Best Swimming Pools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Families

Looking for the best swimming pools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are our picks to add to your list.

Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, and there's no shortage of spots in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley to take a dip. Many have concession stands and places to picnic, as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, mini golf, and other activities worthy of a summer day trip. We've rounded up a baker's dozen of our favorite family-friendly pools in the region. Some of these—particularly the Westchester pools—require county residency, so take note before heading out.

For more summer fun, be sure to check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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Swimming Pools in Westchester

Westchester County pools are only open to county residents and are set to reopen for the season on Friday, June 23, 2023. They're open daily through Monday, September 4, with hours from 11am-6:30pm. The last admission is at 6pm.

1. Saxon Woods Park – White Plains

Looking to make a splash in the biggest of the county pools? Then jump right into the Saxon Woods Pool, part of Saxon Woods Park in White Plains. There's also a sprayground with lots of cool features, and outside of the pool complex, you'll find a mini-golf course and a spectacular playground. You need to be a Westchester resident for this pool—and Park Pass information applies.

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Enjoy a day at the recently renovated Sprain Ridge Pool. Photo courtesy of Westchester County Parks

2. Sprain Ridge Pool – Yonkers

Reopened in 2017 after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the pool at Sprain Ridge Park closed again in 2018 due to leaks and other structural issues, but it's once again entertaining families. Along with the pool, there are two picnic areas to set up for lunch or a snack. Westchester residency is required to visit.

3. Tibbetts Brook Park – Yonkers

Sports-loving kids dig the offerings—volleyball and basketball inside the pool—at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. There's also a lazy river and benches in the pool itself for when you need some downtime. Along with the pool, there's a splash pad for kids, and in the park, you'll find everything from playgrounds to mini golf. A pickleball court debuted last season next to the tennis courts, too. Westchester residency is required to visit.

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The zero-depth entry at Willson's Waves makes it a perfect pool for tots. Photo courtesy of Willson's Waves

4. Willson's Waves – Mount Vernon

After a $3.3 million investment in Willson's Waves to repair last year's plumbing issues (and introduce some new upgrades), Willson's Waves will open again this year. And that's good news for families, because where else can you find 3-foot-high waves—in a pool? You get just that and lots more at Willson's Woods Park in Mount Vernon. Along with the waves, the pool has a zero-depth entry, 18-foot water slides, and a spray deck with 57 jets. Outside of the pool, you'll find picnic spots, a covered pavilion to rent for parties, and more. Westchester residency is required to visit.

5. Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Pool – Yorktown Heights

The pool at FDR State Park covers nearly 1 acre of land. The facility was recently completely rebuilt within the footprint of the old pool—the largest in the state park system—and includes the addition of a zero-depth entry section for toddlers and 26 kid-friendly spray features in the wading pool. The concession building has been renovated, a new poolside restroom has been constructed, and the landscape has been refreshed. The pool is open every day from 10am-6pm. Entry fees are $3 per person and there is a $10 fee for parking. 

This affordable zero-entry pool is a great destination spot for a summer day getaway.  Photo courtesy of Playland

6. Playland Pool - Rye 

Another spot that recently underwent a renovation, the pool at Playland is a great place to spend the day—in part because a ticket will also get you access to the beach, giving the kids (and you!) a chance to enjoy both. Pool hours are 10am-6pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and parking is $20 (and $30 on holidays). Tickets for the pool are $14.99, but that drops down to $9.99 if you have a county parks pass. Along with splashing in the pool, which is now zero-entry and also features lounge chairs and more, you can make a day of it and snag tickets to enjoy the rest of what Playland has to offer—from the rides to the new paddle boats. 

Swimming Pools in the Hudson Valley's Rockland County

7. Bowline Point Park – Haverstraw

This park, available to both residents and non-residents, is open from mid-June through early September. It features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, water slides, a wading area, and a toddler pool. Plus, you'll find an accessible playground, tennis courts, a volleyball court, and spots to picnic and grill. Entrance fees for swimming start at $20 for non-residents ($15 and up if you live in town) on weekdays, so look into getting a season pass if you plan to go often.

8. High Tor State Park – New City

Enjoy a hike and then cool off with a swim at this pool located inside High Tor State Park in New City, which is open from mid-June to mid-August. There is a vehicle entry fee of $8, and it costs only $5 to get in, no matter when you visit—just note the pool is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. There are also spots to picnic.

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Rockland Lake State Park is an ideal staycation spot for families. Photo courtesy of New York State Parks

9. Rockland Lake State Park – Valley Cottage

There are tons of cool new features to check out at the pool inside Rockland Lake State Park, which recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation. That includes a 25,000-square-foot pool with a zero-depth entry and a refreshing splash pad. Plus, there's a playground, picnic area, and a trail along the lake for biking. The pool is open daily beginning Saturday, June 24, 2023. There's a $10 parking fee, but entrance to the pool itself is cheap: $5 per person, all ages. Daily hours run through Sunday, August 20, 2023, and it's open weekends through Labor Day.

10. Saddle River Pool – Airmont

The pool season runs through Monday, September 4, 2023, at Saddle River Pool, where you can enjoy some late-evening swimming; it stays open until 8pm nightly until August 14, 2023, when it shifts to a 7:30pm closing. While there are entrance discounts for town residents, you don't have to live there to enjoy the facilities. Weekday rates are $18 for adults, $13 for kids, and weekend rates are $20 for adults and $15 for kids.

11. Tallman Beach & Pool Club – Sparkill

This pool club in Tallman Mountain State Park is open daily from 11am-7pm (10am opening time for members) and offers a large swimming pool and a sand area. There are lots of chairs where you can set up your stuff, and the menu at the on-site Tallman Grill offers everything from burgers and salads to chicken fingers and quesadillas for the kids. You can snag a day or season pass, and Friday and Saturday nights bring a live concert series to the venue.

Swimming Pools in the Hudson Valley's Orange and Dutchess Counties

12. War Memorial Pool & Splash Pad – Middletown

This newly renovated pool–which has a splash pad with interactive fountains–is one of the most affordable places to cool off on our list. Kids 16 and under are just $1 each, while adults are $3. The pool opens daily, starting Monday, June 26, 2023.

13. Spratt Park – Poughkeepsie

This year, you can swim at Spratt Park pool in Poughkeepsie through Friday, August 25, 2023. Hours for families are from 11am-7pm (adults can swim laps earlier, starting at 9am.) Just note that the town's other pool at Pulaski Park is closed for the season for renovations.