Wanna kick off the new year with a splash that’s surprisingly warm at this year’s West Hollywood Polar Plunge?
This Sunday, January 11, the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center is hosting its annual West Hollywood Polar Plunge Pool Party from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The fun is located on the 5th floor at 8750 El Tovar Place (right next to the library) and the event is free and open to everyone. Admittedly, the name might give you pause—it did for me—but here’s the catch: the actual plunging happens in a heated pool, plus the sun is expected to be out all day. It’s the best of both worlds; you get the outdoor fun sans the hypothermic shock.
Why Get in the Water You Ask
Jumping into a pool in January might seem a little nutty—ok, a lot nutty. But even a heated one offers more than just a good post for the socials. Research says events like the West Hollywood Polar Plunge provide you with some nice benefits:
The “Dopamine Hit”: Moving from the crisp outdoor air into the warm water triggers a natural mood boost. It’s a way to shake off the post-holiday “January Blues” that can smack you down.
Low-Impact Winter Fitness: It’s easy to get stagnant when the weather cools down. Swimming is one of the best ways to keep your joints moving without the strain of a cold-weather run.
Community Connection: WeHo is at its best when people actually get together. This event turns the Aquatic Center into a vertical town square, letting neighbors catch up over hot cider while the kids burn off some energy.
Beyond the Pool Deck
If getting wet is just not where you’re at, there’s plenty of activity happening out of the water. The afternoon also includes:
Arts and crafts stations
Organized games and giveaways
Hot cocoa and warm apple cider
Are the Kids Alright
If you’re bringing kids aged 10 or younger to the West Hollywood Polar Plunge, they have to stay within arm’s reach of you while in the water. Lifeguards enforce a ratio of no more than two kids per adult. For the 11-to-15 crowd, they can swim more independently, but someone needs to stay on-site. Also, a quick reminder for the toddlers: swim diapers are a requirement for anyone not yet potty trained.
Pro-Tip on Parking: If you’re driving, use the West Hollywood Park 5-Story structure at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. The first hour is free (6 a.m. – 6 p.m.), and you can get your parking validated on the 5th floor at the pool front desk for additional free time.
