Swimming

A gorgeous state park with a gorge trail, multiple waterfalls, and one of the best natural swimming holes in the Finger Lakes. The swimming area below Enfield Falls has a lifeguard-staffed pool formed by the creek, surrounded by rock walls and forest. Lucifer Falls upstream is a dramatic 115-foot cascade visible from a stone stairway bridge. The park offers 4 miles of trails through the gorge with over a dozen waterfalls. Kids love the combination of hiking and swimming and the old stone structures throughout the park add character.

A family park on the St. Lawrence River and Barnhart Island with a sandy beach, nature center, campground, and boat launch. The swimming beach on the river is excellent with warm shallow water and lifeguards. The nature center offers programs for kids and the park has trails through riverfront wetlands that are great for birding. The campground has 168 sites in a wooded setting. Watching the massive ships navigate the St. Lawrence Seaway from the observation area is an unforgettable experience for kids.

A large state park on the east shore of Seneca Lake with a spacious beach, 309-site campground, marina, playground, and recreation hall. The swimming beach is one of the best on any Finger Lake with a wide sandy shore and gradual entry. The campground has both tent and full-hookup RV sites. A naval station museum on the grounds tells the history of the WWII training base that once occupied the site. Bike paths connect the park areas and the marina rents boats. This is a full-service family vacation park.

A 2,300-acre state park in Saratoga Springs with mineral springs, swimming pools, nature trails, a performing arts center, and a golf course. The Geyser Creek Trail is an easy 1-mile walk past natural mineral springs where kids can taste the fizzy mineral water (it is safe and surprising). The Victoria Pool is a massive pool complex from the 1930s that feels like swimming in history. The Peerless Pool complex is more modern and family-oriented. Trails wind through pine forests and along Geyser Creek. The park combines nature, history, and recreation in a unique way.

A popular park on the north end of Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes, with a large splash pad, playground, marina, and lakefront walking paths. The splash pad is free with park admission and keeps younger kids entertained for hours. The marina offers boat rentals and the lakefront is great for fishing. Picnic pavilions and a concession stand make it easy to spend a full day. The park hosts family events throughout the summer. It is right next to downtown Geneva for ice cream and shopping.

A beautiful gorge park with a natural swimming area, three waterfalls, and rugged gorge trails. The swimming area in the creek-fed pool at the base of the gorge is a summertime favorite for families. The Gorge Trail climbs past sculpted rock formations and the three waterfalls are each uniquely beautiful. The park is smaller and less crowded than the Ithaca gorge parks making it feel more intimate. Picnic areas with grills and a playground round out the family amenities.

A sprawling park along the Taconic Range on the Massachusetts border with two camping areas, swimming, hiking, and waterfalls. The Copake Falls area has a campground, lake swimming at Ore Pit Pond, and a short trail to Bash Bish Brook. The Rudd Pond Area has another campground and a beautiful swimming pond. Over 20 miles of trails including a section of the South Taconic Trail offer ridge-top views. The park spans both gentle terrain for young families and rugged terrain for adventurous older kids.

Natural lava rock tide pools on the coast below the Makapu u Lighthouse Trail that fill with ocean water and create natural swimming holes. The pools range from shallow wading depth to deeper plunge pools. Kids love exploring the marine life in the shallows and swimming in the protected pools. Access requires a scramble over rocky lava terrain so this is best for sure-footed older kids. Waves can wash over the rocks so always check conditions and keep an eye on the ocean. When conditions are right, these pools are magical.

One of the most beautiful snorkeling beaches on Kauai with a reef that forms underwater tunnels and archways teeming with tropical fish. The backdrop of Makana Peak (Bali Hai from South Pacific) rising dramatically behind the beach makes the scenery postcard-perfect. In calm summer conditions the reef is shallow and accessible for confident young snorkelers. Winter brings dangerous surf so this is strictly a summer snorkeling destination. Sea turtles are regular visitors. The sand is golden and the setting is drop-dead gorgeous.

The first major stop on the Road to Hana and one of the most accessible waterfall hikes on Maui. A short trail through a lush farm property leads to twin waterfalls with a swimmable pool at the base. The trail is about 2 miles round trip and passes through tropical fruit trees and vegetation. A farm stand at the trailhead sells fresh fruit and smoothies. Kids love the combination of jungle hiking and swimming under a waterfall. The water is refreshing and the setting is beautiful.

A small, sheltered crescent beach in Wailea that offers some of the easiest and best snorkeling on Maui south shore. The reef starts just offshore and the water is clear and calm most of the year. Sea turtles are frequently spotted grazing on the rocks to the right side of the beach. The beach has restrooms, showers, and a grassy area for picnics. It is less crowded than nearby Wailea Beach and the snorkeling is better. The sandy entry makes it comfortable for kids. A perfect morning snorkeling spot before exploring the rest of the Wailea Beach Path.

A gentle 3.6-mile round trip hike through a beautiful hemlock forest to a wide, picturesque waterfall that cascades into a swimming pool. The trail is mostly flat and follows along a creek, making it one of the most family-friendly hikes in the Catskills. Kids love wading in the pool below the falls on warm days. The forest is shady and cool even in summer. This is a perfect hike for families who want a waterfall payoff without a steep climb.

A family park on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake with a 1,000-foot sandy beach, campground, and nature trails. The beach is excellent for families with a gentle slope into the water and lifeguards during summer. The lake is warm and shallow near shore. The 45-site campground is set back in the woods. Trails wind through a variety of habitats including wetlands that are great for birding. The park connects to the Erie Canalway Trail for biking. Oneida Lake sunsets from the beach are gorgeous.

The most famous beach in Hawaii and still one of the best for families. The water is calm and warm, the sandy bottom slopes gently, and beginner surf lessons are available all along the shore. Kids can build sand castles, take a catamaran cruise, or try stand-up paddleboarding. The beach is backed by hotels and shops so everything you need is within walking distance. Lifeguards are on duty and the Duke Kahanamoku statue makes a great photo spot. Yes it is touristy but kids do not care about that.

Kayak up the Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii, through a lush jungle setting to a short trail that leads to the beautiful Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls). The river paddle is about 2 miles each way and is calm and easy even for beginners. The waterfall at the end drops 120 feet into a pool where swimming is a refreshing reward. Guided tours and self-guided kayak rentals are both available. The combination of paddling through jungle scenery and swimming under a waterfall is a quintessential Kauai experience.

A long stretch of soft white sand on the windward coast that regularly tops best beach lists but never feels crowded. The water is turquoise and the Koolau Mountain backdrop is dramatic. The beach is wide with plenty of room for kids to run and the sand is powdery soft. The surf is usually gentle making it good for bodyboarding and swimming. Ironwood trees along the shore provide natural shade. This is where many local families spend their weekends because it combines beauty with a relaxed uncrowded vibe.

A paved trail through a lush botanical garden leading to a beautiful 45-foot waterfall with a swimming pool at the base. The 1.5-mile walk passes through gardens with over 5000 tropical plant species and ancient Hawaiian archaeological sites. Kids love swimming in the waterfall pool which is staffed with lifeguards and has life jackets available. The paved path is stroller-friendly making this one of the most accessible waterfall experiences in Hawaii. Cultural demonstrations and guided walks are offered throughout the day.

A wild and rugged gorge carved by Cattaraugus Creek with 600-foot canyon walls, old-growth forest, and deep swimming holes. The creek has carved a dramatic canyon through the landscape and the old-growth hemlocks and white pines are some of the largest in the state. Accessing the swimming holes requires hiking and creek crossings so this is best for families with older adventurous kids. The canyon is ungroomed and wild, which is exactly its appeal. This feels like wilderness despite being in western New York.

Texas heat is no joke, but the state’s spring-fed swimming holes are the perfect antidote. Crystal-clear water, shady cypress trees, and natural limestone pools - these spots have been keeping Texas families cool for generations. Here are the best swimming holes for families, from iconic destinations to hidden gems. Jacob’s Well Natural Area - Wimberley Jacob’s Well Natural Area is one of the most visually striking swimming holes in Texas. Water flows up from an artesian spring through a 12-foot-wide opening in a limestone bed, creating a perpetual pool of impossibly clear water. The spring maintains a constant 68°F year-round. ...

Rent a pontoon boat and cruise Broken Bow Lake with the whole family. The lake is known for scuba-clear water and the Ouachita Mountain scenery is stunning from every angle. Pontoon boats are steady and spacious making them perfect for groups with small kids. You can swim off the back, fish, or just cruise the coves looking for wildlife. Half-day rentals are the best value and give you plenty of time to find a quiet cove and jump in. The marina also rents jet skis and tubes for older kids who want more speed.