape and rubber cement. Parents – what a great opportunity to show your kids that physics and engineering are fun and exciting!
SOON: View/download the full list of 2018 rules and guidelines.
Prizes will be given in the following categories:
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place: Fastest boats
Pride of the Pool: Most creative design and best use of cardboard
Esprit de Boat: Team that has the most fun!
Peacock Award: Best dressed boat passengers – must be creative!
Titanic Award: Most spectacular sinking.
Adult Swim Night | Friday, July 20 @ 8 -10 pm
Ages 18+ (must bring a state-issued ID card)
Regular admission prices apply ($4R|$6NR)
Sholem’s open, but no kids allowed! At the Adult Swim night you will be able to enjoy a peaceful starlit float around the river, shoot the slides in the dark, or just relax on the beach and stargaze. The Oasis concession stand will stay open so you can grab your favorite pool treats. Grab your friends or make it a date night.
Labor Day Weekend Admission Sale | September 1-3*
All Ages
$3 residents| $4.50 non-residents
Get your last taste of summer this Labor Day weekend and we’ll send you back to school with a little more change in your pocket! Everyone gets 50% off the cost of admission all weekend long plus The Oasis concession stand will have food and drink deals that are too good to print!
Our Labor Day Weekend hours are 11 am – 7 pm
*Please note that once Unit 4 is back in session our limited staff availability may cause us to close some attractions. We try to avoid closures, but safety comes first. Please call ahead if you are counting on a certain attraction. We apologize for the inconvenience.
