Swimming pools in NJ with day passes for families and kids can be found at clubs throughout the state, and are a great option for spending the day swimming without membership or residency.
Many pool clubs also feature splash pads, kiddie pools, water slides, and playgrounds, making a day at the pool one of our favorite summer activities for kids.
New Jersey’s Top Pools with Day Passes, At-a-Glance:
- Best waterpark complex with day passes: Crystal Springs in East Brunswick
- Best indoor option with day passes: Five Star Swim School (multiple locations)
- Top hotel with day passes to its pool: Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank
- Notable freshwater option with day passes: Highlands Natural Pool in Ringwood
Read on for the top NJ swimming pools that offer day passes. There are plenty more ideas for seasonal fun in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide, including our story on the best Jersey Shore beaches for families.
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Where are the Best Swimming Pools With Day Passes in Northern NJ?
1. Palisades Park Swim Club – Palisades Park
All New Jersey residents are welcome to purchase day passes at the Palisades Park Swim Club. Food can be brought in for a picnic under the pavilion. Note that each adult must have their own valid NJ driver’s license to purchase a day pass. Check the club’s Facebook page for updated info. Day pass pricing: $15 Palisade Park residents; $20 Bergen County residents; and $30 all others, including out-of-state residents.
2. Walter E. Ulrich Pool – Rahway
Located in the scenic Rahway River Park, this Union County pool offers residents and non-residents the opportunity to swim, play, and lounge. The property includes an Olympic-size lap pool, a fenced-in baby pool, diving boards, a small playground, and a snack bar. There’s also a zero-entry section in the wading pool and new sprinkler features. Parents will appreciate the in-pool seating. Updated information is located here. Day pass pricing: $4 for county residents 17 and under; $5 for county residents 18 and over; $4 for county residents 62+. Non-county residents: $8 for 17 and under; $10 for 18+; and $8 for 62+.
RELATED: Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May
3. Highlands Natural Pool – Ringwood
This unique combo of lake and pool is worth a day trip! The Highlands Natural Pool is located next to Norvin Green State Forest. It is filled with stream-fed freshwater and contains no chemicals. While you’re there, take advantage of the snack bar, games like volleyball, and everything Norvin Green State Forest has to offer. Note that there is a $25 fee for non-members to reserve a picnic table with a charcoal grill. Entrance fees and hours are specified here. Day pass pricing: $20 per adult on weekdays/$25 on weekends and holidays; $15 per senior 65+ and active military/veterans; $10 per child (ages 5-17); and free for ages 4 and under.
4. Westfield Memorial Pool – Westfield
This awesome community pool is a swim club and sprinkler park in one, featuring a 50-meter pool, diving pool, water slides, and a fenced-in kiddie pool with a sprinkler park. No need to leave for lunch—the pool houses a full-menu snack bar and picnic area. Information on guest pass fees is here; passes must be purchased online in advance. Day pass pricing: $12 for member guests ages 3+ and $45 for non-member guests ages 3+.
Where are the Best Swimming Pools With Day Passes in Central NJ?
5. Crystal Springs Family Waterpark – East Brunswick
Spending the day at Crystal Springs is like going to an amusement park. Aside from the full-size and kiddie pools, the club includes an enclosed splash pad, a giant water slide, and even a lazy river. Admission rates are listed on the aquatic center’s website, and children ages 2 and under are FREE! Purchase online in advance before your planned visit. Day pass pricing: $21 weekdays for residents/season pass holders and $31 for non-residents; $26 weekends and holidays for residents/season pass holders and $36 for non-residents.
RELATED: Best NJ Lakes for Summer Swimming
6. Fort Monmouth Recreation Pool – Tinton Falls
Go for a swim at Fort Monmouth’s Olympic-sized pool. Be sure to check the pool’s open-swim schedule, as it is used by camps at certain times. While visiting, check out Fort Monmouth’s other drop-in opportunities, such as pickleball and family gym time. More info can be found here. Day pass pricing: $25 weekdays for families up to 4 people, or $10 per person; $45 weekends/holidays for families up to 4 people, or $15 per person.
7. Five Star Swim School – Multiple Locations
Rain or shine, bring the family for a swim at Five Star’s indoor, heated pools. Currently, the Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Hanover, Eatontown, Edison, Galloway, Princeton, and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, locations offer open swim hours, which vary by location. Check the website for the varying fees and hours of the different locations.
RELATED: Awesome Water Parks for NJ Kids and Families
8. Warrenbrook Pool – Warren
Somerset County’s Warrenbrook Pool welcomes residents and nonresidents to spend the day swimming and relaxing. Both a large pool and kiddie pool, as well as a snack bar, are part of the facility. Check the pool’s website for further info; children ages 3 and under are FREE. Admission is cash-only. Day pass pricing: For weekdays: Youth (Age 4-17) are $14, Seniors (Age 60+) are $12, and Adults (Age 18-59) are $18. Weekends/holidays: Youth (Age 4-17) are $16, Seniors (Age 60+) are $14, and Adults (Age 18-59) are $22.
9. Molly Pitcher Inn – Red Bank
This waterfront hotel offers a swimming pool with day passes for the public. Passes are available Sunday through Friday, depending on capacity. Day pass pricing: $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 2–12.
Where are the Best Swimming Pools With Day Passes in Southern NJ?
10. Roberts Pool – Collingswood
The Roberts Pool complex features three swimming pools, including a wading pool, plus a nearby playground. Information on entry fees, which are cash only, can be found here. Children 2 and under are free. ID and proof of residency or dependency must be shown. Day pass pricing: $15 for Collingswood residents and $30 for nonresidents.
11. Crystal Lake – Haddon Township
In addition to the 25-meter pool, Crystal Lake has a wading pool, a splash pool, picnic tables, and a playground. Find more info here. Day pass pricing: $17 for Haddon Township residents and $35 for nonresidents.
FAQ: Swimming Pools with Day Passes in New Jersey
Which NJ pools allow non-residents?
Several pools welcome non-residents, including Walter E. Ulrich Pool in Rahway, Warrenbrook Pool in Warren, Palisades Park Swim Club (open to all NJ residents), and Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank.
Are there free pools in NJ with day passes?
Crystal Springs Family Waterpark and Warrenbrook Pool both admit children ages 2–3 and under for free, and Roberts Pool in Collingswood admits children 2 and under at no charge.
Which NJ pools have water slides?
Westfield Memorial Pool features water slides alongside its 50-meter pool and kiddie pool, and Crystal Springs Family Waterpark in East Brunswick boasts a giant water slide as well as a lazy river and splash pad.
What age is free at NJ pools?
The free age cutoff varies by pool — Crystal Springs admits children ages 2 and under for free, Warrenbrook Pool admits children ages 3 and under for free, and Roberts Pool in Collingswood admits children 2 and under at no cost.
The post was originally published in 2016 and is updated annually.
