Main Line Best Pools and Splash Pads + Genius Parent Tips for Water Fun
When the temps rise, keep your cool at local pools, splash pads, and swim clubs — plus soak up some savvy tips from local parents for your next water outing
Dip into Main Line summer fun at the area’s public pools, swim clubs, and greater Philly spraygrounds. A membership or daily fee lets you beat the heat at a local community pool or club. If club or pool membership isn’t your thing, head to one of many splash pads for your go-to water fun this summer.
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Pools and Splash Pad Tips from Main Line Parents
Maybe you’ve got your pool and splash pad game all set for summer. If not, nothing beats tips from other parents for Main Line outdoor activities with kids.
Apparel Advice
Count on the Main Line Parent Community for savvy swim apparel tips, such as the strategic diaper layering trick. Other ideas include bright swimwear to keep an eye on your kids and cozy terry robes instead of towels.
- “For the diapered kids (since swim diapers don’t hold pee): Put the swim diaper on at home, a regular diaper OVER the swim diaper, and bathing suit/bottoms over the regular diaper. When you get to the water, the regular diaper can be discreetly removed without having to fully take off a bathing suit — [and] the swim diaper is on,” said Sophia A.
“Additionally, if the swim diaper isn’t soiled, it’s fine to go in the wash and hang dry,” Sophia said. “We’ve easily stretched one pack for a whole summer this way.”
- “I used to try to buy obnoxiously bright swimsuits. The goal was to make them more visible in the water for me — and for lifeguards,” said Steph M.
- “Hooded towels, they can wear as coverups, and I don’t have to carry them,” said Maureen M.
- “Skip the towels and buy robes, especially terry cloth robes,” said one Main Line parent mom.
Sunscreen Tips
Preventing sunburn is a common parenting concern. The Main Line parent tips below can certainly help.
- “Sunscreen before you leave the house. Nothing is worse than trying to sunscreen them AS they’re trying to jump in the water,” said Stephanie W.
- “I make sure to use colored zinc on their face and ears, so I can see when to reapply sunscreen (since they constantly wipe their faces after going underwater). I also like a big backpack cooler and the giant reusable BJ’s or Costco bags for towels and toys — and one reusable bag for wetsuits at the end,” said Maria O.
- “Face sunscreen sticks, so when the sunscreen gets wet, it doesn’t get in their eyes. It looks like a deodorant, but it never drips into eyes or anything, when wet — was a game changer,” said June S.
- “My ‘must-have’ is this sunscreen applicator. I’m sure there are ways to DIY it, but I love that it’s refillable, and after two years rolling around in the diaper bag, it hasn’t leaked yet,” said Kate D.
Organizing How-Tos
Staying organized makes a day at the pool or sprayground altogether more enjoyable for the whole family. See how the Main Line Parent community keeps everyone (and everything) organized.
- “For carrying pool passes that don’t get lost, I use a hole puncher to make a hole, then use a clip to put it on the zipper or handle of each person’s pool bag. Everyone takes their own bag with stuff; it makes it easy if they are going with friends,” said Bindu G.
- “Wet bags! I always brought a wet bag. And if we went late in the day, my kids showered at the pool and put their pajamas on,” said Pamela B.
- “Working moms and dads with littles: keep a spare bathing suit in the trunk of the car and go [to the pool] after work. Bring shampoo/conditioner/detangler and pjs, and do your night routine at the pool. [Then] right home to bed!” said Courtney L.
- “Put your name on every pool toy and each set of goggles. Many kids have the same pairs, and they get lost easily or are picked up by someone else by mistake,” said Lori S.
- “Coming from a mom of 3 under 5, my favorite pool hack items are see-through zip bags to keep different items. One with snacks, one with zinc sunscreen and makeup brush to apply to faces, one with diapers and wipes, one with shampoo/detangler/brush/extra hair ties, one for small toys and goggles, one for valuables,” said Jenna B.
- “I gave these swim goggle cases with drain holes to my kids because their goggles always get lost in our pool bag. I love that the case goes on the bag so they can just grab theirs,” said Taylor D.
Treats & Fun
Parent poolside hacks transform ordinary containers into exciting water toys and keep treats icy cold for hours. Freezing drinks, packing healthy snacks, and bringing creative water toys sweeten the day and boost summer fun.
- “We bring old ketchup bottles and shampoo bottles with the pumps to use as pool toys. The kids in the baby pool LOVE them. They all fight over the ketchup bottle,” said Kim G.
- “EXTRA water with ice or frozen water bottles,” said Kate Y.
- “I like to pack both a wet and a dry bag. Freeze water bottles and juice pouches. Pack snacks in a tackle box,” said Sarah E.
- “A Stanley or similar cooler cup will keep popsicles frozen for several hours! I can fit up to eight Jonny freezer pops in an old thermos, and we usually eat them while we dry off or change clothes — makes leaving more fun,” said Brittany F.
- “My kids go through raw veggies and fruit way more [when they’re] poolside. Makes me feel better about all that is consumed at the snack bar,” said Heather S.
Main Line Community Pools
Plan ahead for those hot summer days with a local pool membership. Round up the kids, grab your swim supplies and a lunch, and head down to the pool. It’s a turn-key plan for fun in the sun.
Ardmore Avenue Pool
Address: Vernon V. Young Memorial Park & Swimming Pool, 122 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore
Contact: 610-642-4338 | Instagram: @lowermeriontownship
The Ardmore Avenue Pool is closed for the 2025 season due to construction. Lower Merion Township and Narberth Borough residents are invited to join the Belmont Hills Pool this season. Check with Lower Merion Township in early 2026 for completion updates and membership information.
The Ardmore Pool is part of the five-acre Vernon V. Young Memorial Park in Lower Merion Township. Its facility features a twisting water slide and accessible main pool. Little ones splash in a separate tot pool with a water fountain sprayer.
Belmont Hills Pool at Lewis J. Smith Park
Address: 122 Mary Waters Ford Road, Bala Cynwyd
Contact: 610-668-2411| Instagram: @lowermeriontownship
The Belmont Hills Pool complex sits on more than 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.
To swim at the Belmont Hills Pool, you must reside in Lower Merion Township and purchase a membership. Early in the season, beginning Memorial Day weekend until mid-June, the pool is open only on weekends. From mid-June until Labor Day, the Belmont Hills Pool is open 11 am–8 pm on weekends, and 12 pm–8 pm on weekdays.
Marsh Creek Swimming Pool
Address: 675 Park Road, Downingtown
Contact: 610-458-8535
One of the many recreational highlights in Marsh Creek State Park is the Marsh Creek Swimming Pool. Take a dip this summer into the nearly half-acre-sized pool and splash zone. Fully wheelchair accessible, this public pool complex offers a snack bar, bathhouses with changing areas, and plenty of space to sunbathe. For special events, community members can rent the pavilion, which has a charcoal grill and electricity.
Admission is required, either by daily fee or seasonal membership. The Marsh Creek Swimming Pool opens seven days a week beginning Memorial Day weekend.
Phoenixville Outdoor Pool at the YMCA
Address: 400 E. Pothouse Road, Phoenixville
Contact: 610-933-5861| Instagram: @phoenixvilleymca
In the summer, families who are members of the Phoenixville YMCA enjoy the facility’s spacious outdoor pool center. Family-friendly pool features include a family fun pool, a sprayer, water slides, designated lounge spaces, and locker rooms.
Members must purchase a pool pass to use the outdoor pool, which will be open seven days a week beginning Memorial Day weekend.
Upper Merion Township Pool
Address: 431 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia
Contact: 610-265-2600| Instagram: @umtownship
Relax and enjoy leisurely summer days at the Upper Merion Township Pool. Family-friendly swim amenities include a large pool with lap lanes, and a slide pool, as well as comfortable lounge spaces. Looking for a splash pad in King of Prussia? In addition to the two pools, the complex features a splash area for families with little kids.
Residents of Upper Merion Township, as well as non-residents (space permitting) may purchase a pool membership online, or by visiting the Upper Merion Community Center. Located on the Community Center property, the pool is open from 11 am – 8 pm, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Main Line Spraygrounds
Explore the area’s free splash pads, one of the best Free Main Line events in the summer. These Main Line spraygrounds let everyone in the family cool off, whether it’s a sprinkle or a soaking.
East Caln Park at Bell Tavern
Address: 107 Bell Tavern Road, Downingtown
Contact: 610-269-1989
Better known as “Bell Tavern Park,” this community park features a host of recreational facilities, including a playground and a tot lot with water features. The water features are open 11 am–5 pm daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Other highlights at this park include a 4.5-mile paved walking trail around the perimeter, an outdoor hockey rink, sand volleyball courts, tennis and basketball courts, and restrooms.
Freedom Playground at Haverford Reserve
Address: 9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford
Contact: 610-446-9397 | Instagram: @haverfordtownship
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 and has a soft-surface play area, a sandbox, climbing walls, a sensory cave, swings, slides, and more. It’s free to the public and open from dawn to dusk daily.
Freedom Playground is part of Haverford Township’s Community Park at Haverford Reserve. The volunteer organization Friends of Haverford Freedom Playground provides additional support and maintenance.
John O. Greene Memorial Park
Address: South Matlack and East Miner streets, West Chester
Contact: 610-692-7574 | Instagram: @borough_of_west_chester
As the newest park in West Chester Borough, John O. Greene Memorial Park features the most modern playground equipment.
In the summertime, John O. Greene Memorial Park features a free and open-to-the-public playground with multiple water features and sprinklers. The park also has a pavilion, picnic tables, and a playground with swing sets, climbers, multiple play structures, and games.
Venice Island Spray Garden
Address: 7 Lock Street, Manayunk, Philadelphia
Contact: 215-685-3583 | Instagram: @venice_island
For water fun in the summer, Main Line families visit the Venice Island Spray Garden, located just over the Green Lane Bridge in Manayunk.
Part of the Venice Island Performing Arts Center, this little park offers free splash pad fun in a wooded setting adjacent to the Schuylkill River. The quiet meditation sitting area situated below the spray garden offers serene views of the canal and river.
As seen on PhillyFamily.com: Beat the Heat at Philly’s Spraygrounds
As seen on BucksCountyParent.com: Beat The Heat in Bucks County
Popular Main Line Swim Clubs
Many Main Line families join a swim club every summer. With swimming, socializing, and other recreational options, a club is like a home away from home for those long summer days.
Aronimink Swim Club
Address: 1180 Dermond Rd, Drexel Hill
Contact: 610-449-0163 | Instagram: @aroniminkswimclub
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.
Address: 501 Sproul Road, Villanova
Contact: 610-688-5686
Tucked into a wooded area, the Conestoga Swim Club opened in Radnor Township in 1955. This membership-based recreational club features a swimming pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, and paddleball courts. Kids can participate in the CSC Swim team with age brackets starting at 8 & Under.
The pool opens on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend, then daily from June 14th through Labor Day. To apply for membership you must be a resident of Radnor Township and obtain a membership application from an existing member.
The Cynwyd Club
Address: 332 Trevor Lane, Bala Cynwyd
Contact: 610-667-4524 | Instagram: @the_cynwyd_club
With its distinctive 1913 Tudor-style clubhouse, The Cynwyd Club exudes a classic, private club ambience. Members enjoy its expansive saltwater pool for swimming and competitions. A separate wading pool gives little kids their own water play zone. A patio, snack bar, and shower facilities further round out the swim area amenities.
In addition to swimming, members of The Cynwyd Club come for tennis, squash, fitness, banquets, and socializing.
Hilltop Swim Club
Address: 90 Hilltop Road, Havertown
Contact: 610-446-2212 | Instagram: @hilltop_swim_club
Trees and lush grass surround the Hilltop Swim Club, a private, nonprofit swim club and recreational facility in Haverford Township. The spacious pool area features a six-lane, L-shaped pool, a 12-foot diving well with a diving board, and a water slide. Additionally. little ones splash and play in a separately gated baby pool with its own pool deck.
Members can spend the whole day at this family-friendly, recreational club. Game areas include basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, ping-pong, and horseshoes. There’s also a full-service snack bar, a picnic grove, and barbecue grills.
Martin’s Dam Club
Address: 1045 Croton Road, Wayne
Contact: 610-688-9698 | Instagram: @martinsdamclub
Organized in 1924 to provide swimming and sporting activities, Martin’s Dam Club retains the founder’s original “old swimming hole” atmosphere. You’ll find 40 woodsy, landscaped acres with swimming, diving, tennis, platform tennis (paddle), basketball, fishing, ping pong, and picnicking.
This long-standing recreation club requires a membership and applicants must get four recommendations from existing members.
St. Albans Swim and Tennis Club
Address: 160 Brookside Road, Newtown Square
Contact: 610-356-5586 | Instagram: @stalbansswimtennis
This family-friendly, inclusive swim club offers three swimming pools on 17 landscaped acres. Families with little ones play in a zero-entry toddler pool. Older kids shoot hoops and play in the “middle pool,” and swimmers enjoy the wide lap pool.
St. Albans Swim and Tennis Club 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 Grille, a full-service snack bar at St. Albans.
Stony Lane Swim Club
Address: 1830 Lafayette Road, Gladwyne
Contact: 610-527-1421
Situated in woodsy Gladwyne, Stony Lane Swim Club features a spacious pool and diving board. Home to the Stony Lane Swim Team, the club also offers swim lessons.
This private, member-owned and operated swim club is open to residents of the Main Line area. In order to apply for membership, prospective families need a recommendation from existing members.
Main Line Pools and Spraygrounds and Savvy Parent Tips for Keeping Your Cool
Get ready for sweltering summer days with a membership to a Main Line community pool or swim club. For free water fun, frolic at a local splash pad or sprayground. Wherever families and kids splashdown this summer, tips from the Main Line Parent Community make water outings easier and more fun.
Need a “go-to” list of other fun things to do with the kids this summer? Then check out The Main Line Outdoor Family Fun Guide.
Sarah Heyman & Karen Barbuscia contributed to this article. Lead photo courtesy of Phoenixville YMCA.
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