Best Outdoor Swimming Spots In Pittsburgh
Whether you are looking to beat the heat, need a little exercise or want to spend a relaxing day with family or friends, swimming is a great way to spend a summer day. Great spots for swimming abound in Pittsburgh, so there is no shortage of cool water and sunny spots to enjoy. So round up the kids, pack up the sun block and head for one of these great swimming spots near the city.
CitiParks Pools
Locations throughout the city
(412)244-4186
www.pittsburghpa.gov
Pittsburgh CitiParks pools open in mid-June and are open through Labor Day. You can swim from 1 - 7:45 p.m. on weekdays and 1 - 5:45 p.m. on weekends. A pool pass is inexpensive, and it will get you unlimited admission to any one of the 17 pool locations around the city and also admission to the Oliver Bath House on rainy days and throughout the winter.
Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center
1551 Mayview Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
(412) 221-1099
www.twpusc.org
Located in the South Hills, the Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center has a super fun pool complete with water slides and water play features. Perfect for young children, the pool has zero depth entry areas so that even children just learning to walk can play and splash to their heart's content. If it's a rainy day, the center offers an indoor pool with the same great amenities.
Settler's Cabin Park Wave Pool
1225 Greer Road
Oakdale, PA 15071
(412)787-2750
Settler's Cabin Park is a large historic park that spans throughout Collier, North Fayette and Robinson Townships. The park features a wave pool which has long been a favorite of children, teens and families in the area. When you are done swimming, there is plenty of space in the park to explore, picnic and play. It is a great place to spend the entire day.
Related: Best Summer Day Camps In Pittsburgh
Sandcastle
1000 Sandcastle Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15120
(412)462-6666
www.sandcastlewaterpark.com
Sandcastle is the ultimate place to enjoy swimming in Pittsburgh. There are 15 water slides, a wave pool, a mushroom pool and a lazy river for your splashing pleasure, all located along a "boardwalk" that will make you feel like you are away on vacation. Admission for all of this fun is a very reasonable $35.99 for the day and if you live close by, a season pass is a bargain at only $49.99. Plus there are plenty of tasty food options and plenty of places just to relax and show off your new swimsuit.
Raccoon Creek State Park
3000 State Route 18
Hookstown, PA 15050
(724)899-2200
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
If you are looking for a more natural swim experience, Raccoon Creek State Park offers beautiful lake for swimming. With 500 feet of sand and turf beach, swimming is permitted at the lake, from 8 a.m. until sunset. There is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk. The park offers a nearby bath house and refreshment stand for your comfort throughout the day.
Jennifer Stockdale is a native of the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. She is a restaurant marketer and wine enthusiast and one of the hosts of the East Coast Wine Geeks Podcast. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
