Note: Before digging out the swimsuits and announcing the idea to the kids, be sure to call ahead, as schedules and rates can fluctuate.

Indoor Swimming Pools with Day Passes and Family Swim in Boston

Enjoy a heated lazy river—right in the city! Photo courtesy of Kroc Salvation Army Center

1. Kroc Salvation Army Center—Dorchester

With a two-story water slide, a heated lazy river, a "bubble bench," and 7 spray features, the Kroc is an all-seasons water park inside the city. Though small, it's a blast for kids, and with rates of just $12 for children and $16 for adults, it's a steal compared to other indoor water parks beyond the city. Family locker rooms make this fun outing smoother than most, too.

2. BCYF Pools—multiple locations

The Boston Centers for Youth and Families boast indoor pools throughout the city, and many allow kids (with a grown-up, of course) to drop in for a swim. The Curtis Hall pool in Jamaica Plain allows families to swim for free during family swim periods, as does Chinatown's Quincy branch.

3. YMCA—multiple locations

There are 12 pools in the Greater Boston YMCA network, and you can request a day pass here. Outside of city limits, many Ys allow families to purchase day passes. The Y in Somerville offers a particularly good deal, charging just $4 per adult and $1 per child for their family & youth recreational swim sessions.

4. Wave Health and Fitness Club — Seaport

Tucked inside the Seaport Hotel, this bright, modern lap pool welcomes visiting families for recreational swim and offers full-facility access with day passes from $30–$40.

5. Boston Marriott Copley Place — Back Bay

Located in the heart of the city, this Marriott pool provides a convenient and affordable indoor swim option for families, with day passes typically around $25 and complimentary towel service included.

6. InterContinental Boston — Waterfront

Families can take a city staycation at this luxury hotel’s serene indoor pool, where large windows let in natural light and day passes (starting around $50) provide access to a relaxing, spa-like setting.

Indoor Swimming Pools with Day Passes and Family Swim near Boston

7. MIT Zesiger Center or Alumni Pool—Cambridge

With two pools at each facility, there are plenty of rec swim times where families can splash around together. And with a clientele who often comes in and out of town for academic purposes, MIT recreational facilities are very open to drop-in visitors. Day passes are $16 per person, but kids under two are FREE with a paying adult.

8. Evelyn Kirrane Aquatic Center—Brookline

For the price of a muffin and coffee in town—$8 for residents and $10 for non-residents (kids are $6 and $8, respectively, and kids under 2 are free)—you can swim the day away with the family at this pool near Brookline High. There's a lap pool and a lesson pool; rec swim sessions are held in the lesson pool, where there are aquatic toys available to play with.

9. Goldfish Swim School—Brookline, Burlington, Marlborough, Milford, Needham, Westford, Norwood, Rockland

Locally renown for its swim lessons in a warm, tropical environment, Goldfish Swim School offers family swim on select weekend days. The hours and cost vary by location.

10. ​Boys & Girls Club—Watertown

While the Watertown Boys & Girls Club doesn't currently offer drop-in family swim, an annual membership is only $25 dollars for kids age 7 to 18.

11. Royal Sonesta Boston — Cambridge

This heated indoor pool overlooking the Charles River offers a sleek, sunlit space for families to unwind, with day passes starting around $30 per adult and discounted rates for kids.

12. DoubleTree Boston Andover — Andover

This family-friendly hotel pool has a spacious indoor area perfect for casual swim sessions, and day passes (starting at $20 for adults) can be booked for low-key weekend fun.

13. The Pool at Sheraton Boston Needham Hotel — Needham

Family-friendly indoor pool with towel service, showers, and gym access—day passes typically run about $20.