With record-breaking heat hitting the Hudson Valley and August’s dog days descending, staying inside your house with the A/C blasting can be seductive. But it also gets dull. Fortunately, the Hudson Valley provides plenty of both indoor and outdoor options for staying cool in crystal-blue pools and wild water parks. Here are some of our recommended favorites.
Taconic Hills Aquatic Fitness Center, Craryville
This indoor oasis is actually connected with the Taconic Hills Central School District, and its 25-meter pool has many of the same amenities as a typical outdoor alternative. With a daily fee of just $2 for adults, $1 for students with a college ID, Columbia County residents oughta check it out.
Zoom Flume Water Park, East Durham,
Looking for a place to go to keep the kids busy? Zoom Flume has everything you can think of, from a lazy river to more intense rides that plunge you into almost total darkness. Parking is free, and admission is just $30 per person (kids under 7 are only $24).
Washington Town Pool, Millbrook
A spacious pool, in addition to a playground area, volleyball court, fishing docks, and BBQ grills deliver on whatever you’re in the mood for, be it serenity or overstimulation. There is a daily fee of $5 per adult, $4 for senior citizens.
Ulster County Pool Complex, New Paltz
An Olympic-sized main attraction and two kiddie pools are surrounded by a large pavilion with picnic tables and a snack bar, as well as a spacious lawn ideal for sunbathing. The complex has recently opened up a new playground area to boot. Adults are just $5 each, and children are $2. There is also a senior citizen discount of $1.
If big crowds aren’t your thing, consider this smaller Poughkeepsie pool. Spratt also offers swimming lessons—eight 45-minute sessions for both children aged 3-5 and older kids aged 13 and up. Pool entrance is just $1 each for children under and $4 for adults.
Hil-Mar Lodge Pool, Salisbury Mills
Another more intimate option, Hil-Mar’s pool is uber-kid-friendly, with 30 flotation noodles available and a one-foot shallow end for babies and toddlers. There’s also a volleyball court and plenty of open space to lounge or toss a Frisbee, as well as a snack bar. Daily fees are $8 for adults and $7 for kids.
Bear Mountain State Park, Tomkins Cove
If you want to seek out some swimming worthy of a broader day trip, Bear Mountain State Park is the place to go. While known for its numerous hiking trails, the park’s large pool actually uses fresh spring water from the Queensboro Lake. And before or after a dip, you can take advantage of its, shaded picnic areas, fishing access, hiking trails, and even a zoo. There is a $10 vehicle charge and an additional $2 fee to access the pool.
Lincoln Park Pool, Albany
This unique, circular pool actually gets deeper as you go towards the center of the circle, is very kid-friendly and boasts expansive lawn space. Most importantly, it’s the only entry on the list that does not charge a daily fee.