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Best Free Public Swimming Pools in DC for Families

Escape the DC summer heat at Langdon Park Pool. Photo courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation
Escape the DC summer heat at Langdon Park Pool. Photo courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation
6/25/23 - By Christine Mooney

While DC and its surrounding suburbs are teeming with pricey community swimming pools, you don't need to reach into your wallet to make a splash with your family this summer. The city has plenty of public swimming pools, both indoors and outdoors, that are completely free for DC residents (and super cheap for non-residents). All you need to do is show proof of residency for some wet and wild fun that's free of charge.

So grab the swim gear and head to one of these 12 free public swimming pools in DC. For more water fun this summer, check out our lists of swimming lakes, splash pads and sprinkler parks, outdoor water parks, and parks with beaches near DC. After all, there's no better way to beat the heat than by having some fun in the water.

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Best Free Indoor Public Swimming Pools in Washington, DC

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) operates several aquatic centers for structured programs and swimming. These public pools are free for DC residents and $3-$7 for non-residents. Discounted swim passes for 30 or 90 days are available. All public pools require a valid ID for entry.

1. Takoma Aquatic Center

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-5pm

This national aquatics complex features a dedicated children's/leisure pool as well as a 17-lane, 50-meter by 25-yard competition pool with an elevated spectator's seating area. There's also a fitness center on site.

RELATED: Outdoor Swimming Pools Near DC with a Daily Pool Pass Option

Deanwood Aquatic Center in Washington, DC
Slide down the twisting water slide at Deanwood Aquatic Center.

2. Deanwood Aquatic Center

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm (Water slide: 3-5pm, 7-9pm)
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-5pm (Water slide: 1-4pm Saturday; closed on Sunday)

Located within Deanwood Recreation Center, this aquatic center boasts a lap pool, a leisure pool with a twisting water slide, and a separate children's pool.

3. Marie Reid Aquatic Center

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6-9am, 4-9pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm

Located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, this indoor aquatics center offers six 25-yard lap lanes, including a dedicated aqua fitness lane. It is attached to Marie Reed Recreation Center and near Marie Reed Elementary School.

RELATED: Amazing Indoor Water Parks Near DC for Families

Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center in Washington, DC
Turkey Thicket has both a 25-yard swimming pool and a children's pool.

4. Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm (Diving board: 5-8:30pm Friday)
Saturday: 10am-5pm (Diving board: 12-4:30pm)

This aquatic center, located within Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in the heart of the Brookland neighborhood, features a six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool, a diving board, and a children's pool. It offers regular swim classes for kids and adults, as well as lifeguard training.

5. William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm

Located in Eastern Market, this indoor center offers an eight-lane, 20-by-25-yard pool, a kiddie wading pool, and community room.

RELATED: Best Family-Friendly Beaches Near DC

Free Outdoor Public Swimming Pools in DC: Rosedale Pool
Cool off in the family-friendly Rosedale Pool.

Free Outdoor Public Swimming Pools in DC

These swimming pools operated by DPR are open for the summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. They are free for DC residents and $3-$7 for non-residents. Season passes are also available for $75.

6. Rosedale Pool

Hours:
Thursday - Tuesday: 10am-6pm

Younger children will love the slides and kiddie pool at Rosedale Pool. Older kids and adults will enjoy the lap lane. There's also a library and a community center on site.

7. Woody Ward Pool

Hours:
Friday - Wednesday: 10am-6pm

Located near the Maryland border, Woody Ward has a leisure pool that both kids and grown-ups can enjoy, plus a water slide for the younger ones.

RELATED: Best Outdoor Water Parks in the US

Francis Pool in Washington, DC
Jump on in! The water's fine at Francis Pool.

8. Francis Pool

Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday: 10am-6pm

The metro area's most popular outdoor public swimming facility, Francis Pool features three separate pools, shady spots, and plenty of umbrellas to cool off under, as well as two 25-meter lap lanes for swimmers looking to get a workout in. It's located in the heart of the West End.

9. Harry Thomas Sr. Pool

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday: 12-8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6 pm

Located in Ward 5, Harry Thomas Sr. Pool has been ranked as one of the city's best public pools. With a large outdoor pool and a children's wading area, it's perfect for families with both younger and older kids.

10. Langdon Park Pool

Hours:
Friday - Wednesday: 10am-6pm

This small community pool, also in Ward 5, is set at the bottom of two hills on the east end of Langdon Park. There is a community center on site as well as a spray park adjacent to the pool.

11. Oxon Run Pool

Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 12-8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6pm

This outdoor pool has a unique L-shape, which offers plenty of swimming space for families. Best of all, there's a playground on site for kids who need a break from the water.

RELATED: 10 Best Indoor Water Parks for Kids in the US

Park View Children's Pool in Washington, DC
Make a splash at Park View Children's Pool. 

12. Park View Children's Pool

Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday: 10am-2pm, 3-6pm

Located in Petworth, this wonderful outdoor pool is designed specifically for children ages 12 and younger.

All photos courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation

Originally posted in 2019. Writer Krystal Alston contributed to this 2021 update.

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