Top-Notch Free Public Swimming Pools in NYC for Families This Coming Summer (2025)
Splash Into Fun: Manhattan's Top Free Swimming Pools
1. Gottesman Pool - Central Park
Jump into the city's latest outdoor pool sensation. The Gottesman Pool, found at the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer in Central Park (110th Street & Lenox Avenue), opens its doors to swimmers from June 27. This massive oval-shaped pool spans an impressive 285-by-120 feet and can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors at a time. Its zero-entry depth and splash pad on the pool deck make it the ideal spot for young swimmers.
2. John Jay Park & Pool - Upper East Side
Discover John Jay, an urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan, and one of the city's most popular public pools. Enjoy the clean environment, snack bar, and the river-themed playground with sprinklers and fountains. John Jay is one of the few free swimming pools in NYC that allows diving.
3. Hamilton Fish Recreation Center - Lower East Side
A local favorite, Hamilton Fish boasts two pools: an Olympic-sized one for adults and bigger kids (56 inches and taller), and a wading pool for younger children, making it a standout pool in the borough. Located nearby is a park with sprinklers, a play area, and picnic spots.
4. Marcus Garvey Pool - Harlem
Cool off in the heat of the city at Marcus Garvey Pool, nestled in Marcus Garvey Park. It features a large pool, with city-provided free sunscreen available on-site. Head to the two nearby playgrounds designed with accessibility in mind for some added family fun.
5. Asser Levy Recreation Center Pool and Playground - Murray Hill
Asser Levy offers a fair-sized outdoor pool and wading pool for tots, as well as a playground and basketball courts. Take note: The indoor recreation center is closed during summer, so swimming outside is your only option here.
6. Dry Dock Playground - East Village
Visit Dry Dock Playground's swimming pool, a great option for families with young swimmers. It has a reputation for rugged lifeguards, keeping the pool safe and well-supervised. The spot also features new amenities like lounge chairs and cabana-style structures thanks to the Cool Pools program.
7. Highbridge Pool - Washington Heights
Escape to the premiere pool of New York City's In the Heights. Highbridge offers not one but two Olympic-sized pools, providing plenty of room for younger and older kids to splash around. Take advantage of the outdoor co-ed lockers and showers for a user-friendly experience. Head to the nearby High Bridge for breathtaking views of the city after a fun-filled day at the pool.
Looking for more water-based fun? Check out theseamazing Inflatable Water Parks in NJ to Cool Off.
Brooklyn's Best Free Swimming Pools
8. Sunset Park Pool - Sunset Park
Dive into the picturesque Olympic-sized pool at Sunset Park, featuring incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Once you're done exploring this pool, take advantage of nearby Industry City for yummy eats and family-friendly entertainment.
9. McCarren Park Pool - Williamsburg
This pool is a testament to Brooklyn's history, featuring a beautifully restored historic bathhouse building and modern facilities like ping pong tables, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and family changing rooms. Enjoy your swim in the main pool with a shallow wading end for the little ones to enjoy.
10. Red Hook Pool - Red Hook
Spend a fun-filled day at the Olympic-sized Red Hook Pool, where you can escape the city heat and enjoy handball and basketball courts, as well as a soccer field nearby. For younger swimmers, there's an enormous wading pool with sprinklers.
11. Douglass & Degraw Pool - Gowanus
Experience this vibrant neighborhood pool, popular for its standard Olympic-sized pool, wading pool, and shaded sundeck. The pool area's colorful design invites families for endless swimming and relaxation. You'll find a nearby park and playground with picnic tables and sprinklers for additional fun and rejuvenation.
Craving indoor swimming? Discover these fantastic Indoor Swimming Pools in NYC Offering Day Passes.
Swimming Pools in Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island
12. The Floating Pool - Hunts Point, the Bronx
Make your way to The Floating Pool at Barretto Point Park for an unforgettable swimming experience. This medium-sized pool is docked on the East River, surrounded by beautifully landscaped riverside park with stunning Manhattan and island views. Parsecs and Rikers lie just over the river, adding to the unique ambiance.
13. Fort Totten Pool - Bayside, Queens
Plan a family-friendly summer visit to Fort Totten Pool in Bayside, Queens. The pool complex includes three different swimming pools designed for everyone in the family to enjoy: an intermediate pool, a diving pool, and a wading pool for younger children. On weekends, explore nearby Fort Totten Park's nature center or join guided tours of the fortress.
14. Astoria Park Pool - Astoria, Queens
Escape the city heat in the spacious and colorful Astoria Park Pool, boasting impressive views of the RFK Bridge. The pool, constructed in 1936 and recently renovated, is the largest public pool in NYC, featuring roped-off sections for swimming laps and a wading area for children.
15. Faber Pool - North Shore, Staten Island
Soak up the sun and cool off at Faber Pool in North Shore's 4-acre Faber Park. This pool shares its space with a playground, basketball court, and parking lot (assuming you can find a spot), making it an ideal spot for family entertainment. The Lyons Pool in Staten Island is another popular option, but it tends to get busy due to its proximity to transportation hubs.
16. Haffen Park Pool - Baychester, Bronx
Visit Haffen Park Pool, named after the first borough president of the Bronx. The pool complex consists of a 25-yard main pool, wading pool, and shower facilities. Nearby you'll find playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and baseball fields, providing additional recreational opportunities for the whole family.
This story was first published in 2017; it has been updated for 2025.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the NYC Parks Department.
- For a relaxing break from the pool, visit the lifestyle section of our city's best fashion-and-beauty boutiques. Or, indulge in savory delights at the numerous food-and-drink establishments nearby.
- As you embark on your water escapades, don't forget to spruce up your home with new garden essentials from home-and-garden stores. Create an oasis of tranquility in your abode to relish the post-pool serenity.
- Planning your next travel destination? Unwind in the vibrant cityscape of Manhattan before exploring the refreshing water parks in neighboring New Jersey. Discover the fashion, lifestyle, food, and garden hotspots as you tour the city before diving into the inflatable water parks' thrilling slides and pools.
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