A Family Friendly Guide to the Public Pools in The Bronx

As temperatures continue to soar in New York City, we’re all looking for a way to escape the heat and humidity. Luckily, there are plenty of free public pools in the borough.

A few things to know about the public pools: Each public pool in the city is free. They are also wheelchair accessible via either ramp or lift. For those who don’t know how to swim, they offer free lessons for all ages. Before visiting any of the pools, read through NYC Parks’ regulations for what to wear, what to bring and more.

Additionally, all pools are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a break from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for cleaning.

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1.  Claremont Pool

Address: 170th Street and Clay Avenue
Phone number: (718) 901-4792

Claremont Pool has two outdoor pools: an intermediate pool and a wading pool.  

The pools are within Claremont Park, which is an ideal location as you’ll have plenty to do if you have to wait to get in or leave while the pool gets cleaned. The park also has basketball courts, handball courts and a playground to keep the kids entertained. A few blocks north is the Grand Concourse Library, which has programming for kids, teens and adults. 

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2.  Crotona Pool

Address: 173rdStreet and Fulton Avenue
Phone numbers: (646) 581-7535, (718) 299-0791

Crotona Pool is an Olympic-size swimming pool. It’s near a lot of great places to hang out during the summer. It’s located in Crotona Park on Fulton Avenue, which has a tennis center, a nature center, a basketball court, a soccer field and baseball and softball fields. It is also the site of nine playgrounds, with Playground of the Stars being the closest to the pool. 

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3. Edenwald Houses Pool 

Address: Schieffelin Avenue & E. 229th Street
Phone number: (646)634-6149

Edenwald Houses has a mini pool located in the same park as Edenwald Playground. It is overall a much smaller park, but it still has plenty of activities to do aside from swimming. Besides the playground, there is a basketball court and a handball court. The Northeast Bronx YMCA is a four-minute walk away from the park.

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4.  Floating Pool

Address: Tiffany Street & Viele Avenue
Phone number: (646) 831-6759

Floating Pool is an intermediate-sized pool in Barretto Point Park. The pool itself overlooks the East River. Within the park, there is a volleyball court, a handball court and a basketball court. Additionally, there are picnic tables and a playground.It’s the perfect place to have a day of family fun!

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5. Foster Pool

Address: E.164th St. bet. Jerome & River Aves.
Phone number: (646) 678-1938

FosterPool, which is situated in Rev. T. Wendell FosterPark and Recreation Center, has an intermediate pool and a wading pool. Nearby in the park, there are basketball courts, a bike park, a skatepark, a playground and the park’s recreation center.

The park is located right behind Yankee Stadium, and on the other side of Macombs Dam Park is the Bronx Children’s Museum.

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 6. Haffen Pool

Address: Elyand Burke Avenues
Phone number: (718) 379-2908

Haffen Pool, which is in Haffen Park, has an intermediate pool and a wading pool. The park also has baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, recreation centers, and dog-friendly areas.

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 7.  Mapes Pool

Address: E.180th Street between Mapes & Prospect Avenues
Phone number:(646) 823-5185

Mapes Pool has an intermediate pool and a wading pool. It is close to Crotona Park, so if you cannot get into one of the pools, try the other!

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8.  Thompson Pool

Address: E.174th Street & Bronx River Avenue
Phone number:(718) 378-1597

Thompson Pool isa mini pool, located in Captain William Harry Thompson Playground. The rest ofthe playground features a basketball court, handball court, and of course, a playground.  

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9.  Van Cortlandt Pool

Address: W.242nd St. and Broadway
Phone number:(718) 548-2415

The Van Cortlandt Pool is located in New York City’s third largest park with easy access from the1 Train. It has an Olympic-size pool and a wading pool. Van Cortlandt Park has a lot of great things for the whole family to do — barbecuing, skating, running, hiking and more — but Broadway is also a hotspot for some great small businesses. Check out Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, Claudy’s Kitchen, and Gourmet Deli while you’re over there.