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

Bring water shoes for the rocky sand at Sunken Meadow State Park. Photo by Gina Massaro
Best Long Island Beaches for Kids and Families 2025
Here's everything you need to know about LI's most family-friendly beaches.
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Highlands Natural Pool is carved out of a hillside in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Highlands Natural Pool
Best Swimming Lakes near NYC You Need to Discover in 2025
Take a dip in the fresh air and water at these family-friendly swimming lakes near NYC.
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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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The beaches in Southampton, NY, are some of the finest beaches in the country.
24 Best Things To Do in Southampton, NY, with Kids
This oceanfront village along Long Island's South Fork is ripe for four seasons of family fun.
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Sunny Atlantic Beach Club on Long Island offers plenty of family-friendly fun. Photo courtesy of Sunny Atlantic Beach Club
Best Beach Clubs near NYC for Families
These local beach clubs offer fun in the sun, plus lots of extras.
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Explore the playground before hitting the beach at Jones Beach State Park. Photo courtesy of Jones Beach
Top Beach Playgrounds on Long Island
Here are the best places for LI kids to enjoy sun, sand, and swings.
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