Whether you’re born in raised in Cambridge or have just moved to Massachusetts, it is always difficult adjusting to the sweltering summer heat. Air conditioners slowly become our heroes during those humid months but for those seeking other ways to cool off, Cambridge has you covered.
In this vivacious area just outside of Boston, Cambridge offers a slew of pools and water play parks to help you adjust to the hot months ahead. In fact, regardless of what part of Cambridge you live in, there are plenty of pools and water play parks throughout the city.
1. Waterplay Parks | Citywide
Cambridge is one of the most accommodating cities in the Boston area, offering several waterplay facilities free to the public. See below for some of the most popular waterplay parks in Cambridge:
Reverend Williams Park
Rev. Thomas J. Williams Park offers plenty of water for your little ones to splash around in along with slides and swings. Located near Teele Square and open from dusk to dawn.
Bergin Park City Park
Located at 80 Haskell St. near Porter Square, Bergin City Park offers 1.1 acres of fresh green grass and a safe area for children to play in. Open from dusk to dawn.
Danehy Park
Established in 1992 and renovated in 2001, Danehy Park offers 49 acres of lawn for your puppies to roam around on! Located at 99 Sherman St. and free of charge!
Father Callanan Playground City Park
Situated near Fresh Pond, Father Callanan Playground City Park is the perfect place to take your little ones. For those who enjoy sports, this park is located directly next to Tobin Field in West Cambridge, on Concord Ave. If you’re trying to save some money, this playground is completely free!
Alden City Park
Located across from the Baldwin School, the Alden Playground has been recently updated with new picnic tables, basketball courts, and other areas suitable for young children.
Hurley Street Park
Renovated just two years ago, this .3-acre park provides both a water and sand play areas. Explore the new community garden, perfect for that #PictureCambridge Instagram moment.
2. Magazine Beach’s Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool | Cambridgeport
If nothing sounds sweeter than “free swimming,” you’ll love Cambridge’s second largest park – Magazine Beach. From a FREE outdoor pool to exercise equipment and picnic areas, you can spend an entire day here and still have plenty left to do.
Location:719 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
Hours: DCR Swimming Pool is open June 23-August 23 from 11:15a-6:45p and Spray Deck: June 8-September 3 from 9:30a-7p
3. War Memorial Recreation Center | Harvard Square
For the avid swimmers out there, the War Memorial Recreation Center offers state-of-the-art climate controlled facilities. With a six-lane lap pool, plenty of locker rooms, a volleyball, basketball and tennis court, you are sure to get a workout here.
Join an adult coed volleyball league, play tennis or enjoy a game of basketball with friends. To see a full pool schedule, please click here.
Location:1640 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Desk Hours: 3:15PM-9:15PM, M-F
8:30AM-5:15PM, Sa
11:30AM-5:15PM, Su
4. Francis J. McCrehan Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool | North Cambridge
Stop into North Cambridge and take a dip at the McCrehan Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool. Getting your baby to splash around for the first time? The DCR pool has a water depth of only two feet. The best part about this family-centric pool is that it’s completely free!
Location:359 Rindge Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Hours: 11:15a – 6:45p, 7 days a week, June 23 – August 23, 2018,
5. North Point Park Spray Deck
This hidden gem sits across from the Museum of Science and is filled with new playground equipment. The spray deck is perfect for those sticky, humid months and it’s completely fenced-in for your children’s safety. Doggy friendly running spots make this one of the best family spots for the summer. After taking in the beautiful view of the Zakim Bridge, hop on the train at North Station or head to the green line at Lechmere.
Location:6 Museum Way
Cambridge, MA 02141
Hours: Open Daily 9:30a – 7:00p from May 26 – September 3, 2018
Want to see more ways to enjoy summer in Cambridge? Click here!
