Boston's Best Waterparks And Pools
Unless you're a member of a country club, it can be a little challenging to find a place to cool off when the city is sweltering. Affordable options are just around the corner, whether you're looking for a place where you can swim all summer long or just drop in intermittently for an occasional dip. Even in the midst of the city, Boston's watery meccas provide the perfect summer place to relax, exercise, take a dip and just enjoy the sun.
Roof Top Pool at The Colonnade Hotel
120 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 425-3408
www.colonnadehotel.com
Price: $40 per day/$25 after 3 p.m./free to hotel guests
Open to the public on Monday through Friday from the day after Memorial Day until October, The Colonnade Hotel's Rooftop Pool is the only one of its kind in the city. It's a very popular venue, and because space is limited, it's best to call a day in advance to make sure you won't be disappointed by an at-capacity pool. The pool is a complimentary amenity to hotel guests, who have exclusive use of the facility on weekends. Changing rooms and showers are available to everyone, and light lunches and suppers may be ordered from the hotel's on-site snack bar.
Related: Cooling Centers in Boston
The Clubs at Charles River Park
10 Whittier Place
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 726-2900
www.clubsatcrp.com
Price: $40 per adult/$20 per child before 4 p.m./$30 and $10 after 4 p.m.
For the first time ever, the heated indoor and outdoor pools at The Clubs at Charles River Park are open to the public this summer on a drop-in basis, with no membership commitment required. Call ahead to make sure that space is available, but drop-ins are welcome seven days a week, except for Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. A poolside cafe serves a light child-friendly menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and sandwiches, and offers catered summer parties.
Gold Star Pool
Berkshire and Cambridge Streets
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 349-6310
www.Cityofcambridge.gov
Price: 75 cents
The Gold Star Pool is the only city-owned pool in Cambridge, and it's open daily for eight weeks during the height of the summer (from late June through late August). It's the place to go if you want to be refreshed on a stifling, humid day as it's unheated and can get a little chilly. Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, and smokers must stay at least 20 feet from pool's edge. Families are free to bring their own drinks and snacks, but they aren't allowed near the water.
Wayland Community Pool
258 Old Connecticut Path
Wayland, MA 01778
(508) 358-8999
www.waylandcommunitypool.org
Price: from $5 to $30 for day passes/$310 senior summer membership/$770 family membership
The Wayland Community pool is a 10-lane, 25-yard indoor/outdoor pool with two diving boards open daily year round for recreation, fitness and swimming instruction. Pool pass holders are entitled to bring a guest at the resident rate any time. As a pool dedicated to great causes, be mindful of lessons and swim meets for area kids here from late spring through the summer.
Boston College Pool
Flynn Recreation Complex
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-0797
www.bc.edu
Price: $150 individual membership/$400 family membership
Members of the community may use the indoor Olympic-size pool at the Flynn Recreation Complex for the months of June, July and August, but must pay a membership fee for the season. Lockers and towels are available for seasonal rental as well. Pool hours extend from early morning to late at night, and there are times when only lap-swimming is permitted, so mind the schedule. Summer memberships include use of the facility's other amenities, including fitness classes and weight training.
Related: Boston's Best Mini Golf Courses
Maureen Harmonay wears many hats. She is a real estate agent who specializes in country estates, antique homes, and horse properties in the metrowest suburbs of Boston. With certifications in Feng Shui and as an Eco-Broker, she is keenly attuned to how energy affects the health of a home and its occupants, both humans and pets. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
