Riding the subway for hours is not the only way to cool off this summer New York City. Here’s our roundup of pools in all 5 boroughs of the city that will make you thankful you opted for a staycation this season:
1. There are more than 60 public swimming pools in all the boroughs of the city. With (mostly) free does come a few disadvantages though: they are super strict on what you can bring into the swimming area (read: towel, water, and reading material), so no large picnics allowed. Also, they can fill up pretty quickly during the week with camp kids and summer school students, so if crowds aren’t your thing, the weekend may be the safest bet. Cost: Free (a few exceptions)
2. Located in Queens, Spa Castle has plenty of water activities for you to cool off (or warm up!) Our favorite for the summer season, however, is the rooftop pool. When you get too hot you can go downstairs to the “ice castle sauna” to cool down. How’s that for refreshing? Cost: $45 for weekend day pass, $35 for weekday day pass
3. Chelsea Piers offers pool + Hudson River sun decks…not to mention basketball courts, jogging track, and an extensive collection of exercise equipment. The day pass is a little steep, but hey, it’s cheaper than a flight to Miami. Cost: $60 Day Pass
4. Making the list mostly because we just love the concept, the floating pool has found its current home in the Bronx. The idea behind the floating pool is that every year it would change locations, giving New Yorkers all over the 5 boroughs equal access to its facilities. The residents of the Boogie-Down are now reaping the benefits of this concept. With vista views of the city, this unique space is a great place to spend a Saturday. Only drawback: it’s located about a mile from any train station, so wear your comfy flip-flops and be prepared to walk. Cost: Free
5. Located on the East River with panoramic views, the Waterside Plaza Swim and Health Club has graciously opened its doors for day passers. You will find it nestled inside a glass enclosed building with a retractable roof that comes down in the summer. There is also a rooftop deck that is perfect for soaking up those NYC rays, complete with a view, of course. Cost: $20 Day Pass for Adults, $10 For Children.
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
