Despite being one of the world’s most expensive cities, New York City offers plenty of free things to do — and even longtime New Yorkers might not know about some of them. Did you know there are outdoor public pools that are completely free to use in the summer? Here’s a list of the best ones across all five boroughs where you can take a refreshing dip. Don’t forget your most stylish swimwear and a lock for the locker room to stash all your stuff. There’s nothing that screams summer more than lounging poolside under the shade of towering Norway maples.
1: Highbridge Park Pool, Washington Heights
- Location: Amsterdam Ave. & W. 173rd St, Park, New York, 10033
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 220’ x 162’ x 10.5’; Wading Pool: 220’ x 92’ x 2’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Located at West 173rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Highbridge Park Outdoor Pool is open from April through August, daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This facility features two pools: a shallow one for kids and a larger pool with varying depths, perfect for laps and front crawls. Overlooking the scene is the historic Highbridge Water Tower, built in 1872 to help supply water pressure to Upper Manhattan’s higher elevations. While the pools can get busy during the summer, they never feel overcrowded or rushed, thanks to the spacious layout. Free lockers are available near the pools, but be sure to bring your own locks. The pools are also featured in the 2021 musical film In The Heights.
2: Jackie Robinson Pool, Central Harlem
- Location: Amsterdam Ave. & W. 173rd St, Park, New York, 10033
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 220’ x 162’ x 10.5’; Wading Pool: 220’ x 92’ x 2’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Nestled among river birch trees in North Harlem, this neighborhood gem comes alive in the summer. Originally known as “Colonial Park Pool,” when it first opened on August 8, 1936, the pools are accessible through a striking two-story bare-brick bathhouse featuring medieval-style architecture and Roman arched windows. Thanks to the towering vegetation surrounding the area, there’s plenty of shaded space to relax with a favorite book or take in all the action in the water. Before the pool was added, the area’s rugged terrain of glacial rock outcroppings served as a natural recreational space for the entire Harlem Heights community.
3: Astoria Pool, Queens
- Location: 19th Street & 23rd Drive, NY 11105
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 330’ x 165’ x 4’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
At nearly 55,000 square feet, this is easily the largest pool you’ll find in all of New York City. Surrounded by parkland and set away from the city, Astoria Pool offers a peaceful retreat, plus postcard-worthy views of the Triborough Bridge. At the pool’s east end, you’ll find two fountains that were once Olympic torches lit during the 1936 and 1964 events. There is also a paved area for sunbathing, shaded sections for cooling off, and permanent lanes for laps. When hunger strikes, head to the bright blue Surf Shack Café for fries and chicken wings. From the green space between the Robert F. Kennedy and Hell Gate Bridges, you’ll also get a spectacular view all the way to the Upper East Side.
4: McCarren Park Pool, Williamsburg
- Location: 776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 329’ x 151’ x 4.6’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Sitting on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, this huge 37,571-square-foot summer oasis has been a magnet for stylish hipsters and neighborhood families since it opened on July 31, 1936 — so expect some crowds. There’s also plenty of poolside space for sunbathing, a designated section for casual laps, and a court by the pools for volleyball. The highlight of McCarren Pool is its striking New Deal–era brick archway that stretches over the water, providing both shade and a perfect spot for a nap or some prime people-watching. Also, be sure to bring a combination lock to secure your belongings while you’re at the pool.
5: Hamilton Fish Pool, Lower Manhattan
- Location: Houston and Pitt Street Hamilton Fish Park, E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 165’ x 98’ x 3.5’; Wading Pool: 67’ x 98’ x 2.5’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
If you live in Lower Manhattan, this Olympic-size pool is the perfect spot, location-wise, for a refreshing summer dip. The pool and its adjoining concrete deck are spacious, but being in the heart of the city, they can get crowded and a bit hectic, with kids running around and lifeguards blowing their whistles. However, if you’ve gotten used to the chaos of the city, as we have after living here for decades, you probably won’t even notice the noise. Make sure to bring a sturdy combination lock when you head to the pool to help keep your stuff safe. There is also a playground, basketball courts, and a Beaux-Arts recreation center.
6: John Jay Pool, Upper East Side
- Location: 77 Cherokee Pl, New York, NY 10075
- Pool Dimensions: Intermediate Pool: 145’ x 49’ x 4’; Diving Pool: 60’ x 40’ x 8’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Located right at the edge of the East River, this 145-foot-long pool is hard to beat for both accessibility and size, especially for those living on the Upper East Side. You’ll also find a 60-ft kids’ pool, in addition to the lap pool, both open during the summer months, while the indoor pools are available year-round. After drying off, head to Uva, a northern Italian restaurant known for its expansive wine list, and enjoy a refreshing glass of beer or rosé along with some tasty bites. However, like other outdoor pools in the city, expect crowds on weekends. The pool opened to the public in 1940 and has been a favorite among locals ever since.
7: Lyons Pool, Staten Island
- Location: Lyons Pool Recreation Center, Staten Island, NY 10301
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 165’ x 100’ x 3.5’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
This is Staten Island’s largest public pool — and the oldest in New York City, built in 1936 to provide jobs during the Great Depression. The 3.2-acre main pool can accommodate up to 2,800 swimmers at once, and it also features a separate diving pool and spray showers where kids can run through on hot summer days. While the pool might be a bit run-down compared to other options on this list, those looking for a quieter, less crowded spot will appreciate this Olympic-sized venue. The surrounding decks offer plenty of space to sunbathe, relax, or enjoy a good book, with soaring smokestacks providing a unique backdrop.
8: Gottesman Pool, Central Park
- Location: Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10029
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 240’ x 190’ x 3.75’; Wading Pool: 63.5’ x 14.5’ x 1.25’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
The brand-new Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center made its debut in the summer of 2025. The Central Park Conservancy calls this “its biggest and most complex project since it was founded in 1980.” During the summer, it serves as a refreshing public pool, while in winter, the area transforms into an ice rink. Surrounded by a restored wetland edge and views of the Harlem Meer, the pool, accommodating up to 1,000 swimmers at a time, offers a serene escape from the summer heat. Programming includes free swim lessons and family swim days. The pool is part of a broader initiative to make Central Park accessible for everyone.
9: Red Hook Pool, Red Hook
- Location: 155 Bay St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 330’ x 130’ x 4’; Wading Pool: 50’ x 25’ x 1’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Seasoned swimmers will love this spot, which offers lap swim hours on weekdays in the morning (6:00 AM to 9:20 AM) and late afternoon (12:30 PM to 5:00 PM). You can register online for a $10 fee or wait on the side for your session. Aquatic specialists are available to track your lengths, and only swimmers over 18 can participate, so you’ll have plenty of space to yourself! For kids or those looking to relax, the wading pool is completely free. Interested in learning to swim? Lessons are available during specific time slots for $100. To round out the facilities, there is also a pavilion, snack bar, and a pool house with changing rooms.
10: Douglass and Degraw pool, Brooklyn
- Location: 250 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
- Pool Dimensions: Intermediate Pool: 75’ x 60’ x 3’; Wading Pool: 24’ x 24’ x 1’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to dip your feet in the water, head to Douglass and Degraw Pool, which offers ample deck space, an intermediate-sized pool, a wading pool, and learn-to-swim programs — all with the added bonus of smaller crowds! The brightly colored walls make it a great spot for Instagrammable shots, as long as you can sneak in your phone or camera. Reviews praise the pool for being clean and well-maintained, which is something we definitely love. Morning is the best time to visit when the pools are emptiest, and they do become a little crowded later in the day. Also, be sure to bring your own locker lock.
11: Crotona Park Pool, The Bronx
- Location: 1700 Fulton Ave, The Bronx, NY 10457
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 330’ x 120’ x 4’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
This is the perfect pool for kids who are too small to splash around with their bigger peers! Opened in 1936 and designed by architect Herbert Magoon to accommodate 4,265 bathers at a time, the pool boasts a massive 925,000-gallon swimming pool, a 39,000-gallon wading pool, a 450,000-gallon diving pool, and a bathhouse designed by architect Aymar Embury II — who also designed Princeton University’s Dillon Gymnasium and Kerbs Memorial Boathouse. The bathhouse is an Art Deco interpretation of a French castle. Surrounding the pool are lounge chairs — for sinking into with a book or soaking up the summer sun.
12: The Floating Pool, The Bronx
- Location: Tiffany St, The Bronx, NY 10474
- Pool Dimensions: Intermediate Pool: 82’ x 52’ x 4’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
This 7-lane pool, perched atop a movable barge, has found its permanent home at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx. The concept behind the pool harks back to the floating baths once moored along the East and Hudson Rivers in 19th-century New York, near the tenement districts, which offered the public the opportunity not only to bathe but also to learn to swim. This free infinity pool comes with all the amenities of its land-based counterparts, including locker rooms, restrooms, and stunning waterfront views that you won’t find at any other pool on this list. Early bird lap swims, and free learn-to-swim programs are also available.
13: Sunset Pool, Brooklyn
- Location: 4201 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 259’ x 162’ x 3.5’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Located on the west side of Brooklyn’s beautiful Sunset Park, this Olympic-sized pool is a favorite among stylish hipsters, neighborhood families, and adventurous tourists looking to stay cool. After your swim, head to the park’s hills for a thrilling view of the harbor, the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Staten Island, New Jersey, and the many neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The views might make you forget you’re in one of the world’s busiest places. Sunset Pool underwent a $5 million restoration in 1984, which included the reconstruction of the pool complex, bathhouse, and public restrooms, along with a new filtration system.
14: Betsy Head Pool, Brownsville
- Location: 694 Thomas S Boyland St, Brooklyn, NY 11212
- Pool Dimensions: Olympic Pool: 330’ x 165’ x 4.25’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
A visit to this Olympic-sized pool — with architectural styles ranging from Art Deco to Romanesque Revival — transports you back to 1936, when the pool was first designed and built. Organized by Park Commissioner Robert Moses and funded by the federal government, Betsy Head Pool was part of a citywide effort to create recreational facilities in underserved neighborhoods. The trees surrounding the pools offer ample shade, and the spacious deck provides the perfect spot for sunbathing, taking a nap, or cracking a good read. Each pool features separate areas for swimming, diving, and wading, as well as bathhouses.
15: Tottenville Pool, Staten Island
- Location: 6900 Joline Ave, Staten Island, NY 10307
- Pool Dimensions: Intermediate Pool: 75’ x 60’ x 3.5’; Wading Pool: 24’ x 24’ x 1.5’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
If you don’t mind a bit of travel to Staten Island, Tottenville Pool is a great spot for a refreshing dip, plus it makes you feel like you’re on vacation. Completed in 1971, there are two pools here: one that is 60 feet wide and 75 feet long, capable of accommodating up to 750 people, while the smaller “kiddie pool” is about 24 feet square. There are also picnic tables, a seasonal concession stand, and a play area for children. This intermediate-sized pool underwent a renovation in 2019, with upgrades to the decks, painted artwork around the pool, and the addition of more umbrellas and picnic tables, which add shades of blue and orange.
16: Wagner Houses Pool, Harlem
- Location: E 124th St, New York, NY 10003
- Pool Dimensions: Intermediate Pool: 75’ x 60’ x 3.5’; Wading Pool: 24’ x 24’ x 9’
- Pool Hours: Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Another of the city’s recently renovated pools, Harlem’s Wagner Houses Pool, has been a favorite spot for locals looking to make the most of the summer. The pool’s makeover includes fresh paint in turquoise, orange, and yellow, pop-art graphics with the words “MARCOOOO POLOOOO” across the walls, and new furniture and umbrellas. The turquoise water and vibrant walls create the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos — if you can sneak in with your phone or camera!
17: Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park Pool, Hamilton Heights
- Location: 679 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10031
- Pool Admissions: $1 for ages 4-15 and seniors and $2 for 16 and up
- Pool Hours: The pool hours are from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
At most public pools in the city, lifeguards will frown and whistle if you splash, but not at this one — it’s made for splashing, not serious swimming. The highlight is its backyard vibe, reminiscent of a glorified backyard pool party with a bunch of people you don’t know. If it’s your first time here, navigating the massive 28-acre facility can be tricky. When you enter, you’ll pass picnic tables with pop music blasting from oversized speakers, a skating rink, a bar and restaurant, and a large running track. Keep walking, and you’ll eventually find your way to the pool…