What's New & What's Good for kids, families & The Culture
Things to Do for Children and Families Across New York State*
It's July. Summer is here! It's hot outside. City pools are open to keep cool. Take a deep dive into the short list of pools and spray pads from Brooklyn to Buffalo!
Remember to stay safe. Swimming lessons help teach children the skills to stay safe, keep cool, and have fun! Check out these water safety tips from NYC Parks.
In Albany & the Tri-City Area...
Albany has public spaces for every swimmer from lap pools to zero entry to spray pads! Pools open in July. Lincoln Park pool is a local favorite with a brand new swimming complex. The pool has a 500 person limit. But don't worry, there are three other public pools in Albany and almost a dozen spray pads. Pools are open 1-7pm every day. Can't swim? Sign up for free swim lessons! Must be a resident of the City of Albany. Tap right here for information.
When: Every Day 1pm - 7pm Where: Various locations in Albany Cost: FREE
Also in Albany, Playstreets 2026 for children in a different city park every Friday from 11am-2pm from July 10 - August 7.
Email: lwhite@albanyny.gov or call 518-434-5699 for more information
And the Nature Bus in Albany is free this summer through October! Bring the family out to connect with nature during fun and informative visits to several locations in the area including Tivoli Lake Preserve and Farm where Brother Yusuf's legacy lives on. More information and bus schedules here. When: Various dates and times May 30 - Oct 10. Where: Various locations (Thatcher Park, Five Rivers, Tivoli Lake, and more) Cost: FREE bus. Free programs many weekends.
The City of Schenectady has three public pools: Central Park, Quackenbush, and Front Street. Hours vary. Central Park pool open to city residents only. Swimming lessons are offered. Click here for more details and to sign up for lessons.
When: Varies Where: Central Park Pool, Quackenbush Pool and Front Street Pool Cost: FREE
The City of Troy has the trifecta! South Troy Pool is open daily from 1pm - 6pm and spray pads five spray pads are open this summer. Free lunch for children is available from 12:30 - 1:30pm. And swimming lessons are 10am - 12pm daily. Right here to visit the website for hours and more information.
When: Daily 1 - 6pm Where: South Troy Pool and various spray pad sites Cost: FREE
In Rochester,
City pools are open this summer in various locations. Swim lessons for children and adults are available. Visit the website for hours, locations, and fees.
But wait there's more summer fun for kids in Rochester. Play Days at R-Center locations will feature swimming, nature walks, games, gardening, and more! Play Days are open Monday - Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information click here.
When: Monday - Friday through August 21 8:30am - 5:30pm Where: R Centers - various locations Cost: FREE
In Syracuse,
Beat the heat this summer in the city's eleven pools and 15 spray pads. Pools and spray pads are open this summer through Labor Day to cool off, have fun, and learn to swim! Pool hours and locations vary. Swim lessons for adults and children are available for a $10 fee. Lap swimming fee is $3.00. Open swim is free.
When: Days and times vary Where: Various locations Cost: FREE open swim. $3 lap swim. $10 swim lessons.
AN IMPORTANT COMMUNITY MESSAGE:
Many of the community based organizations whose events and programs are listed on this page might be in need of helping hands, donations, or other support. If you like what they do, consider reaching out to lend a hand. Many hands make light work!*
In New York City,
The Big Apple has some sweet summer swim fun! Spray features are in areas all around the five boroughs. Eighteen city pools offer free swimming lessons for children 18 months to 17 years old. Enjoy free swim in outdoor pools in each of the boroughs through September 13 from 11am - 7pm, but hours vary for specific pools. Check this website for pool hours, locations and to register for lessons. More than just pools, NYC also has public beaches where families can take a dip in the open water and relax on the sandy shores. NYC Parks' website has the information here and here.
When: Now through September 13 from 11am - 7pm for most locations Where: Various locations Cost: FREE
In Buffalo,
The city is making a splash with it's City Swim Project! The City of Buffalo announced the return of swimming lessons this summer. The city's six pools will operate 5 days a week from 11am - 7pm. Check the schedule to see which pools are open on a particular day. Ten splash pads will be open daily from 11am - 7pm. There are plenty of options to stay cool and have fun in Buffalo this summer! With six pools throughout the city, there will be pools to choose from every day of the week but check the schedule because not every pool will be open each day. For more information and schedules, click here.
When: Varies Where: JFK Pool, Kensington Pool, Masten Pool, Riverside Pool, and other location Cost: FREE for residents with ID card
The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is hosting Mrs. Frances Nash Garden Basket Farmer's Market with fresh fruits and vegetables, health screenings, quilting, cooking and more! Bring the family for good food and community connection, Tuesdays 4-6pm. Click here for dates and other information.
When: Tuesdays 4-6pm through October 13 Where: Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor
Cost: Free Admission