Chicago's free swimming pools typically open in the middle of June and close at the end of August. So on sunny days, you can find Chicagoans swimming, floating, and soaking up the sun at one of Chicago’s fifty (!) free outdoor swimming pools. Many free Chicago public pools have separate splash pads, or kiddie pools with zero entry for the littlest swimmers—and a few even have water slides! 

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor pools in Chicago for no-cost summer fun with kids. Looking for more ways to play in Chicago with kids this summer without breaking the bank? Check out our list of Free and Affordable Summer Camps for Chicago Kids, and also our complete Summer Fun Guide for Chicago Kids!

There are many public pools near Orlando for families to cool off during the warmer months. Some of these Orlando pools have shallow wading areas and interactive play elements for kids, water slides, and even adjacent splash pads. For a true staycation (or daycation) experience, families can also book an Orlando pool day pass to swim at some incredible Orlando hotels with pools, as well as many other awesome swimming pools in Central Florida.

Let kids frolic in an Atlanta splash pad, sprayground, or fountain to cool off during sweltering months. Our list will point you to the best splash pads all over Atlanta -- at parks, kid-friendly attractions, and community green spaces. Put these budget-friendly (and some even FREE) splash pads in Atlanta on your summer bucket list.

As you plan your summer must-dos, a lazy day at one of these beaches in or near Westchester is worth adding to your list. There are great local beaches in Westchester, which boasts 36 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound, as well as a whole slew of beautiful beaches nearby in Connecticut, Long Island, and New Jersey.

Here’s a look at our favorite beaches near Westchester, where kids can play in the sand and you can bask in the sun. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Summer Activities for Westchester Kids for more seasonal fun.

Stretching along the North and South Shores of Long Island are dazzling beaches known for family-friendly vibes and natural beauty, and we don't just mean the Hamptons. Whether you are looking for tranquil waters suited to younger kids or a spot where older kids can body surf, there is a Long Island beach for you.

At these family-friendly Long Island beaches, you'll find picnic areas, swimming pools, playgrounds, and bathroom complexes, along with food trucks and umbrella rentals. Before you slather on the sunscreen and head out the door, use our guide to choose the best beach for your family's needs.

Looking for other outdoor activities? Check out our guide for the best places to go camping on Long Island, or read up on awesome LI amusement parks geared towards families.

Searching for hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore is a bit of an impossibility. But year after year of hitting the same sandy spots can leave you craving something new. If your family wants to steer clear of the busiest Jersey Shore beaches, we have a bunch of ideas for you.

Here are 12 great hidden beaches on the Jersey Shore that are off-the-beaten-path but oh-so-fun to explore this summer and beyond. Just keep them between us, OK?

Bookmark our Jersey Shore Family Guide for more fun seaside picks all summer long, which includes our story on the Shore's best boardwalks.

This summer, head out and up to one of NYC's family-friendly rooftop restaurants for a night out above the town, literally. If you have a hankering for some outdoor dining, there are great options that deliver delicious food and entertainment alongside a great view. You can dine alfresco with the kids in tow from high above the crowded, hot NYC streets at one of these kid-friendly eateries hidden away on rooftops around the city.

Find more family-friendly dining destinations in our NYC Kids' Guide to Restaurants.

The Department of Parks and Recreation’s outdoor pools, which include more than 60 pools around Philadelphia, offer a combination of open swim, family swim, lessons, and activities. There’s bound to be a wet and wild adventure not too far from home. So pack the towels and sunscreen in a bag, and head out for a dip.

Looking for more water fun this summer? We've got plenty! Check out some of the Best Water Parks Near Philly, or splash around at one of the areas Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds. If you'd like a more relaxing day on the water, you'll love these Swimming Lakes Near Philly.