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Best Swimming Pools in Nassau County

1. Cantiague Park – Hicksville

This is one of Nassau County's favorite outdoor pools. The impressive complex boasts two water slides, an Olympic-sized pool, a dive pool, a kiddie pool, a training pool, and a sprinkler pool. While it fills up quickly on a scorching summer day, having separate pools helps keep little ones safe while older kids have fun in the larger pools. Pool entrance fees and hours are on the website. 

2. Jones Beach State Park – Wantagh

Jones Beach is not only one of Long Island's premier beaches, it also offers a nature center, basketball courts, miniature golf, concerts, and a swimming pool. Known as the West Bathhouse pool, this Olympic-sized pool is large but can fill up quickly on a hot day, or on a day when the beach is closed. Arrive early to get your spot. There is a parking fee as well as a pool admission fee. There are also some admission programs, like the Empire Pass, as an option depending on where you live. Children 5 and younger are FREE.

3. Manorhaven Beach Park – Manorhaven

This 25,000-square-foot pool area boasts two water slides, a state-of-the-art play area, and a separate kiddie pool. There’s also a concession stand for food and snacks. The park offers plenty of other aquatic and non-aquatic activities for the whole family. You must be a resident of the Town of North Hempstead, or a guest accompanying a member, to enter the pool. Admission fees vary based on age and member status. Non-residents will have to show proof of residency, so call ahead of your visit for details or check registration information here.

4. Wantagh Park – Wantagh

This park is worth the price of admission with an Olympic-sized pool, a diving pool, a kiddie pool, an interactive sprinkler pool, and two 30-foot water slides. Plan to spend the day and leave time to walk along the waterfront, play on the playground, and fish on the pier. Pool entrance fees vary based on age and are lower if you have a Leisure Pass. Children 3 and younger are FREE. The pool is open to Nassau residents only. 

5. North Woodmere Park – Valley Stream

With six different pools, this swimming complex has something for everyone. Young kids enjoy the kiddie pool, training pool, and interactive sprinkler pool, while older kids, teens, and adults can cool off in the Olympic-sized swimming and dive pool. The pool is open to Nassau residents only. Pool entrance fees and hours can be found on the county website.

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Kiddie pools can help keep babies and toddlers cool in the hot summer. Photo by the author

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6. Centereach Pool – Centereach

The Centereach Pool welcomes Town of Brookhaven residents and non-residents alike. With a twisting water slide and a sprinkler area for younger kids, this pool seemingly has something for all ages and abilities. Parking is FREE, and the attached playground is large and worth a visit. Pool entrance fees vary based on residency and age.

7. Dix Hills Pool – Dix Hills

 This outdoor pool facility is great for the whole family with three diving boards, a kiddie pool, a playground area, and food concessions. There is also a large deck for catching some rays. Open to Town of Huntington residents only. Admission fees for residents vary based on recreation card status. 

8. Hidden Pond Park Pool – Hauppauge​

All guests can enjoy swimming in the full-sized pool, dive pool, and kiddie pool with interactive water toys. There is a cafe for food and drinks; coolers and outside food are not permitted. The pool entrance fees for Town of Islip residents, as well as non-residents, can be found on the website.

9. Holtsville Pool – Holtsville​

The second outdoor facility in the Town of Brookhaven has a kiddie pool and a large, eight-lane pool. Make a day of it and enjoy FREE admission to the town's ecology center and animal preserve. There is also a large playground and a picnic area available. Parking is FREE with a Town of Brookhaven resident sticker. Pool entrance fees vary based on residency and age.

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10. Montauk Downs State Park – Montauk

The pool at Montauk Downs State Park is the only public pool in the Hamptons. There is a large Olympic-sized pool as well as a kiddie pool, and showers are available. The park also offers championship tennis courts and a grill room that serves breakfast and lunch. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-11. 

This article is updated annually.