Beat The Heat: The Best Places to Cool Off in Bucks County
Keep cool all summer long with these Bucks County favorites!
For many, the summer months are the highlight of the year. And why not? The longer days, warm sunshine, and lush, green landscapes that come with it are enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. But what happens when that thermostat starts rising a little too high? At some point, we all need a bit of a break. That’s where Bucks County Parent comes in. We’ve gathered a list of the best places to cool off in Bucks County to help you make the most out of the hot, summer days to come.
So, whether you’re a heat-craving, tropical creature looking to absorb all the pool-side-rays and outdoor, water-fun, or a completely heat-intolerant, winter bird looking to ride out the summer months inside WITH air conditioning, the possibilities are endless (much like this list). Check them out below!
Swimming Pools
- Please note that some pools are no longer taking new members and can only admit day-pass guests if they are not capacity. Be sure to check prior to heading out.
Various Locations
With their ever-expanding list of offerings, updated facilities and seemingly endless resources, the Y has so much to offer Bucks County–summer fun included! Each of the aquatics centers at the various YMCA branches offer unique amenities and features. The best part? Members of the YMCA of Bucks County may utilize all aquatics centers within the association. To find out more please visit their website.
1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown
While swimming in the lake is prohibited, the Nockamixon State Park swimming pool complex has got you covered, with a one-half acre main pool with two waterslides, a shallow end with fountains for children, dressing rooms, a first aid station and snack bar. Weather permitting, the summer hours Monday through Friday are 12:00 to 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm, but may change from time to time. Please check their website for the latest updates.
Lower Makefield Township Community Pool
1050 Edgewood Road, Yardley
This resort style pool complex includes four separate heated swimming pools to accommodate everyone from the competitive swimmer to the family looking for a place to swim, play and relax. Be prepared to slide into adventure down the two water slides, dive off one of the only high dives in Bucks County, swim laps in dedicated lap lanes or enjoy the snack bar.
Fanny Chapman Memorial Swimming Pool
10 Mckinstry Drive, Doylestown
From its humble beginnings in 1927 the Fanny Chapman Memorial Pool Complex now boasts five swimming pools, memberships for families and individuals of all ages, and offers swim lessons to more than 750 children a summer. Furthermore, it is the home to one of the largest and most successful competitive swimming and diving programs in Buck’s County. Please see their website for a detailed schedule.
2501 Freedoms Way, Warrington
This fun, family-friendly pool complex features three pools (including a toddler pool), water slides, locker room, and concession stand. There’s also a playground and volley ball net and plenty of grassy areas, as well as picnic tables, to relax on. Visit their website for a detailed schedule.
425 Arthur Avenue, Perkasie
Boasting three pools, the MAC features a whirlpool, lazy river, activity pool for the kids, baby pool with a frog slide and whale spout, a huge drop slide, and twisting slide. Additional laps lanes allow serious swimmers to practice their skills.
601 W Mill Street, Quakertown
The newly renovated Quakertown Community Pool features a 25-foot slide, diving board, and rock wall, as well as new play features this season. The facility’s new baby/program pool is separate from the current pool footprint and includes a toddler play feature and sprayers. A wall separates the baby pool from a 3.5-foot program pool to be used for swim lessons and water aerobic classes. The Quakertown Community Pool will be open full time from 12:00 pm-8:00 pm Tuesday, June 13 through Labor Day. The pool will open at 11:30 am everyday for members.
Cafferty Road, Point Pleasant
Situated in the 612 acre Tohickon Valley Park, this quiet, secluded pool is surrounded by scenic woodlands and rugged terrain. The pool offers memberships, swim lessons, and weekly events for the whole family. Check their website for an updated season schedule.
445 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills
The Oxford Valley Pool is a 50 meter pool with a maximum depth of 4 feet 3 inches, there is also a small kiddie pool with a depth of 1 foot 6 inches, complete with water slide. New to this season is an upgrade to the pool, a new pool liner and fresh pool side furniture. Swim lessons are offered for children ages 4 and up. Opening day is May 27th!
Splashpads and Sprinklers
A sprinkle here, a splash there, these waterworks are always a summer-hit with Bucks County families.
3401 State Road, Bensalem
This state park not only features access to the great outdoors, but playgrounds, a swimming pool, splash pad and more! The main pool and children’s spray pool are open from the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Regular hours for weekends and holidays are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, unless otherwise posted.
Montgomery Township Spray Park
1030 Horsham Rd, Montgomeryville
This super-family-friendly spray park is connected to the already popular Accessible Playground, located right outside of the Community & Recreation Center making it the perfect play place for children of all ages and abilities. Please visit the parks & Rec website for announcements and hours of operation.
Warwick Township Community Park
1733 Township Green, Jamison
Plan for a picnic and a splash at this cute, little township park featuring a sprinkler pole, skating rink, basketball courts, playground, picnic area, and more.
Water Parks & Outdoor Amusement
Paddle, slide, and splash your way to a cooler day with these water-centered activities and parks!
2 Walters Lane, Point Pleasant
The place to go for tubing, rafting, kayaking and canoeing on the Delaware River since 1967. Trips vary in length from 2 to 4 hours with custom trips available upon request. Please note that reservations must be made prior to arrival. Updated river conditions and reservations available online.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
4000 Dorney Park Road, Allentown
Only at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom will you find the most exciting and thrilling things to do in Allentown, PA, with more than 60 world class rides, one of the northeast’s largest waterparks, live entertainment, thrills for the little ones at Planet Snoopy, and amusement park favorite foods including a build-your-own funnel cake bar. Family-friendly special events will keep you coming back for new ways to play all season long.
9050 Mill Creek Road, Levittown
Driftwood Adventures shares their passion for the outdoors while providing safe, exciting opportunities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor sports. Rent or purchase kayaks and paddle boards at Falls Township Park throughout the summer months.
Indoor Fun
Looking to get out of the sun for a bit? Are you all sun-screened out? Here are some of our favorite, indoor, “not-so-hot-spots” for those summer days when even the pool won’t cut it.
The Bucks County Free Public Library System
Various Locations
The library might not be the first thing you think of when you’re making your summer plans, but maybe it should be. After all, summer reading is both fun and important! Starting June 18, join the fun at Camp Summer Quest by picking up a summer reading log at your local branch (adults too!). Camp Summer Quest, will feature a camp booklet reading log and beaded keychain. For each day your child reads they can fill in a space in their log and add beads to their keychain. For more fun ways the library can help you make the most of your summer check out our Inside Look article here.
145 Liberty Lane, Chalfont
If you think trampolines are just for kids, then you’ve never been to a Sky Zone Trampoline Park. With attractions like a ninja warrior course, foam zone, freestyle jump, climbing, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy regardless of age or skill. Summer passes available until June 30th. Please see website for hours and upcoming events.
Peddler’s Village, Route 263, Lahaska
A visit to Peddler’s Village is incomplete without a visit to Giggleberry Fair–an indoor, family-fun center featuring an arcade, carousel, and the area’s largest indoor obstacle course. When it’s time to eat, the Painted Pony Café offers a variety of fresh, family-friendly foods.
Bucks County Children’s Museum
500 Union Square Drive, New Hope
Located in the heart of historic New Hope, the Bucks County Children’s Museum is geared for children ages 1 through 7 who enjoy pretend play. Children are invited to discover hands-on opportunities for pretending, exploration, learning, and play in a variety of thematic settings. Please note that reservations are required on Saturdays and Sundays.
860 Town Center Drive, Langhorne
Playpad is an indoor play area designed for children ages 0-9 years old. The open-concept building features a climbing gym, toddler play area, “My Town” pretend play section, sensory room, and more. Parents love that there’s a 360-degree view of all play areas from within the main playroom. Healthy snacks, water, and juice, and coffee are available for purchase. For open play hours and details please visit their website.
500 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills
This all-ages, indoor adventure park is rife with activities. With an indoor trampoline area, toddler zone, go karts, arcade, and more, there’s definitely more than enough ways to beat the summer heat at Funzilla. Please note that pre-purchase of tickets is required on weekends due to capacity limits.
Travel plans taking you beyond Bucks? Check out these can’t-miss posts from our sister sites Main Line Parent and Philadelphia Family
Feature Photo, tubing down the Delaware River, by Christine Wolkin
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