On those long, hot days of summer, getting wet is the only game in town. Prepare to beat the heat this year with a membership to one of these local community pools or swim clubs! If membership isn’t your thing, check out these public splash pads for your go-to, water fun this summer. Your kids will think you’re the coolest!

Community Pools

Ardmore Avenue Pool

Vernon V. Young Memorial Park & Swimming Pool
122 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore

The Ardmore Pool is part of the 5+ acre Vernon V. Young Memorial Park, in Lower Merion Township. The Ardmore Pool facility features a twisting water slide and handicap access in the main pool, plus a tot pool with water fountain features. Membership is required to swim at the Ardmore Pool. The pool is open on weekends, beginning Memorial Day weekend until mid-June. From mid-June until Labor Day, the Ardmore Pool is open 7 days a week from 11 am – 8 pm on weekends and 12 pm – 8 pm on weekdays.

Belmont Hills Pool at Lewis J. Smith Park

122 Mary Waters Ford Road, Bala Cynwyd

The Belmont Hills Pool complex sits on more that six acres and features a main pool, a lap pool and a tot pool. Special features include a large twisting slide in the main pool and fun fountains in the tot pool. Membership is required to swim at the Belmont Hills Pool. This pool facility is part of Lower Merion Township Parks & Recreation and has the same seasonal schedule as the Ardmore Avenue Pool. The pool is open on weekends, beginning Memorial Day weekend until mid-June. From mid-June until Labor Day, the Belmont Hills Pool is open 7 days a week from 11 am – 8 pm on weekends and 12 pm – 8 pm on weekdays.

Marsh Creek Swimming Pool 

675 Park Road, Downingtown

The Marsh Creek Swimming Pool is located in Marsh Creek Park. This public pool complex offers a nearly half-acre sized pool and splash zone, plus food bar, pavilion with charcoal grill, bathhouses, and changing areas. The pool complex is fully wheelchair accessible. Admission with daily fee or seasonal membership only. The Marsh Creek Swimming Pool will be open 7 days a week beginning Memorial Day weekend.

Phoenixville Outdoor Pool at the YMCA

400 E. Pothouse Road, Phoenixville

In the summer, families who are members of the Phoenixville YMCA enjoy the facility’s spacious outdoor, pool center. Family-friendly pool area features include a family fun pool, sprayground, water slides, designated lounge spaces, and convenient locker rooms. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the pool will be open 7 days a week.

Upper Merion Township Pool 

431 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia

The Upper Merion Township Pool is open to both residents and non-residents of Upper Merion Township who purchase a membership. The pool complex is located on the same property as the Community Center and is open from 11 am – 8 pm, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. During the weeks that Upper Merion schools are still in session, the pool is open on weekends only. Memberships may be purchased online, or by visiting the Upper Merion Community Center.

Swim Clubs

Aronimink Swim Club

1180 Dermond Rd, Drexel Hill

Aronimink Swim Club was founded in 1938 and boasts two full-size pools, including one reserved exclusively for adults. The facilities also include a playground, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a snack bar. Membership is required at Aronimink Swim Club and is available to those who live within the club’s set boundaries.

​Conestoga Swim Club

501 Sproul Road, Villanova

The Conestoga Swim Club is membership-based recreational club with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and paddle ball. The swim club will be open full-time on June 16th, with limited hours beginning Memorial Day weekend. To apply for membership you must be a resident of Radnor Township and obtain a membership application from an existing member.

The Cynwyd Club

 332 Trevor Lane, Bala Cynwyd

Founded in 1913, The Cynwyd Club is a private club for tennis, squash, swimming, fitness, banquets, and socializing situated on two and a half acres. The Cynwyd Club has an outdoor salt water pool which features multiple lanes for swimming and competitions. There is also a wading pool for toddlers. The pool area features a patio, snack bar and shower facilities. Contact The Cynwyd Club for membership options.

Hilltop Swim Club

90 Hilltop Road, Havertown

Hilltop Swim Club is a non-profit, private swim club and recreational facility in Haverford Township. Lots of trees and lush grass enhance its’ spacious pool area, with a six lane, L-shaped pool, 12′ diving well with diving board and water slide, and a separately gated baby pool and pool deck. Also enjoy basketball, volleyball, shuffle-board, ping-pong, horseshoe pits, and full service snack bar, plus a picnic grove. Use of barbecue grills is welcome. Membership is required at Hilltop Swim Club.

The Martin’s Dam Club

1045 Croton Road, Wayne

Organized in 1924 to provide swimming and other sporting activities, Martin’s Dam has retained the founder’s original “old swimming hole” atmosphere. You’ll find 40 woodsy, landscaped acres with swimming, diving, tennis, platform tennis, basketball, fishing, ping pong, and picnicking. The application process for membership requires that four existing members recommend an applicant.

St. Albans Swim and Tennis Club

160 Brookside Rd, Newtown Square

This family-friendly, inclusive swim club offers three swimming pools, including a zero-entry toddler pool with a mushroom fountain and lap swimming pool on 17 landscaped acres. St. Albans also offers pickleball, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, gaga ball, and a playground. For tennis enthusiasts, there are eight tennis courts, a hitting wall, and ball machine. Members can also enjoy the full-service snack bar at St. Albans. This is a popular summer spot for local families, so apply for membership early in the season.

Stony Lane Swim Club

1830 Lafayette Road, Gladwyne

Stony Lane is a private, member-owned and operated swim club open to residents of the Main Line Area. This swim club offers private lessons and is home to the Stony Lane Swim Team. Current members must propose prospective new members.

Splash Pads

John O. Greene Memorial Park

South Matlack and East Miner streets, West Chester

In the summertime, John O. Greene Memorial Park features a splash pad with multiple water features and sprinklers that is free and open to the public. The park also has a pavilion, picnic tables, and a playground with swing sets, climbers, multiple play structures and games.

Freedom Playground at Haverford Reserve

9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford

Freedom Playground is part of Haverford Township’s Community Park at Haverford Reserve. Parents love this playground with its one entrance that keeps kids corralled in the play area. In the summertime, the park features a splash pad with misting stations. The playground is fully accessible with a soft-surface play area, a sandbox, a climbing walls, sensory cave, swings, slides, and more. It’s free to the public and open to the public from dawn to dusk daily.

Sarah Heyman & Karen Barbuscia contributed to this article. Lead photo courtesy of Phoenixville YMCA.