Best 15 Swimming Pools for Families in Connecticut

Summer isn't the same without a dip in a local swimming pool in Connecticut. Many towns offer full afternoons of public swim for all ages (just make sure to read their rules). We've rounded up our best outdoor pools where the family can take a refreshing dip and play during the summer months. So, get your suit, some sunblock and get splashing!

Find the right swimming pool for your family, whether that's one with an adjacent playground or an inexpensive day pass. A number of these spots offer kiddie pools and splash pads, but you can also check out our full list of awesome splash pads, too. If a natural setting is more your style, we have also put together a guide to the 10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids.

Top Swimming Pools – Hartford County 

1. Fernridge Pool – West Hartford

Fernridge is a great place to visit, with lovely, natural grounds, a huge playground, a splash pad, and a pool. The pool is 25 yards long and has a zero-depth area. The public is welcome to swim Monday through Friday, from lunchtime through the early evening.

2. Goslee Pool – Windsor

Goslee is a full-size pool but has outdoor showering and a nearby splash pad for the younger set. It also has an outdoor playground, outdoor basketball court, and a pond with a walking path. Recreational swimming is during the afternoons and is only $3!

 
Grange Pool photo courtesy of Glastonbury Parks and Recreation 

3. Grange Pool – Glastonbury

Open to residents and non-residents alike, Grange Pool opened on June 15 for swimming. It's a large pool with public bathrooms and a picnic space. The depth ranges from 3 feet to 10 feet. Pool passes are available online. Don't forget to try out the water slide!

4. Mill Pond Park and Churchill Park Pool  – Newington

Mill Pond Park is a lovely, scenic place to swim, with an outdoor pool, as well as a huge playground, fishing, and more. Recreational swimming times are usually in the afternoon hours. Churchill Park Pool offers a large swimming area and open swim times.  

5. Veteran's Memorial Park – South Windsor

This is a great and well-maintained facility. Public swim hours begin at the end of June and go from lunchtime through early evening. On the weekends, the cost of a day pass is between $13-$16 for non-residents. Children 2 and under always swim free.  

6. Memorial Pool – Simsbury

Memorial Pool is open daily for public swimming starting June 17. The cost for a dip is under $5 for non-residents. Kids will enjoy the low diving board, kick-boards, and playing with friends in the water. One big plus: the toddler wading pool nearby, where little can get wet and have fun with peers.

7. A.W. Stanley Park – New Britain

This pool is open from 1 pm to 4:45 pm on weekdays. Children 5 and under are FREE! Also, check out Willow Brook Pool. It has a big splash pad with free admission. 

 
Swimming, floating, or splashing with friends make these top swimming pools fun! Pesci Pool photo courtesy of Windsor Great Park Recreation Association

8. Pesci Park Pool – Windsor Locks

Come down for a swim at Pesci Park's large pool. Depth starts at 2 feet 6 inches. Open swim is Monday through Friday. Daily passes can be purchased for under $4. Swimmers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Top Swimming Pools – Fairfield County

9. Wolfe Park Pool – Monroe

Wolfe Park Pool was beautifully renovated in recent years and is situated in a park so great, that we devoted a large portion of a Day Trip post to it.  

10. Treadwell Park Pool – Newtown

Nestled in Sandy Hook, Treadwell park has an eight-lane, 25-yard pool, with a diving "L" and a wading pool. Locker facilities are available.

11. Riverbrook YMCA – Wilton

The Riverbrook YMCA has several ways to get wet in the summer, and all of them can be accessed with a day pass. Day passes include the use of a 50-meter outdoor pool, a beach at Kiwanis Pond, and a children’s summer splash pool. You can also purchase a summer membership. 

12. Four Seasons Racquet Club – Wilton  

From late spring through the end of summer, guests can purchase an individual private swim lesson this outdoor heated pool. Lifeguards are on duty daily. 

Top Swimming Pools – New Haven and Central Connecticut  

13. Cheshire Community Pool – Cheshire 

The Cheshire Community pool is technically indoors, but during the summer months, the pool keeps the large garage doors open. Seasonal pool passes are available for families and individuals. Every day at noon, the inflatables come out for the kids to play on! There is also a kiddie pool, lap lanes, and a 4ft section with games like basketball. 

 
Kids can find fun and make friends at these top swimming pools. Photo courtesy of the Madison Racquet and Swim Club

14. Madison Racquet and Swim Club – Madison 

For 90 minutes, your crew (up to 25 people) can rent three-lanes of the Madison Racquet and Swim Club’s outdoor pool. Pricing varies for members and non-members. This small club is located in a natural setting in this charming shoreline town. 

15. Veteran's Pool – Middletown

Veteran's Pool summer schedule begins on June 22, when the public can swim every weekday afternoon (residents only on weekends). There is also a splash pad at the park. Non-residents can purchase a daily pass for $10. 

This post was originally published on 6/14/2019; updated in 2024.