Top Free Outdoor DC Family Pools

These swimming pools operated by DPR are open for the summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. They are free for DC residents and $3-$7 for non-residents. Thirty-day swim passes for non-residents $21-$52 per person, while 90-day passes cost $61-$149 per person. Purchase a swim pass here. DC residents can obtain a free membership here.

Young kids will love the small slides at Rosedale Pool.

1. Rosedale Pool — Kingman Park

Hours: Daily, except Wednesday: 10am-6pm

Parking: Parking lot; street parking

Amenities: Water slide, children's pool, lap lanes, community center

2. Banneker Pool — Shaw

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am-8pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6pm; Closed Thursday

Parking: Parking lot accessible from 9th Street NW

Amenities: Large pool, concession stand, community center

Special Note: Banneker pool is very popular, so chairs may be hard to come by!

3. Woody Ward Pool — Civic Betterment

Hours: Daily, except Thursday: 10am-6pm

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Leisure pool, water slide, community center

4. Upshur Pool — Petworth

Hours: Daily, except Monday: 10am-6pm

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Pool, kiddie wading pool, community center

5. Harry Thomas Sr. Pool — NoMA

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 12-8pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6pm; Closed Tuesday

Parking: Parking lot accessible from First Street NE

Amenities: Large pool, children's wading area

6. Francis Pool — West End

Hours: Daily, except Tuesday: 10am-6pm

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Three separate pools, shady spots, lots of umbrellas, two 25-meter lap lanes

7. Langdon Park Pool — Langdon

Hours: Daily, except Thursday: 10am-6pm

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Pool, spray park, community center

RELATED: Best Outdoor Water Parks in the US

 
Cool off in the family-friendly Oxon Run Pool.

8. Oxon Run Pool — Southeast DC

Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 12-8pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6pm; Closed Monday

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Unique L-shaped pool, playground

9. Theodore Hagans Pool — Fort Lincoln

Hours: Daily, except Monday: 10am-6pm

Parking: Parking lot accessible from Fort Lincoln Drive

Amenities: Pool, kiddie wading pool, cultural center

10. Kelly Miller Pool — Lincoln Heights

Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 12-8pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am-6pm; Closed Monday

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Pool, kiddie wading pool

11. Anacostia Pool — Anacostia

Hours: Daily, except Monday: 10am-6pm

Parking: Parking lot accessible from Anacostia Drive

Amenities: Swimming lessons, water aerobics, and other fun activities

RELATED: Best Outdoor Water Parks Near DC for Family Fun


Make a splash at Park View Children's Pool.

Top Outdoor Free Pools Just for DC Kids

12. Park View Children's Pool — Northwest DC

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 10am-6pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday

Note: Pool closed daily from 2-3pm

Parking: Street parking

13. Happy Hallow Children's Pool — Adams Morgan

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 10am-6pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday

Note: Pool closed daily from 2-3pm

Parking: Street parking

14. Lincoln Capper Children's Pool — Navy Yard

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday: 10am-6pm; Closed Monday & Tuesday

Note: Pool closed daily from 2-3pm

Parking: Street parking

Top Free Indoor DC Family Pools

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) operates several aquatic centers for structured programs and swimming. These public pools are free for DC residents and $3-$7 for non-residents. Discounted swim passes for 30 or 90 days are available. All public pools require a valid ID for entry.

15. Deanwood Aquatic Center — Northeast DC

Hours: Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm (Water slide: 3-5pm, 7-9pm); Saturday & Sunday: 10am-5pm (Water slide: 1-4pm Saturday; closed Sunday)

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Lap pool, leisure pool with a twisting water slide, separate children's pool

16. Takoma Aquatic Center — Takoma Park

Hours: Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am-5pm

Parking: Parking lot at the 3rd Street entrance; street parking

Amenities: Dedicated children's/leisure pool, 17-lane competition pool with an elevated spectator's seating area

RELATED: Amazing Indoor Water Parks Near DC for Families

Turkey Thicket has both a 25-yard swimming pool and a children's pool.

17. Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center — Brookland

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm; Closed Sunday

Parking: Parking lot accessible from Michigan Ave

Amenities: Six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool; diving board; children's pool; swim classes for kids and adults

18. William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center — Eastern Market

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm; Closed Sunday

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Eight-lane, 20-by-25-yard pool; kiddie wading pool; community room

19. Barry Farm Aquatic Center — Anacostia

Hours:
Monday - Friday: 6am-9pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10am-5pm

Parking: Street parking

Amenities: Six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool; water slide

Tips for a Great Pool Day with Kids

Don't Forget the Basics

Remember to bring sunscreen, towels, sun hats, goggles, and a change of clothes for each child (and yourself, if you're swimming). Non-slip shoes are also a good idea for when kids need the bathroom or are using the splash pads at some of these DC family pools. Swim diapers are required for kids who aren't yet potty trained.

Pack Plenty of Food and Water

While many of these free public swimming pools in DC have concession stands, they can be costly and may even have long lines. So pack lunches, snacks, and water bottles.

Call for Updates

It's a good idea to call these free pools for DC kids before you go to make sure they're open, as they sometimes need to close for various reasons. You can also ask their policies on pool floats and toys.

Safety Tips when Visiting Free Public Swimming Pools in DC

Dress Kids in Bright Bathing Suits

This will help you keep a close on your kids while they swim, and make it easier to spot them in a crowd. 

Stay Within Arm's Reach of Non-Swimmers

If your child cannot yet swim or isn't a strong swimmer, always stay within reach of them in the pool. Do not rely on life vests, swimmies, or even lifeguards to keep them safe. 

Stay Vigilant

Sometimes it's easier for kids to drown when there are more adults present, because everyone thinks someone else is watching the children. So even if you're not in the pool, make sure you can always see your kids. If you're with a group of kids, adults can take turns being the "water watcher."

All photos courtesy of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation