Swimming-Hole

Charco Frío is a river pool on the Río Sabana at the eastern edge of El Yunque, and it is what Puerto Rican families use rather than the ticketed forest attractions. A short walk through forest from the roadside leads to a deep clear pool with rock ledges around it, cold enough to be a shock after the coast. There are no facilities, no lifeguards and no signage of any note - it is a local spot, and it should be treated as one: take rubbish out, park considerately. Critically, do not go in or after heavy rain. Mountain rivers here rise fast and flash flooding is the real hazard.

A gorgeous spring-fed swimming hole on Cypress Creek shaded by towering bald cypress trees with a rope swing that kids will remember forever. The water stays cool and clear all summer and the grassy banks are perfect for spreading a blanket and watching the kids play. Daily capacity is limited by reservation to keep it from getting overcrowded which means it never feels hectic.

A natural swimming hole in the Rondout Creek with strikingly blue-green water that looks almost tropical surrounded by Catskill forest. The deep pool is fed by a waterfall and the water is cold but refreshing on a hot summer day. Flat rocks around the edges make great spots for lounging and picnicking. A permit is required for summer weekend visits due to its popularity. The swimming hole is a short walk from the road. This is one of the most beautiful natural swimming spots in New York State.

A collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall spilling into a jade-green natural pool surrounded by massive limestone overhangs draped in ferns and moss. It is one of the most stunning natural swimming holes in Texas and kids are awestruck the moment they see it. Two things decide whether the trip works. Reservations are mandatory every day of the week and sell out well ahead. And swimming is a separate question from entry: after heavy rain the bacteria count rises and the county closes the water, sometimes at short notice and sometimes for weeks, so a reservation buys you entry and never guarantees a swim. The preserve stays open for hiking either way, and the grotto is worth seeing dry. Call the daily status line before committing to the drive. The quarter-mile trail from the parking area descends steeply, so it is not suitable for very young children or strollers.

A privately owned spring-fed swimming hole that has been welcoming families for decades with natural pools shaded by ancient cypress trees. Kids can splash in the shallow upper pools or swim in the larger lower pool fed by a small waterfall. Primitive tent camping is available on-site so families can extend the visit overnight. The grounds are lush and shaded with a butterfly garden that younger kids enjoy exploring.