NYC Swimming Pools and Splash Pads Guide

Find a FREE swimming pool right here in New York City where the kids can cool off or take swimming lessons. The city is loaded with free spraygrounds or water splash pads, too. We've reviewed our favorites across the five boroughs, from Brooklyn pools to uptown splash pads.

 

Spotlight
The splash pad in Domino Park puts a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Coney Island's shores are easy to get to, and action packed from the rides to the waves. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
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Head to the Bronx's Haffen Pool, one of our favorite free pools in NYC, to enjoy a day of swimming and splashing.
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Stay cool at the Liberty Pool at Detective Keith L. Williams Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
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Highlands Natural Pool is carved out of a hillside in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Highlands Natural Pool
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The Margaritaville Hotel boasts a tropical feel at its rooftop pool right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
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The Pier 6 Waterlab has been one of our favorite NYC splash pads since it opened in 2010. Photo by Sara M
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Rockaway Beach's 30th Street Playground is a refreshing blast on a hot day. Photo courtesy of NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
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The splash pad at Crotona Park includes geysers that shoot straight up, as well as gentle misters for little kids.
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The splash pad in Domino Park puts a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Twinkle Playspace's water table let’s kids toss objects into its whirlpool.
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Stay cool at the Liberty Pool at Detective Keith L. Williams Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
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Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Bring water shoes for the rocky sand at Sunken Meadow State Park. Photo by Gina Massaro
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Asbury Park's beach and boardwalk beckon families and day-trippers. Photo by Lisa Warden
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Long Beach offers sun, sand, and surf fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy City of Long Beach
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Head to the shore this summer 2025 for the top Connecticut beaches that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
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The largest indoor wave pool in the world is perfect for even the tiniest swimmers.
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Enjoy water slides and water rides galore at the biggest outdoor waterpark in PA. Photo courtesy of Camelback Mountain Resort
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Camelbeach is a perfect place to keep cool with a toddler on a hot sunny day.
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Ocean Oasis in Wildwood is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.
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Latest Pools & Spray Parks News

Escape the DC summer heat at Langdon Park Pool. Photo courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation
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Here's where DC families can make a splash free of charge.
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Georgetown Waterfront Park's fountain is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Photo by Ron Cogswell via Flickr 2.0
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Make a splash at one of these wet and wild spots in the DC area!
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Water parks are a fun way to beat the heat this summer. Photo courtesy of Splash City at Kings Dominion
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Beat the heat with water slides, wave pools, tubing, and more water fun at these great outdoor...
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No ocean? No problem. The Chesapeake Bay is calling! Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
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Kids can get their feet wet and more at these nearby swimming lakes.
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Keep kids laughing and splashing in the pool with these fun games you can play anywhere! Photo by Blue Orange Studio courtesy of Canva
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Dive into these fun water games you can play anywhere.
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Rent a gorgeous backyard pool like this for your family for an hour or a day. Photo courtesy of Swimply
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A magical family pool day is just a click away.
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