Best Pools in NYC for Family Swimming

Annette Parks said:  Yet another remarkable, and free, outdoor pool in NYC! The Tony Dapolito Pool is incredibly popular, and it's housed in historic Greenwich Village! Check out the flexible schedule, and enjoy other amenities at the Rec center such as a gym, running track, and so much more. Note, this is an intermediate pool, and there are boards for diving. There is a shallow end for little ones though. Try one of their free swimming lessons, too.

Jennie Utsinger said:  This 3 foot deep free public pool is ideal for kids. Be sure to lather up with sunscreen - there are free SPF 50 sunscreen dispensers at all NYC public pools - and you can leave your own bottle in the lockers in the changing room. After your dip, enjoy some lunch at one of the East Village's numerous cafes or head to one of the nearby playgrounds or the basketball court in the park!

Juan L. said:  This free Olympic size pool in the Lower East Side also offers a wading pool for the little ones. Be forewarned it closes for an hour during the afternoon for cleaning. Not a lot of bells and whistles but the size and cost and location (not a lot of other free options in this area) can't really be beat.

Nancy L. said:  McCarren Park Pool reopened its doors in summer 2012 after undergoing a $50 million renovation. The facility boasts a nearly 380,000-square-foot pool accommodating 1,500 swimmers. It has eight 25-meter lap lanes and spray showers. The pool and facilities are wheel chair accessible. New York City offers free swim lessons. Participants are eligible through a lottery system. The pool is part of the larger McCarren Park.

Jennie Utsinger said:  Enter from the northeast corner of Central Park to visit this public pool, which caters to both little and big kids with an Olympic sized pool and a wading pool. All changing rooms have lockers for your belongings. The pool is close by a gorgeous discovery playground and the Conservatory Garden. Visit again in the winter, when the pool converts to an ice skating rink.

Jennie Utsinger said:  John Jay is one of the most popular free public pools in NYC. It's at a prime location on the Upper East Side from which swimmers can spy the East River. Kids will love the separate diving area, sprinkler water play area, and snack bar. Be sure to bring a lock so you can stash your bag in the changing room.

Jennie Utsinger said:  Want a picture perfect pool experience? Spend your summer at Roosevelt Island's Manhattan Park pool, newly painted in bright pastels for the summer by local artists. Kids can step down into the pool and lounge chairs and umbrellas offer a place to relax out of the sun. Waterside movie screenings make for great summer evenings, too!

Annette Parks said:  This little gem. . . or large gem. . . in Queens is a wonderful spot to let the kids loose and enjoy a day in the sun! What makes Astoria Park Pool unique? The main pool is the largest in NYC. There are also plenty of other highlights, such as a diving pool, wading area, and a spectacular view of the Triborough Bridge.

Annette Parks said:  It's a free pool, with free sunscreen, and free swimming classes! What more could you want? Outdoor pool hours are really convenient for any schedule, and there's a handy food truck, as well. The pool also has lockers, snack bars, and bathrooms, so you can make a full day of it! FYI: it's called the Floating Pool Lady because it's a 25-meter, seven-lane swimming pool atop a barge!