NYC Free Summer Pools 2026

Every summer, New York City opens more than 50 completely free public outdoor pools across the five boroughs. They are one of the best ways to beat the heat without leaving the city—and you don’t need a membership or ticket to enter.

For 2026, NYC outdoor pools officially opened on June 27 and run through mid-September, giving residents nearly three months of free swimming access.

Below is your complete guide: where to go, what to expect, and how to avoid common mistakes.

🏊 NYC Free Outdoor Pool Locations (Major Ones by Borough)

NYC Parks operates dozens of free pools, including Olympic-size landmark pools and smaller neighborhood pools.

Manhattan

• Gottesman Pool (Central Park)
  Mid-Park between 106th & 108th St, Central Park
  One of the newest and largest free pools in Manhattan
• Thomas Jefferson Pool
  2180 1st Ave, New York, NY 10029
  Famous opening-day pool (used for seasonal kickoff events)
• Asser Levy Pool
  392 Asser Levy Pl, New York, NY 10010

Bronx

• Crotona Park Pool
  Crotona Park East & Charlotte St, Bronx, NY 10460
• Van Cortlandt Park Pool
  Broadway & W 242nd St, Bronx, NY 10471
• Haffen Pool (temporarily closed)
  Under renovation in the northeast Bronx

Queens

• Astoria Park Pool
  19th St & 23rd Dr, Astoria, NY 11105
  One of NYC’s most iconic Olympic-size pools
• Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool
  111-01 Corona Ave, Queens, NY 11368

Brooklyn

• McCarren Park Pool
  Lorimer St & Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
• Sunset Park Pool
  7th Ave & 43rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Staten Island

• Faber Park Pool
  Faber St & Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10310
• Lyons Pool
  860 Post Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310

Rules & Insider Tips

⏰ Pool Hours (Important)

Most NYC outdoor pools follow the same schedule:

• Open: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Cleaning break: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Season ends: Mid-September (mini pools close earlier)

During heat emergencies, hours may be extended.

🎟️ Entry Requirements (What You NEED)

NYC pools are free, but there are strict entry rules:

You must bring:

• A proper swimsuit (required for swimming)
• A lock for lockers (strongly recommended)
• Towel
• Flip-flops or water shoes

Dress code rules:

• Swimsuits must be worn in the water and on deck
• White T-shirts allowed over swimsuits (deck only)
• No street clothes in the pool
• No shoes in water area

🚫 What You CANNOT Bring

• Glass bottles
• Alcohol or food (rules vary but often restricted)
• Large floatation devices
• Beach chairs, blankets
• Electronics in wet areas
• Strollers on pool deck

💡 Insider Tips (Very Important)

1. Go early (or after 4 PM)

Midday is the most crowded. Lines can form before opening.

2. Expect bag checks

Security checks are standard at most locations.

3. Bring a combination lock

Lockers are available but you must bring your own lock.

4. Weekdays are calmer

Weekends can feel chaotic, especially in popular pools like McCarren or Astoria.

5. Bring minimal items

The less you carry, the faster you’ll get in.

6. Check heat advisories

On extreme heat days, pools stay open longer and get very crowded.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Kids Info

• Kids under 18 can enter for free
• Lifeguards are always on duty
• Some pools offer free swim lessons for children (18 months–17 years) during summer sessions
• Small “mini pools” exist specifically for younger children

🌊 Why NYC Pools Are Worth It

NYC public pools are:

• • Completely free
  • Located in nearly every borough
  • Family-friendly
  • A major part of NYC summer culture

With over 50 outdoor pools across the city, you’re usually within a short subway ride of one.

⚠️ Final Advice

NYC pools are amazing—but they are also:

• • Crowded during peak heat
  • Strict on rules
  • Fast-moving at entry (don’t hesitate once you’re inside)

If you go prepared, they’re one of the best free summer experiences in the city.