Things-to-do

Need to Cool Off? Head to One of Boston’s Many Public Pools

All are free, accessible by the T, and great way to fight off the summer heat

Mirabella Pool in the North End, one of the city’s most frequented pools, requires guests to register for timed swim slots this season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by NorthEndWaterfront.com

The Boston area is in the midst of an oppressive heat wave, with temps above 90 degrees forecast through Sunday. Many people are staying inside or traveling to one of the state’s plentiful beaches. Another option is heading to one of the local community swimming pools maintained by the commonwealth’s Department of Conservation & Recreation or the city of Boston. The pools provide a close-by opportunity for a day of sun, summer reading, and a refreshing dip. Best of all, most are free, and they’re all 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 through August 21, from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. 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 through August 21, from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. It also features a spray deck open 8 am to 8 pm through September 18. Once the pool reaches capacity, it will be closed temporarily to incoming guests as a COVID-19 restriction. Pool check and water quality inspections are conducted three times a day, at 1:15, 3:15, and 5:15 pm. During pool checks, all guests are expected to vacate the pools for roughly 15 minutes. Find the complete set of rules here. Call 617-661-0670 for more information.

Veterans Memorial Swimming and Wading 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. Find facilities, services, 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, with the spray deck open from 8 am to 8 pm, and the pool from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm, 7:45 pm on July 20 and 21. 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 these pools managed by the city through the Boston Centers for Youth & Families.

Mirabella Pool

475 Commercial St.
Boston

Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 7 pm, through the end of the summer, this North End pool provides excellent views of Boston Harbor. 

Although admission is free this year, there are no walk-ins allowed because of COVID-19. Visitors must register for a timed swim slot through this page. Registration is open 24 hours before the following day’s session. You must remain at least six feet from anyone outside of your household. Face coverings (covering both the nose and mouth) are recommended for people regardless of vaccination status. Preference is given to Boston residents. Three children under the age of 12 are allowed per adult. Children under the age of eight need an adult in the water with them. Find all procedures and information here. You can also call 617-635-1276.

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 center is open Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 7 pm, through the end of summer. 

Admission is free this year, but there are no walk-ins allowed because of COVID-19. You must register for a timed swim slot, which is open 24 hours in advance of the following day’s session. Distancing of at least six feet outside of households is also required. Find all procedures and regulations here. Call 617-635-5169 for more information.