Boston Beaches, Lakes, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide

Water parks, swimming pools, sprinklers, and beaches—there are lots of ways to cool off in and near Boston. So when the temperatures rise, don't let it go to your head. Stay calm and consult our Water Fun Guide for the best ways to get wet and stay cool with the kids. 

 

Spotlight
Fun in the sun! Photo by B Handelman
Best Beaches Near Boston That Are Great for Family Day Trips
There are seven different spots to cool off on the Greenway, but the gentle Canal Fountains are ideal for little ones.
Best Spray Parks and Water Fountains for Preschoolers in Boston
Walden’s waters are super clean and warm, with lifeguards and roped-off swimming areas for smaller kids.
15 Swimming Lakes near Boston You Need To Discover
Half Moon Beach's size and shape make it easy to keep track of kids. Photo courtesy of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
7 Hidden Gem Beaches for Families near Boston
Get out and beat the summer heat at the best splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds in Boston! Photo courtesy of Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Boston
Grab the swimsuits and sunscreen and take the kids to the best outdoor waterparks in New England for family fun! Photo courtesy of Water Wizz in Wareham MA.
Best Outdoor Water Parks in New England for Family Fun

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

More Water and Beach Fun Near Boston
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6 Natural Tide Pools Where Kids Can Explore Crabs, Sea Stars, and Marine Life Around Boston
10 Seafood Spots for Dinner after a North Shore Beach Day
50 Things to Do on a Martha’s Vineyard Summer Family Vacation
New England Family Beach Vacation: Visiting York Beach, Maine
Dubois Beach photo courtesy of the Stonington Community Center
17 Connecticut Area Beaches That Are Great for Families

Latest Beaches & Lakes News

Search for seashells along Cape Cod's many gorgeous beaches.
Cape Cod with Kids: 60 Fun Things To Do on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
For a quintessential Cape Cod experience with kids in tow, try some—or all!—of these 60...
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Walden’s waters are super clean and warm, with lifeguards and roped-off swimming areas for smaller kids.
15 Swimming Lakes near Boston You Need To Discover
Families can splash, swim, or just chill out in these local swimming lakes.
READ MORE
The summer sun brings so many great things to do in Ogunquit, Maine with kids! Photo courtesy of Visit Maine
Ogunquit with Kids: 17 Great Things to do in Ogunquit, Maine
Visiting Ogunquit, Maine with kids is great. Really, really great. Only 75 miles north of Boston...
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys is a great place to go snorkeling. Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks
21 Best Family Beach Vacations for Summer Travel
Have an epic family beach vacation at one of these 21 spots across the US.
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Florida boasts plenty of white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water. Photo courtesy of South Seas Island Resort
10 Best Florida Beach Vacations for Families
Escape the cold weather at one of these warm and sunny Florida beach vacation destinations.
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The best lobster shacks in New England await your family. Photo by Joe Shlabotnik, via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Best Lobster Shacks in New England: Where to Get Lobster Rolls and Family-Friendly Fare
Find the best lobster rolls and more at these great spots!
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