Pools Around Woodbridge: Where To Swim This Summer

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Summer is just around the corner, and you may be planning now to find activities to keep the kids busy — and cool. An obvious summer favorite pastime is spending those hot afternoons at the local pool.

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

Highland Grove Pool & Spray Park: The Township pool. A 25-yard pool, kiddie pool and spray park. 1 Highland Terrace, in Fords, NJ. Guest passes are issued only to guests who are accompanied by Highland Grove Pool members. Members must be present at all times and are responsible for the conduct of each guest. When the member leaves, the guest must also leave the premises. Price is per visit and pass is not transferable. A child is considered to be 15 years of age of younger. M-F $12 per adult & $10 per child Weekends & Holidays: $15 per adult & $12 per child Highland Grove Pool reserves the right to limit the number of guest passes per session. https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj....

Springwood Swim Club: Private swim club in Colonia. 150 McKinley Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067 https://www.springwoodswimclub...

(The YMCA BowTie pool in Port Reading was demolished.)

The Middlesex borough pool: You do not have to be a member to join; they are actively seeking memberships. Learn more here: https://patch.com/new-jersey/m...

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...

Woodbridge Community Center pool: Indoor pool. Good for swimming lessons or senior citizen swim time. https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj....

Aberdeen Spray Park: Drive south down the Parkway to 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. 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