Guide to Philadelphia Beaches, Pools, Splash Pads, and Lakes

Find the best places to go swimming or play in the water near Philly: our favorite lists of beaches, lakes, and pools include everything from the Jersey Shore to wading pools, lazy rivers, water castles, water slides, splash pads, water holes, and lakes!

Here's how to get wet and keep cool this summer in Philadelphia.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Great Local Beaches and More
10 Things To Do with Toddlers at the Jersey Shore
Go fishing at the the Virginia Beach Pier.
Virginia Beach with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Virginia Beach, VA
Stone Harbor Beach with Kids: What you Need to Know Before you Go
Island Waterpark's retractable awning keeps the summer weather in while keeping the rain out. Photo courtesy of Island Waterpark
40 Fun Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day on the Jersey Shore 2025
Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May
Enjoy a trip through scenic Chester County. Photo courtesy of Northbrook Canoe Company.
Best Philadelphia Boat Rides and Cruises for Families

Latest Beaches & Lakes News

Lake Anza is a gorgeous spot for a dip in nature. Photo by photo by Jason via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Swimming Lakes and Swim Holes Near San Francisco You Need To Discover
Dive into these natural swimming pools!
READ MORE
A pile of buckets goes a long way with young kids at the beach.
Your Essential Beach List: Best Baby Beach Gear, Umbrellas, Wagons, and Tips for a Fun Beach Day
Here's the stuff that's actually worth hauling to the beach with kids.
READ MORE
Play in the sand and wade in the surf at Stinson Beach. Photo by Stefan Klocek, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Best Beaches in San Francisco for Kids and Families
Play in the sand and splash in the surf.
READ MORE
One of the best vacation adventures ever awaits in Lake Tahoe. Photo courtesy of Tree Top Adventure
25 Things To Do in Lake Tahoe with Kids
Ski, swim, soar, and sail in gorgeous Lake Tahoe.
READ MORE
12 West Coast Beach Camping Sites for Families
Sleep under the stars and next to the crashing waves at these seaside campgrounds.
READ MORE
Top Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea for a Family Getaway
From pristine beaches and the start of Big Sur to missions and kid-friendly wineries and even some...
READ MORE
Load more