To Do Today: Cool Off with a Dip in a City Pool
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
In the midst of the heat and humidity of summer, many in the Boston area seek refuge indoors or at 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 26, 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 20, from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. It also features a spray deck open 8 am to 8 pm through September 17. 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. 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
This North End pool provides excellent views of Boston Harbor, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:45 pm (closed Wednesday through Friday from 9:30 to 10:45 am) through the end of the summer. Register for a 90-minutes swim session here when you get to the pool; preference will be 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 visitors must register for a timed swim slot, which is open 24 hours in advance of the following day’s session. Find all procedures and regulations here. Call 617-635-5169 for more information.
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