About
The city's 50-plus free outdoor pools — from Astoria's Olympic-size pool to McCarren and Hamilton Fish — open for the season, expected the last weekend of June 2027.
Free Olympic-size pools in every borough are one of the city's best summer perks, and opening day at Astoria Pool or McCarren is a neighborhood event. The first week is the cleanest and least crowded. Pair with a park picnic — most big pools sit inside major parks. Astoria Pool's Art Deco setting under the Hell Gate and Triborough bridges is worth the trip on its own.
What to expect
Free lap and general swim, 11am–3pm and 4–7pm daily; lockers require your own padlock; strict rules on swimwear and no phones on the deck.
Good to know
- 2027 dates not yet announced — based on the annual pattern; confirm on the official site
- Bring a padlock, a towel and a swimsuit — no cutoffs or colored T-shirts allowed
- Weekday mornings are the quietest
- Astoria (Queens), McCarren (Brooklyn), Hamilton Fish (LES), Crotona (Bronx), Lyons (Staten Island) are the marquee Olympic pools
- Season closes Labor Day (Sept 6, 2027)
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
Is the opening date confirmed?
No — NYC Parks announces it in spring; pools have opened on or about the last Saturday of June for years.
Is it really free?
Yes — all NYC Parks outdoor pools are free.