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Westchester County Pool, Beach, Splash Pad & Water Park Guide 2021: The Best Places to Swim, Splash and Slide

6/4/2021

 
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Playland Beach
Summer is here and it's time to start thinking about sun, sand and swimming! Unlike last summer, most places are open to enjoy with less restrictions. Hallelujah! 

Westchester County has plenty of great spots for families to have fun in the sun.
 Float down a lazy river, play pool basketball, splash in a spray park, build sandcastles, plunge down a water slide and much more this summer!

Here's our Westchester County Pool, Beach, Splash Pad & Water Park Guide for Summer 2021. It features all of the best local places to stay cool... and some of our favorites within a reasonable driving distance. Happy summer! Now let's dive in.

COVID Opening Details

Good news. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that beaches and pools will operate with six-foot social distancing in anticipation of Memorial Day. New York State's goal is to reopen them to 100 percent capacity by July 4. He also announced that outdoor amusement parks (and water parks) can open at 100% capacity as long as social distancing is maintained and masks are  used.

It's a good idea to check with the location you are going to before you head over to ensure you are aware of the latest COVID protocols and opening information. There may still be adjusted schedules, reservation requirements, capacity restrictions, health screenings and mask mandates.

Things change frequently so make sure you are in the know. We suggest keeping an eye on these websites for the latest COVID updates:
  • Westchester County Parks COVID-19 Updates 
  • Westchester Parks updates on Facebook & Twitter
  • Westchester County Beaches and Pools
  • ​NY State Parks COVID-19 Page
  • NY State COVID-19 Updates

Westchester County Launches New Park Pass

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Rye Playland Beach & Boardwalk
Did you know that Westchester County Parks has introduced new park passes? A pass will give you access and discounted admission to county pools, beaches, facilities and parking. It also allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the six all-weather tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. It's available to residents 12 years of age and older.  

Another option is a money-saving Season Swim Pass, which allows residents to pay one price to swim as often as they like all summer long. The pass also includes parking fees. It may be used at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle (if it opens for the season), Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts Brook Pools in Yonkers, and Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon. The pass is not accepted at Playland or Croton Point Parks. 

Pools

Westchester County Pools

​Good news! Westchester County run pools will open seven days a week beginning June 25 through the summer. Unfortunately the pool at Playland will be closed for construction through the entire summer. Coronavirus health & safety measures will be in effect at all county beaches and pools. Fees for each pool are available here.

Keep in mind that Westchester County pools are only open to County residents (proof of residency is required with a County park pass or a valid New York State driver's license with a Westchester address).
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Saxon Woods
1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605
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Located in a 700 acre park, Saxon Woods is a great place to spend a hot summer day with your family. It has something for everyone including the county’s largest swimming pool, a children’s aquatic playground, mini golf course, 18-hole golf course, large playground and picnic areas. It's the county’s only playground that is accessible to the disabled.
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​​​Sprain Ridge Pool
149 Jackson Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
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Following a major renovation, Sprain Ridge Pool is the county's newest pool! It has an aquatic spray playground for children and a rebuilt child-friendly pool and main lap pool. There is also a bathhouse, food concession area, restrooms, showers, and locker room, all freshly updated.
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Tibbetts Brook Park
355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704
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While Tibbetts does not have a standard swimming pool like some of the many other parks on this list it won't disappoint! Instead there's a lazy river that carries you in a tube on a journey around the pool. There is also a spray playground as well as in-pool benches, basketball and volleyball. Plus water slides! New for 2021: new pickleball court next to the tennis courts!
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Willson’s Waves Park
East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550​
​

Willson’s Waves Pool is a secret thrill in the heart of Lower Westchester, residing in Mount Vernon.  There's waves, water slides, a spray park, splash pad, providing families plenty of opportunities to have fun and get wet. Kids can body surf on three-foot waves and splash downward on an 18-foot high water slide! This park can be a parents dream come true to assist with those hyper toddlers or just to get these kids away from the screens for an afternoon of excitement!
​Additional Pool Options 
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Town of Greenburgh Kids Pool
Town Pools

Many towns in Westchester also have pools for town residents only. Check with your town recreation department for details, permit information, guest policies and opening dates.


Private Swim & County Clubs

Westchester County has no shortage of private pool and county clubs. These clubs provide nice amenities like seating, dining, entertainment, sports instruction, camps and more. The Westchester County Swimming Association has a great list of some to consider. If Country Clubs are more your thing there is a good list of Westchester County golf clubs from the NYSGA.  

Not all country clubs have golf so if that is not important to you then expand your search to other local clubs as well. If you want to be among friends or family ask for recommendations to discover which local clubs are their favorites.
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State Parks

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In addition there are family-friendly pools at nearby NY State Parks. Since you are not restricted based on a membership or town residency NY State Park pools are a great opportunity to meet up with out-of-town friends and family. 

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80. If you are planning to use the State Park facilities often this could be a good investment. The pass provides all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online.

At Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park the pool is twice the size of an Olympic-sized pool and holds over 3,500 bathers at once. For more water fun rent a rowboat or pedal boat.

Bear Mountain State Park has a large pool in a wooded setting with scenic views. While you are there take advantage of the Trailside Zoo and the paddle and row boats! 

Rockland Lake State Park is a great place to spend the day. Enjoy a huge 25,000 square foot zero entrance swimming pool with diving boards, a spray ground and two exciting water slides. 

Beaches

Westchester County Beaches
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Croton Point Beach
1A Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Camping, playgrounds and a swim in the Hudson? These are all available at the county-run Croton Point Beach. The beach is quaint and the park is large with plenty of spots to picnic and relax. It's definitely best to get there early and make sure you get a good spot. While there you can take in scenic views of the river, watch the boats come in and out, see the trains and just absorb some of Mother Nature’s true beauty in Westchester County. No pets allowed. 

​Dates: Opening Saturday, May 29 10am - 6:30pm. Open only Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Following the last weekend in June, Croton Point will be open Wednesday through Sunday. 

Admission: Adults: $4, Children 5 to 11: $3, Children Under 5: free. Open to anyone, county residency not required.

Parking: Daily with Park Pass: $5, Daily resident non-Park Pass holder (NYS driver's license req.): $10, Senior Citizen (with Sr. Park Pass) (except Saturdays, Sundays & holidays): $1 .
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Playland Beach
1 Playland Parkway, Rye, New York 10580

Also run by Westchester County, Rye Playland's beach is a great nearby spot to enjoy summer! Walk on the boardwalk, build sandcastles in the soft sand, swim in Long Island Sound and enjoy all of the attractions! There's Rye Playland which has an amusement park, carnival games, fireworks, live entertainment and mini golf (opening June 26)! Just next door you can head to the all-new Charley's Pier Restaurant or the Westchester Children's Museum. Unfortunately this year the Playland Pool will not be open due to necessary repairs. No pets allowed. 

​Dates: Opening Saturday, May 29 10am - 6:30pm. Open only Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (Monday, May 31 and Monday, September 6) through June 20. Open daily starting June 25. 

Admission: Adults: $4, Children 5 to 11: $3, Children Under 5: free. Open to anyone, county residency not required.

Parking: $10 (no Park Pass discounts).
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Glen Island Beach
Closed until further notice. Whether or not the control of Glen Island Park will be turned back over to the county from the state, which is still operating a coronavirus testing facility is to be determined.
Additional Beach Options

Town Beaches

​Some towns along the shoreline have private beaches accessible to residents only. Check with your town for details, permit information and opening dates. On the other hand some town beaches do allow non-residents to use the beach. 
​
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Harbor Island Park 
123 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck,  NY 10543

Stephen E. Johnston Beach at Harbor Island Park is open to non-residents and is a beautiful spot in Mamaroneck with a swimming beach, spray park and playground.

The beach will open for the Summer 2021 Season on Friday, May 28, 2021 (the Friday before Memorial Day weekend). The Beach will be staffed every day, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, until Monday, September 6, 2021 (Labor Day). However it is open to VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK RESIDENTS ONLY on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 9:00 am and 12:00pm. Outside these days and times, the beach is open to residents and non-residents alike.

The Spray Ground will be open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only due to campers using it during the week.
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​
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Oakland Beach/Rye Town Park
95 Dearborn Ave, Rye, NY 10580

Rye Town Park is located adjacent to the Playland Beach in Rye and is a county favorite. Enjoy building sandcastles, swimming and a picnicking at this beautiful spot. Because the beach is operated by Rye and not the county prices for non-residents (permits, parking and beach access) are a bit steep. There are also parking restrictions during peak times which only allow residents and permit holders to enter (park at Playland instead and walk over).  
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Hudson Park & Beach
1 Hudson Park Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Enjoy the best summer has to offer at the beach. There is a grassy recreation area with a playground, a music bandshell, seating area, bathing beaches and parking.

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​Private Beaches & Beach Clubs

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Westchester County also has a number of private beaches and clubs. These clubs can offer an oasis to parents who would rather avoid having to schlep chairs to the beach! Enjoy convenient amenities like dining, camps, sports facilities and more. It's a good idea to ask local neighbors and friends for club recommendations so you can enjoy the long summer days together.
​Nearby Lakes

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Lakes provide a campy and picturesque atmosphere to enjoy a calm beach day. They are also very affordable.
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Canopus Lake at Fahnestock State Park 
1570 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512

If you are looking to have a family day in the “country” then Canopus Lake is the right spot for you! Just north of Westchester County, off the Taconic State Parkway, this quiet and easily accessible lake with a sandy beach is great for relaxing. After parking, you walk towards the beach and will pass large bathrooms on your left. Along with swimming, Canopus Lake offers visitors fishing on a dock (and row boats available for rent). With beautiful scenery among the mountains Canopus Lake is a wonderful day trip.

The swimming lake opens May 29th for weekends only. Then 7 days a week on June 26. Hours are 9am to 6pm. It is $9 per car for entry and parking, collected weekends and holidays May 29 to June 20 then daily through September 6.
 ​

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​​Lake Welch at Harriman State Park
800 Kanawaukee Road, Stony Point, NY 10980

Inside the beautiful Harriman State Park, this wonderful Lake is a delight, which includes grills, picnic areas, fishing, hiking and a beach to swim. Lake Welch is a must see being a man-made lake with a half mile long sandy beach amongst the mountains. The calm water is great for young children.

Swimming opens May 29 and runs weekends and holidays only through June 20 10:00am - 5:45pm. From June 21 through September 6 hours are 9:00am - 6:45pm on weekends and holidays and 10:00am - 5:45pm Monday through Friday. There is $10/car parking fee (cash only) applied during the Swimming season from: 8:00am to 4:00pm weekdays and 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends and holidays.
​Long Island Beaches

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Enjoy boardwalks, sandy beaches and big waves in Long Island. If you are planning a trip for the day plan for traffic as these beaches are very popular. Try a fun excursion and take the ferry out to Fire Island for the day with your kids!
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Compo Beach
Connecticut Beaches

Connecticut's shoreline, along Long Island Sound, has a number of swimming beaches to enjoy. Many locals enjoy Wesport's Compo Beach— although it is expensive to get in and also difficult because they limit the number of non-residents to 100 cars per day.

Sherwood Island State Park is a great affordable alternative although it is very rocky so make sure to  bring water shoes. There is plenty of space to swim, picnic and relax in the summer sun.

In Greenwich you can visit Greenwich Point Park (Tod's Point), Byram Park, Island Beach and Great Captain Island but you need to 
get an entry pass in advance. While these are beautiful, nearby spots the entry requirements and restrictions for non-residents can make them unviable.
​


New Jersey Beaches

​
Head "down the shore" for surf, sand, fun and sun at the Jersey Shore. The beaches are gorgeous and filled with attractions sure to please the entire family. Whether it's a day trip or a week away, you'll discover a great beach getaway in NJ.

Splash Pads & Spray Parks in Westchester County

While many of the above pools and beaches have splash pads, there are a number of additional parks without pools that have FREE and fabulous spray parks for children! Great for younger kids, the sprinklers, sprayers, jets and buckets will provide endless entertainment and a break from the heat this summer. Watch them run with delight! 

Keep in mind summer is just starting so some locations may not be open yet. Check with the town for the latest updates.

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Louis Engel Waterfront Park
25 Westerly Rd, Ossining, NY 10562

Resurfaced and upgraded in 2019, this colorful, soft and marine-themed splash pad is the perfect spot to cool off and chill out. The beautiful views of the Hudson River provide the perfect backdrop for a fun and relaxing day. While you are there you can also enjoy the playground, complete with swings, a train, slide and more to keep those little ones busy for hours. It's the perfect spot for a play date.
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Pierson Park
238 West Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591

​Also on the Hudson River, Tarrytown's Pierson Park is another park with fantastic views. The splash pad has lots of jets, sprayers and sprinklers to enjoy as well as a playground, paved bike/walk paths and plenty of grass to play on.  Bring a scooter or bike and make a day of it! Currently repairs are being made, opening date TBD.
​​Barnhart Park
​25 Andrews Ln, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

Enjoy a day at the playground with some water fun. This park has a small water park area with sprinklers, two large playgrounds, volleyball courts, a soccer field and a basketball court.  And just like the others... scenic views of the Hudson River.
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Carol Nichols Park
19 White Plains Ave., Elmsford, NY 10523
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No views here but still plenty to do! Slide, climb and explore on the playground then cool off in the spray park. Bring lunch and have a picnic!

Outdoor Water Parks Near Westchester County

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Splash Down Beach
16 Old Route 9W, Fishkill, NY 12524

​Seriously though, who doesn't love a water park on a hot day? After being closed all last summer, Splash Down Beach will be opening on Saturday, May 29 for the season! With 15 large wet and wild attractions for all ages, this nearby water park is a great day trip (just an hour's drive). Take a journey down the lazy river, plunge down dozens of water slides, splash around in SplashWorks, ride the waves in the wave pool and so much more. Lots to do for little kids, big kids and adults. Not to miss!
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Playland Park
1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580
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Thrill seekers will be pleased to know that Playland Park will reopen June 26 and operate through Labor Day weekend. It will be open Wednesday through Sunday as well as Monday, July 5 and Monday, Sept. 6. While it's not technically a water park, it's right next to the water so we included it! Plus you can plunge down the log flume ride for a big splash!
Additional Water Parks

If you are into the thrill of water parks and up for a drive, then check out these outdoor water parks in the tri-state area and beyond. Whether it's kid-sized slides or a terrifying weightless plunge you are looking for, this list has something for everyone. 

​An adventurous getaway may just be what you need this summer! Check with the park before heading over to see if advance reservations or health screenings are required.
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Splish Splash
New York Water Parks

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Relatively close water parks in New York feature just about everything! Try the dark, enclosed slides, raging rapids, tidal wave pools, interactive kiddie attractions and more. Visit these parks: Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Six Flags Great Escape, Splish Splash and Zoom Flume.
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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
New Jersey Water Parks

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New Jersey has a number of incredible water parks to get soaked! Fly like Tarzan on a rope swing, walk the moon walk, plunge down endless slides, ride along a crazy and lazy river and much more! Check out the all new Diggerland, Keansburg Amusement Park, Land of Make Believe, Morey's Piers, Mountain Creek, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Thundering Surf.
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Lake Compounce
Connecticut Water Parks

Connecticut is home to plenty of water excitement at  Lake Compounce, Ocean Beach Park and Quassy.  Plunge down the falls, race your friends, ride the rapids, get blasted by water cannons and much more.
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Hershey Park
Pennsylvania Water Parks

Pennsylvania has a number of massive water parks for an unforgettable wet and wild experience. Check out attractions like the longest mat racing slide in the world, adventure river, slip n slide, Python Plummet, watery bridges, kiddie pools and splash zones! These  splashtacular parks include Camelbeach, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Dutch Wonderland, Hershey Park and Sesame Place.
It's been a challenging year for all of us as the pandemic raged on. We can all use a little fun and sun to recharge our battery and look forward to happier times together. Wishing all of our readers good health and better times ahead. Here's to a great summer!

More Articles You May Enjoy
Chance Cook link
8/5/2021 10:46:00 am

I'll be sure to check with COVID regulations before going to a water park. If they are all closed where I live then I'll just get my own slide. So either way, I am going on a waterslide this Summer.


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