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

Blue Hole is an iconic Hill Country swimming area. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Wimberley Park
Best Hill Country Swimming Holes To Keep Kids Cool this Summer
Cool off somewhere scenic during your trip to the Hill Country.
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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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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
Sit back and let the guide do the work on one of these family-friendly tours.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
There's more than beach bumming to do at Galveston Island.
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Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Freeport is a great beach town, but has many other kid-friendly activities, too.
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Texas has 367 miles of coastline for you to explore. Photo by Michael Hogan, Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hidden Gem Beaches in Texas for Your Summer Family Trips
Here are some beaches you may not have seen yet, even though some are just an hour or two away.
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