Kiddie pool with slide and sprinkler
Long Island families look to the beach and public pools to cool off in summertime. But when parents are tired of sand being dragged into the house and the kids are bored of the municipal pool down the street, why not check out a pool in another community?
We’ve done the research and put together a list of the best pools that anyone can visit, even if you’re not a resident of that municipality. Fees to enter the pools are often higher for nonresidents, but might be worth it as a once-in-a-while boredom buster.
While you’re in a different area of Long Island, use our guides to Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End and make an adventure of it all. For more aquatic fun, check out our list of Long Island's best water parks and water slides, And remember, sprinkler parks are another great way to cool off.
Nassau
This is one of Nassau County's favorite outdoor pools, and with two water slides, an Olympic-sized pool, dive pool, kiddie pool, training pool, and sprinkler pool, it is easy to see why. While it fills up quickly on a scorching summer day, having the separate pools is helpful in keeping little ones in a safe area while allowing older kids to have fun in the larger pools. The pool entrance fee for Nassau County residents with a Leisure Pass is for adults and for children.The fee for nonresident adults is ; for nonresident children.
This swimming complex has an impressive diving pool with springboards and platform boards two levels high. If diving from two stories up isn't your thing, there's also an Olympic-sized pool and a kiddie pool. Concession-stand offerings are limited, but outside food is allowed in the picnic area. Pool entrance fees for Nassau County residents with a Leisure Pass are for adults and for children. The fee for nonresident adults is ; for children. The nonresident parking fee of is enforced on weekends and holidays during the summer.
Jones Beach is not only one of Long Island’s premier beaches, it offers a nature center, basketball courts, miniature golf, concerts, and a swimming pool. Known as the West Bathhouse pool, this Olympic-sized pool is large, but can fill up quickly on a hot day, or on a day when the beach is closed. Arrive early to get your spot. Parking is per car and the pool entrance fee is for adults and for children.
While not an outdoor pool, this recreation center is an affordable way to try out a new place. Open daily, there is an Olympic-sized pool and a dive pool as well as a steam room and weight room. Pool entrance fee is $8 for adults, $4 for children.
With six different pools, this swimming complex has something for everyone. Young kids will enjoy the kiddie pool, training pool, and interactive sprinkler pool, while older kids, teens, and adults can cool off in the Olympic-sized pool and dive pool. The pool entrance fee for Nassau County residents with a Leisure Pass is $9 for adults; $6 for children. The fee for nonresident adults is $25; $20 for nonresident children.
With four pools and two water slides, the Wantagh Park pool is worth the price of admission. Photo courtesy of Nassau County Parks and Recreation
This swimming complex has it all. With an Olympic-sized pool, a diving pool, kiddie pool, interactive sprinkler pool, and two 30-foot water slides, this park is worth the admission. Plan to spend the day and leave time to walk along the waterfront, play on the playground, and fish on the pier. The pool entrance fee for Nassau County residents with a Leisure Pass is $9 for adults and $5 for children. The nonresident fee is $30 per person.
Suffolk
The Centereach Pool complex also features a sprinkler area for younger kids. Photo courtesy of Centereach Park
From July until early September, the Centereach Pool welcomes Town of Brookhaven residents and nonresidents alike. With a twisting water slide and a sprinkler area for younger kids, this pool seemingly has something for all ages and abilities. Parking is FREE, and the attached playground is large and worth a visit. Pool entrance fees for Town of Brookhaven residents are $6 for adults and $4 for children. Nonresident adults pay $10; $8 for children.
This Town of Islip pool is open daily from late June until early September. Residents and nonresidents can enjoy swimming in the full-sized pool, dive pool, and kiddie pool. There is a concession stand for food and drinks; coolers and outside food are not permitted. The pool entrance fee for Town of Islip residents with a recreation card regardless of age is $8; $12 without a recreation card. Nonresidents pay $15.
The second outdoor facility in the Town of Brookhaven has a kiddie pool in addition to a large, eight-lane pool. Make a day of it and enjoy FREE admission to the town’s ecology center and animal preserve. There is also a large playground and a picnic area available. Pool entrance fees for Town of Brookhaven residents are $6 for adults and $4 for children. Nonresident adults pay $10; $8 for children. Parking is FREE with a Town of Brookhaven resident sticker or $5 per day.
The East End
This state park isn’t just for golfing. The pool at Montauk Downs State Park is the only public pool in the Hamptons. There is a large Olympic-sized pool as well as a kiddie pool, and showers are available. The park also offers championship tennis courts and a grill room that serves breakfast and lunch. Adults pay $7 to use the pool; children 6-11 pay $5. Parking is FREE.
