June 12, 2015
As the temperatures continue to rise, you will be looking for ways to keep cool.
Sure, a nice cold ice pop might do the trick, but if you're looking for a more adventurous way to beat the heat, you may want to check out these area swimming holes.
Don't forget your floaties!
Pools are the usual go-to swimming locations. If you don't have your own, don't fret. There are plenty of public pools in the area to take a dive.
O’Connor Pool located on South Street is free to the public and fully guarded. John B. Kelly Pool in Fairmount Park is also open to the public throughout the summer.
Philadelphia is filled with public pools to choose from.
If you are looking for something a little nicer or less crowded, you can also check out some local swim clubs.
Valley Forge Casino Resort's new Valley Beach Poolside Club opened for business this month. The casino's $600,000 renovation includes an open-air bar, cabanas, a sandy beach and a stage for entertainment. Day passes are $10, and season passes are $100 and include free admission for the tag holder and one guest and daily use of the pool until closing.
North Shore Beach Club on Germantown Avenue in Northern Liberties is Philadelphia’s only 21-and-older swim club. This spot features a 1500 square foot pool, full restaurant and bar, sun deck luxury cabanas and more. The club is private during daylight hours and is open to the public on select nights and special events. Check out membership options.
You could also check out Fox Chase Swim Club and Lombard Swim Club.
See more local pools.
Maybe you want to do more than just float or swim in a pool. Add in the fun of tubes and waterslides by venturing to a nearby waterpark.
Sahara Sam's Oasis in West Berlin is New Jersey's indoor and outdoor waterpark. Attractions include a lazy river, surfing simulator, tube and body slides, and an outdoor beach club. The waterpark is less than an hour's drive from Philadelphia.
Sesame Place in Langhorne is a great spot for some family fun. Enjoy rides, shows and water attractions including a slip and slide, splash castle, and rambling river.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Jackson, New Jersey, is just over an hour's drive from the city. From relaxing pools to waterslides, there are plenty of ways to keep cool. If you're up to it, venture to the theme park next door for some thrill rides.
If you're willing to make a slightly longer trek (about two hours by car), Hersheypark also has an assortment of water attractions.
For the more adventurous folk, a natural swimming hole might be a good way to beat the crowds and enjoy some fresh, outdoor fun. There are swimming holes all over Pennsylvania.
Devil's Pool is located in the Wissahickon Creek. (Devil's Pool/Facebook)
Perkiomen Creek runs to the southeast of Philadelphia. The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy offers a number of events for visitors, including a survival challenge and paddle sports.
Devil's Pool is a commonly visited local swimming hole located in the Wissahickon Creek. This spot is known for the 30-foot drop from a cliff into its natural basin. It is important to note that this spot has been closed in the past for dirty conditions. The Friends of the Wissahickon work to keep the area clean.
Just over an hour from Philly, Lake Absegami in New Jersey is a clean and safe spot for swimming, boating and canoeing. At Bellmawr Lake, also in New Jersey (less than half an hour away), you can enjoy swimming, a 100-foot waterslide, beach bar and more.
The Delaware River Water Trail also offers a few places to swim and partake in other water activities. You can also check out some local places to enjoy paddle sports like kayaking or canoeing.
Note: Some of these natural spots can be dangerous. They are not controlled with lifeguards like a local pool or waterpark would be. Be smart, be safe and swim at your own risk.
