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Free Swimming Pools in Boston for Families
When the temperatures soar in Boston, families can always stop by a sprinkler park or splash pad to cool off a little. But sometimes, a refreshing swim in a traditional pool is in order. Sure, there are some swanky hotel or membership pools inside city limits where you can pay a pretty penny to swim. But with kids and diaper bags in tow, you don't need much more than a safe stretch of cool water to feel happy. Here, we’ve rounded up eight great swimming pools in Boston where kids and parents can splash, float, or practice strokes all summer long, without breaking the bank. So read on for our guide to free swimming pools in Boston for families.
Looking to find ways to stretch your summer budget without skimping on family fun? Check out 50 Free Things To Do with kids in Boston this Summer. For even more ways to beat the heat check out our full summer guide and visit our events calendar.
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There are fantastic free swimming pools in Boston communities. Cass Memorial Swimming Pool. Photo courtesy of Mass DCR
Free Swimming Pools in Boston - Outdoor
1. Melnea A. Cass Memorial Swimming Pool—Roxbury
Summer hours: Monday-Sunday 11:15 a.m.-6:45 p.m.
Cost: Free for everyone
The outdoor Melnea A. Cass Memorial Swimming Pool in Roxbury is open seasonally. Run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the pool has lifeguards on the scene all summer long. And while the pool doesn't open until the afternoon, start getting wet earlier at their spraydeck—it opens at 8am.
2. Reilly Memorial Pool—Brighton
Summer hours: Monday-Sunday 11:15 a.m.-6:45 p.m.
Cost: Free for everyone
The outdoor Reilly Memorial Pool in Brighton is open seasonally. Visit the pool this year every day to cool off when the weather heats up. Run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the pool has lifeguards on the scene all summer long.
Charlestown's Cloughtery is one of two outdoor pools operated by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families
3. Clougherty Pool—Charlestown
Summer hours: Monday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for everyone
The outdoor Clougherty Pool in Charlestown is open seasonally in the summer for recreational swimming and lap swimming. The pool is open every day that weather permits. The pool is run by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families.
4. Olsen Swimming Pool—Hyde Park
Summer Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:15 a.m.-6:45 p.m.
Cost: Free for everyone
The outdoor Olsen Swimming Pool in Hyde Park is open seasonally. Run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the pool has lifeguards on the scene all summer long.
Boston pools offer great opportunities to learn and laugh. Photo courtesy of the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Facebook
5. Mirabella Pool—North End
Summer hours: Monday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for everyone
Mirabella is an outdoor pool is situated on the waterfront, offering a great atmosphere to make a splash. The pool is run by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families and also offers swimming lessons.
Free Swimming Pools in Boston - Indoor
6. BCYF Mildred Avenue - Mattapan
Summer hours: Tuesday-Friday 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The indoor pool at the BCYF Mildred Avenue in Mattapan has swim lessons for all ages; the pool offers recreation, open, and family swim times.
7. Paris Street Community Center Pool—East Boston
Summer hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The indoor pool at the Paris Street Community Center in East Boston is open year-round with a variety of programming, like lap swim, family swim, water fitness, swim lessons, a swim team, and recreational swim. The pool is run by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families.
2022 Note: The pool is undergoing renovations.
Put a smile on their face with a day at the pool! Photo courtesy of the Charlestown Community Center Pool
8. Charlestown Community Center Pool—Charlestown
Summer hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: Free for Boston resident and nonresident youth
The indoor pool at the Charlestown Community Center is open year-round with a variety of programming, like open swim, family swim, swim lessons, and a swim team. The pool, which has special summer hours, is run by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families.
This post was originally published on June 19, 2017.
Places featured in this article:
Melnea A. Cass Memorial Swimming Pool
Charlestown Community Center Pool
Clougherty Pool
BCYF Mildred Avenue Community Center
Olsen Swimming Pool
Paris Street Community Center Pool
Reilly Memorial Pool
Mirabella Pool
