Looking for a good way to cool off the whole family this summer? Public swimming pools are great places to swim, socialize and relax, while water parks offer thrilling fun for you and your kids! Here are some of the best water-themed pools and water parks in the Boston area. Put on your best swimsuit, lather on the sunscreen and head out! Some pools are seasonal so double check that they are open so you won’t be left out to dry!
Dedham Health and Athletic Club
200 Boston Providence Hwy., Dedham; dedhamhealth.com
Dedham Health and Athletic Club has everything; not only do they have a water park, but they also have an entire gym and fitness center! The water park features a number of different pools, a wave pool, water slides, bumper boats and an outdoor tennis court. The facility is private and is a great option if you’re looking to escape the crowds of other parks or pools.
The Clubs at Charles River Park
10 Whittier Pl., Boston; clubsatcrp.com
The pools at The Clubs at Charles River Park are open to the public this summer, with an optional membership fee for those who love to swim without daily fees! The Clubs have both indoor and outdoor heated pools and welcome visitors seven days a week. They also have a snack bar and offer catered summer parties. Rates for adults are $40 before 4 p.m. and $30 after 4 p.m. Childrens’ rates are $20 before 4 p.m. and $10 after 4 p.m.
Water Wizz
3031 Cranberry Hwy, East Wareham; waterwizz.com
Take a quick detour on your Cape Cod trip by stopping at Water Wizz! This park is extremely popular with southern New Englanders, and offers wave pools, a beach for younger children, a lazy river and tons of water slides! The new Thunder Falls slides seem promising for the 2014 season; three tube slides send riders inside and outside through dark and light with twisting turns that land them in a pool! Admission is $35, but coupons for the park can be found at Tedeschi Food Stores. Parking is free. Water Wizz also has another location in Rhode Island.
Gold Star Pool
Corner of Berkshire and Cambridge Streets, Cambridge; cambridgema.gov/DHSP/Recreation/goldstarpool.aspx
Cambridge’s only city-owned pool is open for eight weeks from late June to August. If you’re looking for a refreshing swim on a hot day, this is the place to go. The pool isn’t heated, so the water can get a bit cold! Children eight years or younger must be accompanied by an adult, and visitors are also free to bring their own drinks and snacks. The best part? Admission to the pool is only 75 cents!
Canobie Lake Park
85 N Policy St., Salem; canobie.com
Not only does Canobie Lake Park have its own water park, it also has a number of water rides that are sure to cool you down on a hot day! And for a $36 admission price, you can experience it all! Castaway Island, Canobie’s own water park, is great for little ones, with water slides, water cannons and a small wave pool. Canobie Lake Park can get quite crowded during the day and on weekends, so try to plan your trip on a weekday.
Whale’s Tale
491 Daniel Webster Hwy., (Route 3), Lincoln, N.H.; whalestalewaterpark.net
Okay, so this one isn’t in Massachusetts, but we think you should consider traveling up to New Hampshire to experience Aquatics International Magazine’s best water park in America! Whale’s Tale offers a lot for families; they have water slides, a wave pool and heated hot tubs. You can enjoy all of this while looking at the beautiful White Mountains as a backdrop! The park also offers a snack bar that serves food and drink. Admission is $32, and $22 after 3 p.m.
The Vanderbilt Club
45 Vanderbilt Ave., Norwood; vanderbiltclub.com
Want to get fit and enjoy a swim in the pool? The Vanderbilt Club offers multiple aquatic swimming classes and training sessions for adults. The pool also offers swimming lessons for children of all skill levels. Besides having a pool, the Vanderbilt Club is a fully-functional gym, offering multiple classes and state of the art equipment. Individual memberships start at $45 a month while family memberships start at $75 a month.
Artesani Park & Wading Pool
1255 Soliders Field Road, Brighton; www.mass.gov
This wading pool is great for small children and families. The pool has zero depth fountains and small waterfalls, with lifeguards on duty at all times. This area also offers patrons two parks, a picnic area, a large parking lot and an ice cream truck that makes regular visits.
Bennett Field Swimming Pool
1260 Main St., Worcester; www.mass.gov
This pool has everything for the active family; besides recreational swim, the pool offers lap swimming, physical therapy, private swim lessons and even has their own swim team. Showers and locker rooms are available and lifeguards are on duty at all times. The pool is open for public swim seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
JCC Outdoor Pool
333 Nahanton St., Newton; bostonjcc.org/Leventhal-Sidman-Jewish-Community-Center/Facilities-and-Amenities/Outdoor-Pool.aspx
Cool off this summer at the JCC Outdoor Pool. Besides their zero-depth main pool, a kiddie pool and an inflatable water slide, you’ll also find a playground, foosball and ping pong tables, picnic tables and lots of staffed activities for kids. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check out their website for times.
Have you visited any of these pools near Boston? Share your experience in our comments section!!
