06/27/2013
Summertime and the livin' is easy—beaches, sprinklers and awesome days at the playground. Oh the hard life of a New York City kid!
With schools letting out, the New York City Pools have opened they're outdoor pools today.One look at the forecast and you know the kids are going to need to cool off.
That's why we've rounded up our picks for the best free and low-cost pools in the city. These are all places we've visited personally, or have been highly recommended by families we know. Low-Cost pools can be anywhere from $1.00 to $2.50 But its worth it! We even threw in an inexpensive one with a sauna for folks who may be overwhelmed by all the rules and want a little relaxation with your family. Now its time to get swimming! Most are open from 11am-3pm and 4pm-7pm every day from June 27, 2013 to September 2, 2013, weather permitting. Call ahead to verify any info and before you go, check the pool rules online. There are a lot of them and some might surprise you, like no sneakers, water toys or electronic devices allowed poolside.
Manhattan
Riverbank State Park
Phone: 212-694-3664/3665/3666
-Locker rooms
-50 meter indoor Olympic pool (October through Labor Day) & 25 meter outdoor pool (4th of July - Labor Day)
The Indoor Pool is is open to the public for a small fee and its next to a fun play area with a spray-ground.There's an adult sized pool only in this facility there's also a race track, skating rink, tennis/basketball courts and more.
Jackie Robinson Park Pool
85 Bradhurst Ave
(cross St.146th St)
This park has a sprinkler playground for kids and an adult sized pool and its in a long park with play grounds There's also a basketball court, hand ball court and a baseball field.
Hamilton Fish Recreation Center – Lower East Side
Pitt and Houston Streets
212-387-7687
Considered by many to be the best public pool in the borough, Hamilton Fish has certain attributes that make it a standout. There are two pools: an Olympic-size one for adults and big kids (56 inches and taller), and a wading pool for younger children. These types of kiddie pools are hard to find in the city. Plus, these watering holes happen to be quite clean with cool water and attentive lifeguards. There's also a nice little park nearby with sprinklers, a play area, and places to picnic and relax in the shade.
Dry Dock Playground – East Village
10th Street between Avenues C and D
212-677-4481
Same vibe as Hamilton Fish but one smaller pool. Allegedly the lifeguards are tougher, which means less roughhousing by teens in the water.
Tompkins Square Park Mini Pool – East Village
Avenue A between 7th and 10th Streets
212-387-6784
To swim in this small shallow pool (it's just 3-feet deep), children must be six-years-old and at least 3 feet 8 inches tall. That means it's perfect for little kids. There are also two fantastic playgrounds and wonderful neighborhood eats, which makes Tompkins a great all-day
Brooklyn
The Pop Up Pool at Pier 2 – Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2
718-222-9939
We visited this lovely family-friendly pool last summer and just loved it. Located off the greenway on the uplands of Pier 2, this wading pool boasts a sandy artificial beach with 25 lounge chairs, 10 picnic tables and concessions. And since it's only 3 and a half feet deep, it's great for kids.
Queens
Astoria Park Pool – Astoria
Located right on the water and under the Triborough Bridge (er, the RFK Bridge—we're never going to get used to that!), this park boasts the city's largest public swimming pool. Surrounded by concrete bleachers with a bit of a Soviet feel, it was constructed in 1936 and is 330 feet long, about the length of a city block! The pool has distinct roped off sections, including a wading area for little kids.
The Bronx
Roberto Clemente State Park
1(718)299-8750
301 West Tremont Ave.
Bronx, NY 10453
*Not open until Saturday*
6/29 - 9/3, 10 am to 6 pm every day.Child under ten must be accompanied by parent or guardian over 18; swim diapers and plastic pull-ups and locks are required and available at the pool Theres a large pool for adults, sprinkler park and a gated wading pool with a waterfall. You can bring life preservers and water shoes Which is great for the kids although they're not available at this location. There is also a concession stand serving nachos hotdogs burgers and fries in a quiet section away from splashers with many tables and during intermission there's a complete recreation center with an indoor basket ball court, pool tables and other fun games to play.Also a fun playground as you exit the center.
Mullaly Park Pool
1(718)760-6969
East 164th St. between Jerome and River Ave. This pool has a wading and adult sized pool and its in a big park with two playgrounds, sprinklers, gated area for remote control car tracks and skate board ramps. There's also a basket ball court, soccer field garden and lots of grass great for a picnic.
Manhattan Plaza Health Club – Midtown West
482 West 43rd Street at Tenth Ave
212-563-7001
If you're in the mood for a little luxury, try this rooftop pool with a retractable glass roof. The lap pool has a separate area for kids. Day passes are $35 and include use of the gym, saunas and whirlpool. During the off-season, check the site for a $10 coupon off a day pass.
