Photo above of swimmers at South Park Pool courtesy of Allegheny County Parks.
UPDATED NEWS: CitiParks recently announced that it will make access to CitiParks swimming pools free to all Pittsburgh children from birth to age 15. Get the details right here.
School is out, and pools are open! In addition to the city of Pittsburgh’s nine public pools (which are free to residents 15 and under!), there are so many great pools and waterparks around the region where your family can cool off. Buy one membership, or hop around all summer!
We’ve listed admission price ranges, which vary based on residency, age, and time of day/week for most pools, and included links so you can see exact prices for your family. Please check each pool’s website before venturing out — ongoing lifeguard shortages do sometimes mean last-minute closures.
Holding 2,225,000 gallons of water, this massive pool was considered to be one of the largest in the world when it opened in the 1930’s. It is still one of the biggest in the area. The splash pad, ninja course, and fun-packed baby pool are popular with families, and the admission ranges from just $1-$8.
Community and Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park
With slides, climbers, and sprayers, this pool is packed with things to do. Pre-registration is required for non-members, so sign up at the link above to book a great day at this waterpark. The cost is $15 per person. And get membership information here.
Located in Butler, this pool has zero-depth entry (no steps) that’s great for little kids. You’ll also find two enclosed tube slides, a drop slide and climbing wall. Admission is $10 or less per person, and moonlight swims are just $5 with a movie screening.
Meadville Area Recreation Complex
If you’re up for a drive, this complex is about 90 minutes out of the city. It’s worth the trip. There are sprayers, lap lanes, a waterslide, and tons of room to spread out. The cost is $7 per person. While you’re up there, check out public swimming at Fireman’s Beach on Conneaut Lake.
This pool has long been a central hangout in walkable Zelienople, but several years ago a renovation project added some great features — including a zero-entry baby area with water features, lounge chairs in the pool for watching your kiddos in total comfort, a climbing wall, water slides, and more. There’s a skatepark next door, so pack your wheels too. Admission ranges from $8-$14
If you’re looking for adventure but can’t sleep over, the day rate at this Jellystone Park in the Laurel Highlands is a great option. Kids under 3 and adults over 100 are free, and others range from $8-$25 per day. A day pass includes access to all three pools, multiple water slides, a child area with sprayers and a pirate ship for climbing, plus a jump pad, snowless snow tubing, free wagon/picnic basket rides, arts and crafts, and more. It’s worth the trip. If you’re not staying overnight, it might be worth it to rent a cabana for the day.
This massive public pool includes zero-depth entry with a tipping tiki bucket, a splash pad, a giant sandbox with water features for filling moats around your sandcastles, and plenty of room to spread out. Large permanent shade umbrellas are spread throughout the grassy area if you get there early. This pool is fully ADA accessible. Admission ranges from $7-$15.
Settlers Cabin Wave Pool, Boyce Park Wave Pool, and South Park Wave Pool
In addition to North Park’s massive pool, Allegheny County also runs three wave pools. Babies and toddlers love to sit in the gentle waves by the “shore” while the deeper waters offer adventure for bigger kids and adults. Pricing is affordable — no one pays more than $8 and some kids are just a buck!
Pittsburgh’s own waterpark is actually a great option for both high adventure and lazing around. The slides and wave pool are the main attraction for most folks. But the quieter pools, tiny slides and water playground along the Monongahela River are perfect for young families, too. The lazy river is known for lulling infants (and parents) to sleep. Check with local community centers as many have discounted tickets available to Sandcastle.
This pool features a speed slide, dumping bucket and other fun features. It’s part of an RV park in Charleroi, but pool-only memberships are available. Guests can visit with a member for $6-$10 per person.
Hampton Township Community Pool
With spray features, water slides, and plenty of room to spread out, this public pool is a great option for families with a wide age range of kids. Admission ranges from $6-$20 depending on age, residency, and time of day. Evenings (4 p.m.- 7 p.m.) are a bargain beginning at just $6! Details here.
You’ll find a separate zero-depth tiny tot area featuring sprayers and a small slide, plus the larger pool with lap lanes, a waterslide and a peninsula dividing the deepest area from the rest of the pool. The clear depth delineations make this a great pool for families with swimmers of different skill levels. For nonresidents, the cost is $15 per day.
Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the fun! We also have guides to local spray parks and also indoor pools for those rainy days.
