All are free, accessible by the T, and a great way to beat the summer heat
The Boston area has already had a few days of steamy 90-degree days this summer, with more on the horizon. To beat the heat, many people are staying inside, or making the journey to one of the state’s plentiful beaches.
Another option is to head to one of the local community swimming pools maintained by the commonwealth’s Department of Conservation & Recreation or the city of Boston. The pools provide a nearby opportunity for a day of sun, summer reading, and a refreshing dip. Best of all, most are free, and they’re all easy to get to by public transportation.
Reilly Memorial Swimming Pool
355 Chestnut Hill Ave.
Brighton
In the heart of Cleveland Circle, next to the MBTA Green Line C branch trolley stop, or just a short walk from the Green Line B branch Chestnut Hill stop, this pool is open daily through August 18 from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. Find facilities, accessibility, restrictions, and directions here. Call 617-277-7822 for more information.
Francis J. McCrehan Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool
359 Rindge Ave.
Cambridge
This pool is open daily through August 18 from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. It also features a spray deck open 8 am to 8 pm and offers swim lessons. Find details about parking, facilities, and restrictions here. Call 617-661-0670 for more information.
Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool
719 Memorial Dr.
Cambridge
Just across the Charles, on Magazine Beach next to the river, this pool is open daily through August 18 from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. Find facilities, services, restrictions, and directions here. Call 617-661-0564 for more information.
Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Deck
235 Broadway
Somerville
A bit farther away from the city, this pool is a good bet for those in the Somerville, Medford, and Everett areas. It’s open daily through August 18, with the spray deck open from 8 am to 8 pm, and the pool from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. Follow the link here. Call 617-666-9236 for more information.
The Department of Conservation & Recreation manages many other public pools across Massachusetts. Find a complete list of available pools here. Also, check out these pools managed by the city through the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF).
Mirabella Pool
475 Commercial St.
Boston
Open for lap and recreational swimming from noon to 7 pm, Tuesday to Friday through the end of the summer, this North End pool provides excellent views of Boston Harbor. The pool also has registered swim sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Make sure to check the times before you arrive.
Admission is free, and visitors must create a membership in the BCYF registration system. If the pool reaches capacity, visitors will be asked to wait until the next session. Preference is given to Boston residents. Three children under the age of 12 are allowed per adult. Children under the age of 8 need an adult in the water with them. Find all procedures and information here. You can also call 617-635-1276.
Charlestown Community Center Pool
255 Medford St.
Boston
The Charlestown Community Center, which features an indoor pool open year-round, is close to the Boston Harborwalk. The pool is open Tuesday through Friday, from 1 to 9 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, through the end of summer.
Admission is free. Programs include aqua aerobics, recreational swim, family swim, lap swim, swim team prep, and lifeguard training. Register for classes here. Call 617-635-5169 for more information.
