Located in the scenic Rahway River Park, this Union County pool offers residents and non-residents the opportunity to swim, play, and lounge. The property includes an Olympic-size lap pool, a fenced-in baby pool, diving boards, a small playground, and a snack bar. There's also a zero-entry section in the wading pool and new sprinkler features. Parents will appreciate the in-pool seating. Admission fee information is located here.
Cool off in a stream-fed, chemical-free swimming pool in Ringwood. Photo courtesy of Highlands Natural Pool
This unique combo of lake and pool is worth a day trip! The Highlands Natural Pool is located next to Norvin Green State Forest. It is filled with stream-fed freshwater and contains no chemicals. While you’re there, take advantage of the snack bar, games like volleyball, and everything Norvin Green State Forest has to offer. Note that there is a $25 fee for non-members to reserve a picnic table with a charcoal grill. Entrance fees and hours are specified here.
This awesome community pool is a swim club and sprinkler park in one, featuring a 50-meter pool, diving pool, water slides, and a fenced-in kiddie pool with a sprinkler park. No need to leave for lunch—the pool houses a full-menu snack bar and picnic area. Information on guest pass fees is here; passes must be purchased online in advance.
Best Swimming Pools With Day Passes in Central NJ
Spending the day at Crystal Springs is like going to an amusement park. Aside from the full-size and kiddie pools, the club includes an enclosed splash pad, a giant water slide, and even a lazy river. Admission rates are listed on the aquatic center's website, and children ages 2 and under are FREE! Purchase online in advance before your planned visit.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Pool is an inexpensive place to cool off with the family. Photo courtesy of the pool
Go for a swim at Fort Monmouth’s Olympic-sized pool. Be sure to check the pool’s open-swim schedule, as it is used by camps at certain times. While visiting, check out Fort Monmouth’s other drop-in opportunities, such as pickleball and family gym time. Admission fees can be found here.
Rain or shine, bring the family for a swim at Five Star's indoor, heated pools. Currently, the Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Hanover, Eatontown, Edison, Galloway, Princeton, and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, locations offer open swim hours, which vary by location. Check the website for the varying fees and hours of the different locations.
Warrenbrook's kiddie pool is a welcoming spot for little ones. Photo by Mommy Poppins
Somerset County’s Warrenbrook Pool welcomes residents and nonresidents to spend the day swimming and relaxing. Both a large pool and kiddie pool, as well as a snack bar, are part of the facility. Check the pool's website for admission fees; children ages 3 and under are FREE. Admission is cash-only.
Daily pool passes are available for non-hotel guests for $40 per adult and $20 per child (ages 2-12). Passes are available Sunday through Friday, depending on capacity.
Best Swimming Pools With Day Passes in Southern NJ
The Roberts Pool complex features three swimming pools, including a wading pool, plus a nearby playground. Information on entry fees, which are cash only, can be found here. Children 2 and under are free. ID and proof of residency or dependency must be shown; call or check the website for more information.
In addition to the 25-meter pool, Crystal Lake has a wading pool, a splash pool, picnic tables, and a playground. Find hours and fees listed here.
The post was originally published in 2016 and is updated annually.