Find the Best Places to Swim in NEPA This Summer
When the temperatures rise, there’s no better way to cool off than by exploring the many great places to swim in NEPA. From serene lakes and sandy beaches to lively pools and kid-friendly splash pads, Northeastern PA offers a refreshing escape for the whole family. Whether you’re planning a laid-back day by the water or an afternoon packed with family fun, you’ll find plenty of swimming spots across the region.
Take a relaxing swim in the calm waters of NEPA’s beautiful lakes, enjoy a sun-soaked afternoon on a public beach, or dive into the action at one of the area’s community pools. Many feature water slides, diving boards, and interactive splash zones to keep kids entertained all day long. If you’re traveling with little ones, splash pads are a safe and exciting option for younger swimmers to play and stay cool. From Scranton to Wilkes-Barre, the Pocono Mountains, and beyond, these places to swim in NEPA offer something for every summer adventurer.
Explore places to swim in Northeastern PA:
Soak Up the Sun on Lake Time
Looking for scenic and relaxing places to swim in NEPA? Spend a sunny day lakeside at one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s many freshwater swimming spots. The region is filled with beautiful lakes and public beaches where visitors can cool off, catch some rays, and enjoy the natural surroundings. From wide-open waterfronts to peaceful, hidden coves, these lakes offer some of the most refreshing places to swim in NEPA.
Many state and local parks across the area feature designated swimming areas with soft sandy beaches, shallow entry points, and clear waters perfect for a summer dip. Pack a cooler, roll out a towel, and make a day of it—most locations also offer picnic tables, boat rentals, hiking trails, and scenic views. Whether you’re floating lazily under the sun in the Poconos or jumping off a dock in a quiet valley town, lakes are a top choice for outdoor swimming in NEPA.
Pro Tip: Always check the DCNR or official park website before visiting. Swimming hours, water conditions, and weather-related closures may vary day to day.
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
Lehighton, PA
Cool off in Beltzville Lake with a visit to Beltzville State Park. The sand beach and swimming area are both popular warm weather escapes in the Poconos.
Admission: Free
Learn More
Covington Twp., PA
Swim, splash and sunbathe in the nine-acre DeSandis Pond at Covington Park. The park also has a pavilion complex with picnic tables and grills and is home to an inclusive boundless playground.
Admission: Free
Learn More
Gouldsboro, PA
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Gouldsboro Lake at Gouldsboro State Park. This popular Pocono Mountains destination features a sand beach and swimming area.
Admission: Free
Learn More
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
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.
Admission: Free
*Currently closed
Learn More
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.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
Fell Twp, PA
The 35-acre lake at Merli-Sarnoski Park 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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
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.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
Barnesville, PA
Chill out at the lake at Tuscarora State Park. The sandy beach is a prime spot to cool off on a warm day. The nearby concession stands serves ice cream, snacks and hot food.
Admission: Free
*Currently closed
Learn MoreKick It Poolside
When it comes to classic summer fun, few places to swim in NEPA rival the excitement of a public pool. Whether you’re diving off the high board, gliding down a twisting waterslide, or just soaking up the sun in a lounge chair, community pools across Northeastern Pennsylvania offer refreshing ways to enjoy a hot day. With lifeguard-supervised swim zones, family splash areas, and water play features for all ages, public pools are some of the most accessible and family-friendly places to swim in NEPA.
You’ll find pools of all sizes in towns and cities throughout the region, each offering unique amenities like shaded picnic areas, snack stands, and special splash pads designed for younger swimmers. Whether you’re there to practice your strokes, cool off after work, or spend a carefree afternoon with the kids, these pools provide a perfect mix of fun, fitness, and relaxation.
Pro Tip: Always check the pool’s official website or social media page for updated hours, admission prices, and season opening details before you go.
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.
Admission: Free for Carbon County residents only
Learn More
Berwick, PA
Dive in at Ber-Vaughn Park and Pool, the largest community pool in Pennsylvania. They welcome residents and non-residents, with both daily rates and season memberships available.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
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.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
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.
Admission: Admission fee required to use the pool.
Learn More
Honesdale, PA
Make a splash at Honesdale Area Pool, an Olympic-sized swimming pool that features a diving board and water slide. Day passes and seasonal memberships are available.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
Pottsville, PA
One of NEPA’s largest swimming pools, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Recreation Complex pool features a 40-foot waterslide, diving boards, and a kids’ play area. Daily or season passes are available.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
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.
Admission: Passes or membership required
Learn More
North Abington Twp., PA
Cool off at Lackawanna State Park’s swimming pool. The pool offers zero-entry points and a splash pad for the kids.
Admission: Admission fee required to use the pool and splash pad.
Learn More
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
Minersville, PA
Located at the 4th Street Recreation Complex, the Minersville Community Pool offers fun features like a kiddie area and slides. Daily and season passes are available for residents and non-residents.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
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.
Admission: Daily fee required
Learn More
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. Daily or season passes are available.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
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.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
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.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
Scranton, PA
Weston Field, a full-service community recreation facility, features both outdoor and indoor swimming pools as well as basketball courts, a playground and more.
Admission: Free
*2025 outdoor pool opening date TBD
Learn MoreSplash Around With the Kids
For a fun, low-stress way to cool down, splash pads are some of the most accessible and kid-friendly places to swim in NEPA—without the need for deep water. Featuring fountains, sprayers, and interactive water elements, these aquatic play zones let little ones run, laugh, and get soaked in a safe, controlled environment. Whether you’re dodging geysers or dancing through sprinklers, splash pads are a simple and exciting way to enjoy the water on a summer day.
Perfect for toddlers and younger kids who may not be ready for full-size pools, splash pads are typically located near playgrounds, community centers, or pools in local parks throughout Northeastern PA. Many feature flat, non-slip surfaces and water features that accommodate all ages and abilities, making them inclusive and fun for the whole family. They’re easy to access, often free to use, and offer a cool, convenient option among the many places to swim in NEPA.
Pro Tip: Splash pads may have seasonal hours or maintenance schedules—check the official park or municipality website before you go to make sure everything is up and running.
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.
Admission: Free
*Opening in July 2025
Learn More
Lehighton, 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.
Admission: Free for Carbon County residents only
Learn More
East 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.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
Kingston, 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.
Admission: Passes or membership required
Learn More
The splash pad at Lackawanna State Park’s pool complex features a variety of playful spray elements perfect for kids of all ages, with different zones tailored to various age groups. It offers a zero‑entry, ADA‑accessible design, making it a fun and inclusive water play area during the pool’s seasonal hours. Admission fee required to use the pool and splash pad.
Admission: Daily fee required
Learn More
Scranton, PA
McDade Park’s unique splash pad water features and accessible entry points, along with a large swimming pool, make this spot in Scranton the perfect place to be on a warm summer day.
Admission: Free
Learn More
Scranton, PA
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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
Palmerton, PA
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.
Admission: Passes required
Learn More
Dunmore, 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.
Admission: Free
Learn More
South Abington Twp., PA
With surprise fountains and playgrounds nearby, the whole family can enjoy a day of fun at the South Abington Recreation Park splash pad. The splash pad is open to the public.
Admission: Free
Learn More
Mountain Top, PA
The mini splash pad at Wright Township Recreation Park is the perfect spot for the smallest splashers. With benches around the perimeter, you can sit back while the kids have a blast.
Admission: Free
* Currently closed
Learn MoreStay Cool This Summer
From sun-soaked lakes and sandy beaches to energetic public pools and playful splash pads, there’s no shortage of incredible places to swim in NEPA. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a solo swim, or just looking for a quick way to cool off on a hot day, Northeastern PA offers a wide range of swimming options to suit every age and interest. With natural beauty, affordable access, and plenty of fun-filled amenities, these destinations make it easy to enjoy summer in NEPA to the fullest.
Be sure to check each location’s website or park page for hours, rules, and weather updates before you head out. And if you’re looking for even more summer fun, browse our NEPA events calendar and guides for outdoor adventures, family fun, and things to do all season long.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 7/17/2019.
