Where to Find Outdoor Pools in Boston, and When They Open
Whether you want to swim laps or lounge in a cabana, take advantage of these local pools all summer long.
The Colonnade Rooftop Pool | photo provided
What’s summer without a pool? In a word: hot. It may be a little trickier to find an in-ground oasis in the middle of the city than it is in the ’burbs, but it’s hardly impossible. Whether it’s a swanky rooftop spot or an accessible but no-frills public pool you seek, here are the best places to take a dip, and when they open for the season. (Note: In case you were looking for it, the popular Rooftop at Revere has axed its pool this year, replacing it with covered outdoor seating instead).
The Colonnade Rooftop Pool
Dine al fresco, order cocktails, and lounge around on the deck, all while enjoying an amazing view of Boston’s Back Bay, an updated food and beverage menu, and brand-new cabanas. Though entrance to the pool is free for Colonnade guests, it’s a splurge for the public at $60 (and it’s only open to outsiders Monday-Wednesday).
Open May 27, 120 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-424-7000, colonnadehotel.com.
The Clubs at Charles River Park/photo provided
The Clubs at Charles River Park
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital, this complex boasts Boston’s largest outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, and wading pool. It also offers swimming lessons and aquatics fitness classes, in addition to traditional group exercise. Buy a season-long membership, or a day pass for $40 for adults ($30 after 4 p.m.) and $20 for children ($10 after 4 p.m.). Be sure to check the website: Sometimes the outdoor pool area is reserved for sunbathing only.
Open May 28, 10 Whittier Place, Boston, 617-726-2900, clubsatcrp.com.
Mirabella Pool/photo credit Jared Kuzia
Mirabella Pool
On the edge of the North End is Mirabella Pool. For only $20 a season, adults can take advantage of the pool while kids play in the spray ground. There’s also a concession stand and swimming lessons for kids.
Opens in June. 475 Commercial St., Boston, 617-635-1276, boston.gov.
Reilly Memorial Swimming Pool
Open every day from 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. all summer long, this outdoor pool is T-accessible, free, and staffed by lifeguards. It’s relatively no-frills, as you might expect of a free public pool, but it’s a great place to swim some laps on a hot day.
Open June 25, 355 Chestnut Hill Ave., Brighton, 617-277-7822, mass.gov.
Melnea A. Cass Memorial Swimming Pool
Any swimmer can come in for a dip until 6:45 p.m., and swimming lessons are offered for kids weekday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m.
Open June 25, 120 Martin Luther King Blvd., Roxbury, 617-445-0062, mass.gov.
Francis J. McCrehan Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool
Another free, city-operated pool, Francis J. McCrehan is open until late August and offers traditional swimming for adults and a wading pool for kids. It’s also close to the Alewife T stop, making it a breeze to get to with or without a car.
Open June 25. 359 Rindge Ave., Cambridge, 617-661-0670, mass.gov.
Veteran’s Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool
Located on Magazine Beach in Cambridge, Veteran’s pool is open daily from 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. It’s also adjacent to a 15-acre park that boasts exercise equipment and athletic fields.
Open June 25, 719 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, 617-661-0564, mass.gov.
Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool
Somerville’s Latta Brothers pool, which is open every day from 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., is a great, free way to squeeze in some laps.
Open June 25. 235 Broadway, Somerville, 617-666-9236, mass.gov.
Olsen Swimming Pool
In Hyde Park, the Olsen Swimming Pool is open every day from 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. It also has an accompanying spray deck for the kiddos.
Open June 25, 95 Turtle Pond Parkway, Hyde Park, 617-361-1593, mass.gov.
