Boston Beaches, Lakes, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide

Beaches, lakes, water parks, swimming pools, and spraygrounds—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 Beaches and Water Fun Guide for the best ways to stay cool with Boston kids.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

More Water and Beach Fun Near Boston
Search for seashells along Cape Cod's many gorgeous beaches.
Cape Cod with Kids: 60 Fun Things To Do on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
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
Head to the shore this summer 2025 for the top Connecticut beaches that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
19 Connecticut Area Beaches That Are Great for Families
Water Parks and Pools
Experience the Hyperlight Slide at Water Country, one of the fun new attractions at this beloved New England water park. Photo courtesy of the Park.
Visiting Water Country with Kids: Secrets to Visiting NH's Best Water Park
If you're looking for more of a swim than a splash pad will allow, consider paying for a day pass or a seasonal membership at a Boston pool.
Swimming Pools with Day Passes and Memberships for Families Around Boston
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
Dive into summer fun at free Boston swimming pools. Mirabella Pool photo courtesy of Boston Centers for Youth & Families
Free Swimming Pools in Boston for Families
All sibs in the pool! Small group sessions are available now at Goldfish. Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
Swimming Lessons for Boston Kids, Babies, and Toddlers (Where Parents Don't Need to Get in the Pool!)
Connecticut's Great Wolf Lodge at Mashantucket will be open for fun on May 9! Rendering courtesy of the Great Wolf Lodge at Foxwoods
Great Wolf Lodge at Foxwoods Opens May 9, 2025

Latest Beaches & Lakes News

Floating through the water at Morey's Piers is a great way to beat the heat this summer. Photo by David Howarth
Heat Wave Hot List: 46 Cool Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Here are dozens of ways to keep cool in NJ on the hottest days of summer.
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Spring Lake offers low-key fun within proximity to Asbury Park's more lively scene. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Hidden Beaches on the Jersey Shore That Are Great for Families 2025
These sandy shores offer low-key seaside fun.
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Cool off in Lake Marcia after a hike in High Point State Park. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Best Swimming Lakes in New Jersey for Families in 2025
Skip the ocean and take a dip in one of these family-friendly lakes.
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Asbury Park's beach and boardwalk beckon families and day-trippers. Photo by Lisa Warden
29 Things To Do in Asbury Park with Kids
This classic beach spot has surf, sand, and family-friendly amusements.
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A pile of buckets goes a long way with young kids at the beach.
Your Essential Beach List: Best Baby Beach Gear, Umbrellas, Wagons, and Tips for a Fun Beach Day
Here's the stuff that's actually worth hauling to the beach with kids.
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New Jersey boardwalks offer classic summer treats like frozen custard. Photo by Kevin Jarrett via Flickr
Best Jersey Shore Boardwalks and Amusement Parks for Family Fun
NJ's iconic boardwalks offer rides, arcades, water parks, and lots of tasty treats.
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