Pools Around Middletown: Where To Swim This Summer

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Summer is just around the corner, and you may be planning now to find activities to keep the kids busy — and cool. Here are our absolute favorite places in and around Middletown, NJ to spend a hot summer afternoon:

The state of New Jersey recently issued guidance for pools to follow, so they can safely operate during the coronavirus pandemic: https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/sanitation-safety/prb.shtml

So where near Middletown can you take a dip? We've compiled this guide of our favorite pools, spray parks, lakes, water parks and beaches:

Swim club at the Middletown Sports Complex: Outdoor swim club. Now offering SPARK summer camp, too. https://www.middletownsc.com/s...

Holmdel Swim Club and Recreation Center: Offers seasonal memberships to residents who live outside of Holmdel. 4 pools, including a main pool, a baby pool, a diving tank, and an intermediate pool. Playground, sand volleyball court, snack bar, swim team and tennis courts. https://www.holmdeltownship-nj...

The Cambridge Club of Aberdeen: The Cambridge Club is a family social club nestled in the heart of Aberdeen Twp. They have six aquatic features including a competition pool, zero-entry activity pool, Jacuzzi, heated therapy pool, kiddie pool and splash pad. The pool deck also houses an outdoor grill area where members can enjoy a seated, restaurant-quality meal. They are equipped with a full bar, as well and provide drink service on the pool deck. Indoors, they have a casual lounge, fine dining restaurant, gym, and fitness classes as well as a private party room for bookings. Membership is yearround so everyone gets to not only enjoy the pools but all of the social events and special functions put on all year. For more information: cambridgeclubnj.com

Hartshorne Woods Park: Great spot for hiking and while there is no official water or beach access, this huge park is located right on the Navesink River. Over closer to Oceanport, it's said that dolphins can be seen swimming every June in Blackberry Bay. Launch a kayak and go explore the Shrewsbury River.

The lake at Cheesequake State Park: There is a beautiful lake inside the park with a beach and swimming area with lifeguards. Swimming is permitted in Hooks Creek Lake from Memorial day weekend through Labor Day weekend while lifeguards are on duty. Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing area, restrooms, a first-aid station and a concession offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach. We recommend going early in the season; the water may still be chilly but it will be clean and clear. https://www.stateparks.com/che...

Ideal Beach: Sandy Hook's beaches are always beautiful, but Middletown's beaches make a nice option as well, especially if Sandy Hook gets too crowded or the parking lot closes for the day — or if you don't want to pay their increased parking fees for summer 2021. All of Middletown's beaches are free.

Highlands Beach and Navesink Beach in Sea Bright: Another great option if the Sandy Hook parking lots reach capacity for the day.

Bayshore Waterfront Park: No pool, but beachfront so you can swim in the Raritan Bay. 719 Port Monmouth Rd Middletown, NJ 07758 Nice community park.

Aberdeen Spray Park: Check out the very popular Aberdeen Spray Park at Veteran's Park in Aberdeen. While there, check out the free Raritan Bay beaches of Laurence Harbor, Cliffwood Beach Waterfront Park and Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy.

Pirate's Cove, Keyport: Another great spray park for kids, right on the beautiful Keyport waterfront. You can buy a picnic lunch or snack at Keyport's several charming restaurants nearby.

Keansburg Amusement Park and Runaway Rapids Waterpark: 275 Beachway Ave, Keansburg, NJ 07734 How can we not mention this classic water park and beach-front amusement park?! Gets crowded in the summer, but still a great option for classic summertime outdoor fun. Kids will really like the water park and it's right on the beach, so you can make it a beach day as well. They usually have free fireworks on the Fourth of July. Keansburg's beaches have also been getting much cleaner. https://keansburgamusementpark...

Is there a great pool, spray park or lake, beach or creek we missed? Let us know in the comments or carly.baldwin@patch.com