ISU invites families to dive in and climb high at monthly campus event

Image courtesy of Illinois State University

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University is hosting its popular Family Swim and Climb event this Saturday, offering faculty and staff a free opportunity to enjoy the Student Fitness Center’s pool and climbing wall with their families.

Michelle Starkey, a certified administrative professional with Health Promotion and Wellness, offered insight into the Family Swim and Climb events.

Starkey mentioned that even before she was employed at Illinois State University, the event had been functioning.

The monthly event helps offset costs, allowing faculty and staff to bring their children and families to enjoy quality time on campus.

“We wanted to do more for faculty, staff and their families,” Starkey said.

Held one Saturday and Sunday each month, except January 2026, the event lets families dive into fun in the Student Fitness Center pool and scale new heights on the rock wall.

The event is free for all family members of faculty and staff. Starkey added that Health Promotion and Wellness also covers the cost of lifeguards on duty during the event.

The dates for next year’s Family Swim and Climb events remain consistent. Starkey said she checks with the director each spring to confirm the schedule still works.

The dates for next year’s Family Swim and Climb events are planned to stay consistent from year to year.

Starkey said she reviews the schedule each spring with the director of Health Promotion and Wellness to ensure the chosen weekends still align with campus availability, staffing, and other university events, helping families plan ahead and guaranteeing a smooth experience for participants.

Staff, faculty, and students with children who want to attend the Family Swim and Climb events can register through the Health Promotion and Wellness page on the ISU website.

Faculty and staff who have not registered in advance will need an Illinois State University ID to attend. For more information and to register for Family Swim and Climb events, visit the ISU event calendar online.