Want to Beat the Summer Heat? Check Out One of the Boston Area’s Many Public Pools
All are free, accessible by the T, and a great way to beat the summer heat
Photo via Unsplash/Raphaël Biscaldi
Want to Beat the Summer Heat? Check Out One of the Boston Area’s Many Public Pools
All are free and easily accessible by T
The Boston area has already been hit by its first heat wave of the summer, no doubt with more on the horizon. To beat the heat, many people are staying inside or taking a journey to one of the state’s plentiful beaches.
Another option is to head to one of the local community swimming pools maintained by the city of Boston or the commonwealth’s Department of Conservation & Recreation. These pools provide a nearby opportunity for a day of sun, summer reading, and taking a refreshing dip. Best of all, they’re free and all are easy to get to by public transportation.
Reilly Memorial Swimming Pool
355 Chestnut Hill Ave.
Brighton
In the heart of Cleveland Circle, next to the MBTA Green Line C branch trolley stop, or just a short walk from the Green Line B branch Chestnut Hill stop, this pool is open daily from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm through August 17. Find facilities, accessibility, restrictions, and directions here. Call 617-277-7822 for more information.
Francis J. McCrehan Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool
359 Rindge Ave.
Cambridge
This pool is open daily from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm through August 17. It also features a spray deck open from 8 am to 8 pm and offers swim lessons for children ages 4 to 12. Find details about parking, facilities, and restrictions here. Call 617-661-0670 for more information.
Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool
719 Memorial Drive
Cambridge
Just across the Charles, on Magazine Beach, next to the river, this pool is open daily from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm through August 17. Find facilities, services, including swim lessons, restrictions, and directions, here. Call 617-661-0564 for more information.
Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Deck
235 Broadway
Somerville
A bit farther away from the city, this pool is a good bet for those in the Somerville, Medford, and Everett areas. It’s open daily through August 17, with the spray deck open from 8 am to 8 pm, and the pool from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. Find facilities and services, including swim lessons, restrictions, and directions, here. Call 617-666-9236 for more information.
The Department of Conservation & Recreation manages many other public pools across Massachusetts. Find a complete list of available pools here. Also, check out the pools below, managed by the city through the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF).
Mirabella Pool
475 Commercial St.
Boston
Open for lap and recreational swimming starting July 1, Miraballa Pool is open from 8 am to 7 pm Tuesday to Friday through the end of the summer. This North End pool provides excellent views of Boston Harbor and has registered swim sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to check the times before you arrive.
The pool is for Boston residents only; admission is free, but visitors must create a free membership in the BCYF registration system at Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration. If the pool reaches capacity, visitors will be asked to wait until the next session. Three children under the age of 12 are allowed per adult. Children under the age of 8 need an adult in the water with them at all times. Find all procedures and information here or call 617-635-1276.
Condon Pool
200 D St.
South Boston
The Condon Community Center has an indoor pool, along with a fitness center and gymnasium, for South Boston residents. It’s easily reachable via the T by taking the MBTA Red Line to Broadway. The pool has been closed for the last three years and is scheduled to reopen July 1. Visitors must create a free membership in the BCYF system at Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration. Call 617-635-5100 for summer hours and information about classes.
Charlestown Community Center Pool
255 Medford St.
Boston
The Charlestown Community Center, which features an indoor pool open year-round, is close to the Boston Harborwalk. The pool is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 9 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm through the end of summer.
Admission is free. Programs include aqua aerobics, recreational swim, family swim, lap swim, swim team prep, and lifeguard training. Register for classes here. Call 617-635-5169 for more information.
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