With the summer season open for business in New York City, it’s easy to find a local pool nearby. New York City Public Pools are some of the biggest and best in the country, and the fact that they're free to enjoy all summer is a major plus! Taking a dive is fun in the city whether you just want to cool off, learn to swim, or join an aquatic exercise program. You'll definitely want to add the best public pools in New York City to your summertime fun list.

Best Public Pools in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bridge Pool Park

It's a quick cool-down at this popular Brooklyn pool with 45 min. sessions throughout the day. Located in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, it's one of New York's premiere waterfront destinations for outdoor summer fun. Plan to take public transport since parking is limited.

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Douglass and DeGraw Pool

Called the “Double D Pool” by locals, you're sure to get double the enjoyment at this Brooklyn oasis. Two pools make up this fun-in-the-sun destination including a one foot-deep gated kiddie pool and another full-sized pool with dedicated lap lanes. A shaded bench near the kids’ pool offers you a convenient respite from the sun. The pool area, pool house, and restrooms were recently updated with lively murals for visitors to enjoy.

McCarren Park Pool

Cool down and forget about your everyday routine in New York City at the McCarren Park Pool. Located in the 35-acre McCarren Park, this popular pool is also one of the largest in the city. You can join the residents of Greenpoint and Williamsburg for an afternoon of swimming, sunbathing, or trail-walking every summer. After a game of volleyball, soccer, or baseball, nothing is more refreshing than a dip in the McCarren Park Pool.

Best Public Pools in Queens

Astoria Park Pool

Your plunge into this iconic public pool is sure to please! The Astoria Park Pool, a massive Olympic-sized pool, came to fame as a location for the 1936 and 1964 Olympic trials. You don’t have to hold a gold medal to swim here, though. After hiking a trail, serving up a game of tennis, or romping around in one of its many playgrounds, you can cool off in this gorgeous landmark pool. An added bonus for you to enjoy is the silhouette view of the Triborough and Hell Gate Bridges which dominate the skyline nearby.

Fort Totten Park Pool

Catch a fascinating glimpse of New York City's rich past while taking time out for a swim. You can’t go wrong when your visit to Long Island includes splashing around in the Fort Totten Park Pool . This hilltop pool site has a main pool area and diving tank, plus a smaller kiddie pool. You can spread out to sunbathe on the lush green grass that surrounds the pool area. This nearly forgotten New York treasure invites you to bring a picnic, take a canoe trip along Long Island Sound, or explore the park’s well-preserved Civil War structures. This site also features a guided fort and wildlife tour and an informative visitor’s center. You can read some detailed pool and park reviews here.

Detective Keith L Williams Park Liberty Pool

You can't go wrong with a trek to the Liberty Pool. Located in the Detective Keith L. Williams Park, feel free to dive in and unwind in the heart of Queens. You can also enjoy one of the park's nearby kid-friendly playgrounds and ball courts.

Visit each park's website to learn more details including pool hours, pool rules, and what items you can and cannot bring to the pool.

There are plenty of spots to cool off, but why not visit some of the best pools in New York City this summer? Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and beach towel and enjoy the nice summer weather while it's here! 

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Cover photo courtesy of Pxhere