Guide to Philadelphia Beaches, Pools, Splash Pads, and Lakes

Find the best places to go swimming or play in the water near Philly: our favorite lists of beaches, lakes, and pools include everything from the Jersey Shore to wading pools, lazy rivers, water castles, water slides, splash pads, water holes, and lakes!

Here's how to get wet and keep cool this summer in Philadelphia.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Great Local Beaches and More
10 Things To Do with Toddlers at the Jersey Shore
Go fishing at the the Virginia Beach Pier.
Virginia Beach with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Virginia Beach, VA
Stone Harbor Beach with Kids: What you Need to Know Before you Go
Island Waterpark's retractable awning keeps the summer weather in while keeping the rain out. Photo courtesy of Island Waterpark
40 Fun Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day on the Jersey Shore 2025
Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May
Enjoy a trip through scenic Chester County. Photo courtesy of Northbrook Canoe Company.
Best Philadelphia Boat Rides and Cruises for Families

Latest Beaches & Lakes News

From fun on the coast to Cape Cod charm, find fun things to do in Falmouth and Woods Hole! Falmouth Library photo by author Kate Andrews
Top Things To Do in Woods Hole & Falmouth, MA: Coastal Charm & Kid-Friendly Adventures
Explore the best of the Inner Cape with a visit to Falmouth and Woods Hole!
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With sand, surf, and family fun, these beaches near Boston are perfect for Summer 2025. Photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Best Beaches Near Boston That Are Great for Family Day Trips 2025
Find the best beaches near Boston within an hour's drive of the city!
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Even the littlest ones will love splashing at these swimming lakes near Boston.
15 Swimming Lakes near Boston You Need To Discover
Families can splash, swim, or just chill out in these local swimming lakes.
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A pile of buckets goes a long way with young kids at the beach.
Your Essential Beach List: Best Baby Beach Gear, Umbrellas, Wagons, and Tips for a Fun Beach Day
Here's the stuff that's actually worth hauling to the beach with kids.
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Search for seashells along Cape Cod's many gorgeous beaches.
Cape Cod with Kids: 60 Fun Things To Do on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
For a quintessential Cape Cod experience with kids in tow, try some—or all!—of these 60...
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The summer sun brings so many great things to do in Ogunquit, Maine with kids! Photo courtesy of Visit Maine
Ogunquit with Kids: 17 Great Things to do in Ogunquit, Maine
Visiting Ogunquit, Maine with kids is great. Really, really great. Only 75 miles north of Boston...
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