Guide to Philadelphia Beaches, Pools, Splash Pads, and Lakes

Find the best places to go swimming or play in the water near Philly: our favorite lists of beaches, lakes, and pools include everything from the Jersey Shore to wading pools, lazy rivers, water castles, water slides, splash pads, water holes, and lakes!

Here's how to get wet and keep cool this summer in Philadelphia.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Great Local Beaches and More
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Go fishing at the the Virginia Beach Pier.
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Stone Harbor Beach with Kids: What you Need to Know Before you Go
Island Waterpark's retractable awning keeps the summer weather in while keeping the rain out. Photo courtesy of Island Waterpark
40 Fun Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day on the Jersey Shore 2025
Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May
Enjoy a trip through scenic Chester County. Photo courtesy of Northbrook Canoe Company.
Best Philadelphia Boat Rides and Cruises for Families

Latest Beaches & Lakes News

Enjoy the views during your summer visit to Don Carter Beach at Lake Lanier. Photo courtesy Georgia Department of Natural Resources
18 Swimming Lakes and Beaches Near Atlanta for Georgia Families this Summer
Cool off at these swimming lakes just a short drive from Atlanta.
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This Jekyll Island beach is filled with driftwood, hence the name: Driftwood Beach! Photo by the author
Jekyll Island with Kids: Top Things To Do on Jekyll Island, GA
Camp and hit the beaches during a Jekyll Island vacation!
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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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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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Kick your heels up for beach time fun at nearby Southern beaches, like Orange Beach along the Gulf Coast. Photo by Melanie Preis
Best Beaches for Georgia Families to Enjoy the Sand & Surf
Take the family to a Georgia beach or one along the Gulf Coast.
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