Beat the Heat at these Must-Visit Swimming Spots
From serene lakes and sandy beaches to public pools and splash pads, NEPA offers a variety of refreshing spots to beat the heat. Enjoy a day at a state or local park with lakes perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
For more water fun, visit NEPA’s public pools and splash pads, offering everything from waterslides to interactive fountains. No matter your preference, you’ll find plenty of options to stay cool and have fun this summer.
Lake Vibes
Relax. We’re On Lake Time.
Treat yourself to a beach day without the drive. Many of NEPA’s state and local parks have lakes and sand beaches where you can splash and sunbathe all day long. Relax on the shore, or relive the glory days of summer camp as you leap into the cool, refreshing water.
Helpful tip: Before heading out, be sure to check the park’s website for lake conditions, possible closures and hours.
Jermyn, PA
Aylesworth Park’s four-ace lake and sandy beach are the perfect way to cool off this summer. Swim, fish, picnic and enjoy a lakeside walk on your visit to the park.
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Lehighton, PA
Cool off in Beltzville Lake. The sand beach and swimming area are a popular warm weather escape in the heart of the Poconos.
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Covington Twp., PA
Swim, splash and sunbathe at the nine-acre DeSandis Pond. The park also has a pavilion complex with picnic tables and grills and is home to an inclusive boundless playground.
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Gouldsboro, PA
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Gouldsboro Lake. This popular Pocono Mountains destination features a sand beach and swimming area.
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White Haven, PA
Beat the heat at Hickory Run State Park. Chill out on the sandy beach or go for a dip in the refreshing waters of Sand Spring Lake.
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Forest City, PA
Splash around in the pond at this charming community park. Kennedy Park’s beach is the perfect spot for a laidback summer afternoon of sunbathing and swimming.
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Barnesville, PA
Relax to the sound of waves lapping the shore at Locust Lake State Park. A sand beach and swimming area invite visitors to this pristine lake.
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Jim Thorpe, PA
Mauch Chunk Lake Park is home to a 345-acre lake with a sand beach, refreshment stand, children’s play area and pavilion. Daily passes and season memberships are available.
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Fell Twp, PA
The 35-acre lake features a beautiful sandy beach. With bath houses, picnic tables with grills and playgrounds nearby, it’s the perfect way to spend a sunny summer day.
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Milford, PA
Located at the north end of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Milford Beach offers a grassy beach on the cool, clear waters of the Delaware River complete with picnic areas, a pavilion, non-flush toilets, as well as a boat and canoe launch.
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Hawley, PA
Lounge on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack at Palmyra Township Public Beach. Spend the day in the sand, chill out at the snack bar or start a cookout using their charcoal grills.
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Greentown, PA
Two beaches mean double the fun at Promised Land State Park. The main beach is located by the day use picnic area and snack stand. A smaller sand beach is located at Pickerel Point.
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Benton, PA
Soak up the sun at Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park. With a swimming area, picnic tables, a concession stand, charcoal grills and a sand volleyball court, this spot is its own mini vacation.
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Tobyhanna, PA
The beach at Tobyhanna State Park is a great place to cool off in the Poconos. Kick back on the shores of Tobyhanna Lake and treat yourself to a little getaway.
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Barnesville, PA
Chill out at the lake at Tuscarora State Park. Their sandy beach is a prime spot to cool off on a warm day. The nearby concession stands serves ice cream, snacks and hot food.
Learn MoreKick It Poolside
Summers were made for leaping off the high dive.
Spend summer vacation floating in an inner tube, just watching the clouds drift by. Work on your strokes or race down the waterslides. Maybe you’ll even nail that high dive this year. NEPA’s public pools and splash pads offer all the summertime fun at prices that won’t break the bank.
Helpful tip: Visit their website before making the trip to ensure opening dates and hours.
Lehighton, PA
Make a splash this summer at Baer Memorial pool. This community pool features waterslides, a children’s splash pad and zero-degree entry. The pool is only open to Carbon County residents.
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Berwick, PA
Dive in at Ber-Vaughn park and pool, the largest community pool in the state. They welcome residents and non-residents, with both daily rates and season memberships available.
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East Stroudsburg, PA
The Dansbury Park Pool features a splash pad, waterslides, lap lanes and a zero-depth entry. Memberships and day passes are available for both residents and non-residents.
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Wyoming, PA
Located just outside of Wilkes-Barre, the pool at Frances Slocum State Park provides a little escape from the bustle of the city. Fees apply to use the pool.
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Honesdale, PA
Make a splash in the Olympic-sized swimming pool that features a diving board and water slide. Day passes and seasonal memberships are available.
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Pottsville, PA
One of NEPA’s largest pools, this complex featuring a 40-foot waterslide, diving boards, and a kids’ play area. Daily admission fees and season passes are available.
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Kingston, PA
Swim, slide and splash at the Kingston Community Pool. This pool features diving boards, waterslides and a splash pad for the little ones.
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North Abington Twp., PA
*Currently Closed* Cool off at Lackawanna State Park’s swimming pool. The pool offers zero-entry points and a splash pad for the kids.
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Scranton, PA
The McDade Park pool and splash pad is fun spot for families with children of all ages and is free to use. The complex features a modern bathhouse and restrooms.
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Minersville, PA
Located at the 4th Street Recreation Complex, the Minersville pool offers fun features like a kiddie area and slides. Daily and season passes are available for residents and non-residents.
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New Milford, PA
Dive into summer fun and relaxation at the New Milford Borough Pool, the perfect family-friendly destination for cooling off and enjoying a refreshing day in the sun.
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Bloomsburg, PA
The Norris E. Rock Memorial Pool in Bloomsburg is the ultimate destination for an afternoon of fun, featuring water sprayers, a basketball hoop, in-water lounge chairs, a tube slide, and a diving board.
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Palmerton, PA
Take a dip at the pool at Palmerton Memorial Park. The pool features a slide, diving boards, a wading pool, a sand volleyball court, a refreshment stand, pavilions and so much more.
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Stroudsburg, PA
Enjoy some fun in the sun at the pool at Stroudsburg Borough Park. Memberships and daily passes are available for residents and non-residents.
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Scranton, PA
This full-service community facility features both outdoor and indoor pools as well as basketball courts, a playground and more.
Learn MoreSplash Around
Between fountains and sprinklers, no one is safe from the splash.
Sometimes you don’t want to commit to a full pool day. Or maybe your little one isn’t ready to dive into the deep end just yet. Don’t worry, many local parks and pools have a solution. Splash pads make cooling down a breeze with fountains and interactive water features. Whether they’re on flat surfaces or in shallow pools, these spots are accessible and fun for kids of all ages and abilities.
Helpful tip: Call or check their website for hours of operation.
Matamoras, PA
The splash pad at Airport Park is a favorite summer spot in Matamoras. Sprinklers and fountains are on a flat, concrete surface, making the fun accessible to all.
Learn MoreLehighton, PA
The splash pad at Baer Memorial Pool is located at the pool’s zero-degree entry. Because of the sloping depth, a lifeguard keeps an eye on the mini fish slide and interactive fountains. Guests must have a day pass or membership.
Learn MoreEast Stroudsburg, PA
Contained in shallow water right next to Dansbury Pool, this is a true splash pad. It has large fountains and plenty of space to spread out and cool down. Visitors will have to purchase a pool pass to splash around.
Learn MoreKingston, PA
This unique splash pad is a hit at the Kingston Community Pool, with interactive features and a few inches of water to keep cool in. You’ll need a daily pass or membership to gain access.
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Unique splash pad water features and accessible entry points, along with a large swimming pool, make this free spot in Scranton the perfect place to be on a warm summer day.
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The Novembrino Splash Pad keeps West Scranton cool all summer long. Fun water features keep the kids entertained for hours while the adults chill out under the shady pavilion.
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Palmerton Memorial Park keeps its splash pad fun and safe for little ones. A fence separates it from the park’s larger pool, so parents can have peace of mind while the kids explore the fountains. Passes or memberships are required.
Learn MoreDunmore, PA
The Splash & Play Zone has become a staple of Sherwood Park. In-ground fountains and bubblers make every splash a surprise. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Learn MoreSouth Abington Twp., PA
*Closed for the 2024 summer season.* With surprise fountains and a sand pit nearby, you can basically have a beach day at the South Abington splash pad.
Learn MoreMountain Top, PA
The mini splash pad at Wright Township Park is the perfect spot for the smallest splashers. With benches around the perimeter, you can sit back while the kids have a blast.
Learn MoreArticle Updated from its Original Version Published on 7/17/2019.
