Public Pools Where You Can Swim for Free Around Philadelphia, Mapped
We’ve mapped (and listed!) the city’s public pools open this summer.
The Northern Liberties Recreation Center has one of the many public pools in Philly. / Photograph by Margo Reed
While last year not a single one of Philly’s pools was open, this year, Philadelphians have the chance to enjoy some relief from the sweltering summer heat at the city’s many public pools. No need to head to the Shore (not that we don’t love the beach), because there are plenty of pool options for you to dive into across the region — for free!
Before heading out to show off those Olympic swimming skills, be sure to check if your local pool-of-choice is open. Philadelphia’s Parks and Recreation Department recently announced that 22 of the city’s outdoor sites would remain closed this year due to lifeguard shortages. (Out of those remaining closed, 73 percent of them are located in Philly neighborhoods with a median income of less than $40,000, as reported by the Inquirer.) The remaining 47 pools will be opening at various points throughout the season. Operating times also differ for each location, so be sure to search the pool Finder app for updates on swimming hours, free lessons, and swim team activities.
The list below details when each pool will be open and operating, starting June 30th.
Citywide Public Pool Hours
Daily: Noon to 5 p.m.
Refer to your pool of choice for days and times of open swim, family swim, and adult swim.
Public Pools in Philly
Already open
J. Finnegan Playground (6801 Grovers Ave., 19142)
Mander Playground (2140 N. 33rd St., 19121)
Samuel Recreation Center (3539 Gaul St., 19134)
Vogt Recreation Center (4131 Unruh Ave., 19135)
July 1st
Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond St., 19137)
Francisville Playground (1737 Francis St., 19130)
Lackman Playground (1101 Bartlett St., 19115)
Simpson Recreation Center (1010 Arrott St., 19124)
July 2nd
Barry Playground (1800 Johnston St., 19145)
Cobbs Creek Recreation Center (280 Cobbs Creek Pkwy., 19139)
Kendrick Recreation Center (5822 Ridge Ave., 19128)
Northern Liberties Recreation Center (321 Fairmount Ave., 19123)
July 3rd
American Legion Playground (6201 Torresdale Ave., 19135)
Cherashore Playground (851 W. Olney Ave., 19120)
Fox Chase Recreation Center (7901 Ridgeway St., 19111)
Murphy Recreation Center (300 W. Shunk St., 19148)
July 6th
Marian Anderson Recreation Center (740 S. 17th St., 19146)
Hancock Playground (1401 N. Hancock St., 19122)
Heitzman Recreation Center (2136 Castor Ave., 19134)
Kelly Pool (4231 Landsdowne Dr., 19131)
Max Myers Playground (1601 Hellerman St., 19149)
July 7th
Cione Playground (2600 E. Aramingo Ave., 19125)
Mitchell Playground (3700 Whitehall Ln., 19114)
Penrose Playground (1101 W. Susquehanna Rd., 19122)
Pleasant Playground (6757 Chew Ave., 19119)
Vare Recreation Center (2600 Morris St., 19145)
July 8th
Houseman Recreation Center (5091 Summerdale Ave., 19124)
Jacobs Playground (4500 Linden Ave., 19114)
Kingsessing Recreation Center (4901 Kingsessing Ave., 19143)
Sacks Playground (400 Washington Ave., 19147)
Schmidt Playground (113 W. Ontario St., 19140)
July 9th
Awbury Recreation Center (6101 Ardleigh St., 19138)
Christy Recreation Center (728 S. 55th St., 19143)
Jardel Recreation Center (1400 Cottman Ave., 19111)
Martin Luther King Recreation Center (2101 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 19121)
Stinger Square (1400 S. 32nd St., 19146)
July 10th
Athletic Recreation Center (1400 N. 26th St., 19121)
Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center (2551 N. 22nd St., 19132)
Feltonville Recreation Center (4726-4700 Ella. St., 19120)
Shepard Recreation Center (5700 Haverford Ave., 19131)
Tustin Playground (5901 W. Columbia Ave., 19151)
Opening date TBD
Norman (Butch) Ellis Playground (700 N. 39th St., 19104)
Otis T. Ford Recreation Center (609 Snyder Ave., 19148)
Lee Cultural Center (4328 Haverford Ave., 19104)
Lonnie Young Recreation Center (1100 E. Chelten Ave., 19138)
O’Connor Pool (2601 South St., 19146)
Scanlon Playground (1099 E. Tioga St., 19134)
To help you find the pool nearest you, here is a map of all the public pools open in Philly this summer.
