guides

Water Play in the Acton-Lexington Area: Lakes, Pools and Splash Pads

Updated for 2023!

By Tessa D'Ippolito, Publisher April 1, 2023

Sometimes the only way to beat the heat is to find a cool swimming spot and spend the day splashing in the water. Here's our list of local beaches, pools and spray parks. Some are a little outside this area but worth the drive!


Looking for other local family fun and things to do in the Acton-Lexington area?  Check our Summer Fun Guide, Summer Concert Guide and, of course, our daily event calendar  Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter to get all the Top Pick events each week!



ACTON

NARA Park
25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton MA

The beach at NARA Park, the Nathaniel Allen Recreation Area, is open to both Acton residents and non-residents 9 AM to 6 PM daily May 27th through August 25, 2023. A lifeguard is on duty during hours of operation. This lakeside park features a beach with seasonal swimming, an amphitheater, pavilion, sports courts and fields. Paddleboats and canoes can be rented.  Note that dogs are not allowed on the beach or around the bathhouse at any time.  Dogs must be on leash at all times elsewhere in NARA Park.  Read additional rules and regulations.

Beach-goers can drop in for a daily-use fee or purchase a seasonal beach membership pass

  • Residents
    • Family (up to 6 people): $24
    • Per person (age 2-60): $6
    • Senior (60+): $3
  • Non-residents
    • Family (up to 6 people): $45
    • Per person: 
      • Age 2-11: $8
      • Age 12-60: $10
      • Age 60+:  $3

Parking:  On busy days, only Acton residents and beach members may park in the lower lot, near the beach.  Others must park in the upper lot.


Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Pool
36 Charter Rd, Acton MA

The ABRHS Pool will no longer offer adult swim or open gym times in 2023.


ARLINGTON

Lussiano Park Spray Pool
60 North Union Street, Arlington MA

The spray pool is located at Lussiano Park next to Thompson School on North Union Street and is open and free to the public from late June through Labor Day. The spray pool will be open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, weather permitting.  Porta-potties are available on-site.

Dallin School Spray Area
185 Florence Ave, Arlington MA

This small water sprinkler spray park is open from mid-June until the first day of school.  There is also a playground, field, picnic tables and porta-potties.

Reservoir Beach
Lowell Street, Arlington Heights MA

Enjoy the newly renovated Reservoir Beach including the brand new bath house, snack bar, picnic pavilion, playground, filtered/chlorinated swimming & water play area, sport court, new lawn areas, walking path around the Reservoir and parking lot with full ADA access.  The beach is open 10 AM to 7 PM daily from June 17 until August 25, 2023.  Daily schedules may change depending on lifeguard availability. The beach is staffed by certified lifeguards. Residents and non-residents can purchase a beach tag for the season, or pay a $6 cash per person daily fee.


BEDFORD

Springs Brook Park
181 Springs Rd, Bedford MA

Open Tuesday/Wednesday 12 to 5 PM, Thursday/Friday 12 to 7 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 5PM from June 22 to August 12, 2023 (closed Sundays and Mondays). Springs Brook Park is a man-made, filtered swimming “pond” with a beach, water slide, and splash park set back in a beautiful wooded setting. Restrooms, snack shack, picnic tables, playground and volleyball court available. Springs Brook Park is smoke-free; smoking is not permitted anywhere in the park or in the parking lot. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Daily passes are available for Bedford residents only (proof required) for $10 per person (family rate $35). 

Season memberships available for Bedford residents and non-residents. 


BELMONT

Beaver Brook Reservation Spray Deck
621 Trapelo Road, Belmont MA

There are many fun water features at this free spray deck, managed by the MA Department of Conservation & Recreation, including a playground, picnic area, restrooms, stream, street parking as well as a parking lot.


BOXBOROUGH

SWYMFIT
90 Swanson Rd, Boxborough MA

Swymfit has monthly memberships and daily passes ($25) available for purchase. There is an indoor pool, swim lessons and a swim team plus an exercise room and fitness classes.


CONCORD

Beede Swim & Fitness Center
498 Walden St, Concord MA

The Beede Center includes a lap pool, dive well and kiddie pool. Day passes are available for $20 per person or $40 per family, or a 10-visit pass is available for $200.

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden St, Concord MA

A popular swimming destination with hiking trails that ring the pond, the park opens at 7 AM and closes at 7:30 PM (gates are locked at 8 PM). Visitors are welcome to swim, picnic, hike, use canoes and rowboats, and fish. Daily Parking Fee: $8 MA Vehicle, $30 non-MA Vehicle, parking is only permitted in the large lot off Rte. 126.

White Pond
50 Plainfield Rd, Concord MA

Access is by membership only. 2023 membership is $240/household for Concord residents, $270/household for non-residents.  Pre-Season Dates are weekends only May 27-29, June 3-3, 10-11 and 17-18. Open June 19 to August 20 from 10 AM to 7 PM daily. Lifeguards on duty.


LEXINGTON

Irving H. Mabee Town Pool Complex
80 Worthen Rd, Lexington MA

The outdoor pool and splash pad are open for public swim on weekends 10 AM to 8 PM from June 5 to August 20, weekdays 3:30 to 8 PM from June 5 to June 25, weekdays 9 AM to 8:00 PM (excluding 4 -6PM) from June 26 to August 20, and daily 11 AM to 7 PM from August 21 to September 4. Resident and non-resident season memberships available.


The Old Reservoir 
458 Marrett Rd, Lexington MA

A fresh water pond with a sandy beach roped off for swimming and space to kayak and fish. Open from 12-6pm weekends from June 5 to August 20. Resident and non-resident season memberships available. 


LINCOLN

Codman Pool
16 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln, MA

Features two pools, a large one with lap swimming, a deep end, shallow end, and waterslide and a wading pool with zero depth entry and spray features.  There is a picnic area, changing areas and a concession stand.

Open Monday to Friday 1-8 PM, Saturday - Sunday 12 - 7PM from June 22 to August 11, 2023. From August 12 to 27 Codman will be ppen Monday to Friday 12-7 PM, Saturday - Sunday 12 - 6PM.  Lincoln residents only can pay a $10 daily fee (age 3+) or purchase a season membership ($550). Non-residents may purchase a non-resident membership, available on a limited basis, and are not eligible for daily fee admission. Swim lessons available.


WALTHAM

Bobby Connors Playground
20 Sunnyside St, Waltham MA

Spray park open daily 3 PM to 8 PM and weekends 10 AM to 8 PM from June to late August.

Dana Court
Gardner St, Waltham MA

Spray park open daily 3 PM to 8 PM and weekends 10 AM to 8 PM  from Juneto late August.

Drake Playground
3 Hazel St, Waltham, MA

Plympton Elementary School's outdoor play area and available to the public. Neighborhood park includes children's play structure, basketball court, youth athletic field for baseball/softball, and water spray facility. Spray park facility is open Monday to Friday 3 PM to 8 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10 AM-8 PM from June to late August. This spray park will open at 3 PM on school days.

Fitch Spray Park
14 Ash St, Waltham, MA

Open daily 3 PM to 8 PM and weekends 10 AM to 8 PM from June to late August.

Graverson Playground

16 Pine Vale Road, Waltham MA

Spray park open daily 3 PM to 8 PM and weekends 10 AM to 8 PM from June to late August.

Lazazzero Playground
7 Shore Rd, Waltham, MA

Neighborhood park abutting Hardy Pond with lighted basketball court, water spray facility, and Little Yeague baseball fields. Spray park facility is open Monday-Friday 3 PM to 8 PM and Saturday-Sunday 10-8 PM from June to late August.

Lowell Field
190 Grove St, Waltham, MA (CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION 2023)

Located on the corner of Willow St, this community recreational facility offers a water spray park, tennis sports fields, walking path and parking areas. 

McCabe/Warrendale Playground
90 Charlotte Rd, Waltham, MA

Neighborhood park with Little League baseball fields, basketball court, lighted tennis courts, and parking. Spray park facility is open daily 3 PM to 8 PM and weekends 10 AM to 8 PM from June to late August.

McDonald Playground
8 Cutter St, Waltham, MA

Spray park open daily 3 PM to 8 PM and weekends 10 AM to 8 PM from June to late August.

Nipper Maher Park
65 Dartmouth St, Waltham, MA

Community recreational facility with a new children’s play area with water spray elements, playground area, basketball court, tennis courts, parking areas, public restrooms, and concession stand. Spray park facility is open daily 3 PM to 8 PM and weekends 10 AM to 8 PM from June to late August.

Thompson Playground
95 Charles St, Waltham, MA

Spray park open daily 3 PM to 8 PM and weekends 10 AM to 8 PM from June to late August.



Know of any lake or pond beaches or pools in Maynard or Carlisle? Please let us know so we can add it to our list!



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