Top Outdoor Swimming Spots In Philadelphia

Looking for ways to beat the summertime heat? There are a number of swimming pools and swim clubs in the greater Delaware Valley that can help you cool off. Whether you are looking to take a dip before work, take the plunge during the day, or spend some time with friends in the evening there is a swimming pool near you. So ditch the plastic kiddie pool or the inflatable child-sized pool for some summertime fun.

O'Connor Swimming Pool
2601 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 685-6649
www.markwardplayground.com

Break out your swimsuits, the O'Connor Swimming Pool is open for business. Situated at the Markward Playground and connected to the Schuylkill River Park, O'Connor serves West Center City along with parts of South Philadelphia. The pool has been cooling off the neighborhood since the 1920's. Now open through the end of the summer, the pool has open swimming Monday through Friday as well as family swim in the late afternoon along with adult swim in the early evening. Saturdays and Sundays are dedicated to family swim in the afternoons and adult swim in the late afternoon. The pool is part of the City of Philadelphia's Department of Parks and Recreation.

Raccoon Valley Swim Club
P.O. Box 308
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
(856) 478-6141
www.rvsc.org

Located in the heart of Mullica Hill is Gloucester County's best summertime fun spot. Near the town's famous Antique Row shopping district, Raccoon Valley features three pools and a large play area. They also offer swim lessons, diving and sliding, oh my! Whether you or your child are looking to learn how to swim, the club offers introductory, group and private lessons as well as stroke mechanics and fitness regardless if you are a member or non-member. The club is also your summertime destination for special events like club activities, fun nights and pizza party Fridays.

Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA 19063
(610) 876-7116
www.linvilla.com

Known for their fresh apple pies, pumpkin patch and hayrides, Linvilla Orchards has the best kept secret in Delaware County. Not one but two separate swim clubs where the family-vibe is still alive. The first swim club, which opened in the 1930's, has evolved into Knowlton and Hidden Hollow. The baby pool is clover-shaped, the slides are twisty and the diving platforms soar up to 10 meters. If you want to take a break from the aquatics, the snack bar serves up farm fresh fare from the orchard.

Related: Top 5 Philly Pools And Waterparks 

Lake Absegami
762 Stage Road
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
(609) 296-1114
www.stateparks.com

Take a step back to a simpler place and a simpler time. Carved into the dense New Jersey Pine Barrens is Lake Absegami, where a day at the lake could not be easier. Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers and a first-aid station and a nearby concession shack offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies. Thanks to the calm shoreline and lifeguards you can sit back and relax either lakeside or on the beach.

North Shore Beach Club
1031 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 600-2584
www.northshorebeachclub.com

Private by day, public on select nights, North Shore Beach Club in Northern Liberties can be your retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The swim club is home to Philadelphia's only 21 and older swim club, so if the noise of children yelling at your neighborhood pool or splashing you with water when all you want to do is sun and fun, then you need to check out North Shore. The water oasis in the heart of one of Philly's trendiest neighborhoods boasts a 1500 square-foot pool, full restaurant and bar, sun deck complete with luxury cabanas and so much more.

Related: Top Indoor Pools In Philadelphia