When people refer to our city as Hotlanta, they are not kidding. It can get downright scorching in the spring and summer months. And while private pools or country clubs can cost a pretty penny, we’ve scouted out some family-friendly places where you can cool off with the kiddos on the cheap. Grab your goggles and read on for the low down on our five favorite Atlanta community pools.
Chastain Park Athletic Club
Nestled inside Chastain Park you’ll find Chastain Park Athletic Club, a perfect place to take your little minnows for a day of swimming. The club has three pools: a deep pool, a family pool and a lap pool. The family pool is 3 ft. 6in. deep and has stairs that run along one entire end, making it a perfect spot for splashing with ‘lil swimmers. At this well-maintained community pool, you’ll find bathhouses, a snack bar, picnic tables and lots of shady places to camp out with the kiddos.
Details: Visit the pool for free from 12-1:30 p.m. on weekdays, and for $5 for all ages from 2-4:30 p.m.; check the website for more info.
Hint: If you are looking to beat the crowds, try heading over on a weekday. Monday through Wednesday are usually the least crowded.
235 Chastain Park Ave. NW
Buckhead
404-255-2762
Online: teamunify.com
McKoy Pool
Ah, the city of Decatur. They do so many things right and McKoy Pool and Park is no exception. McKoy Park has a giant play area that is relatively new with slides, swings and climbing structures. You‘ll also find a nice picnic area, as well as a skate park. McKoy pool features a zero-entry (beach style) pool and splash fountains which are a big hit with the little ones. You’ll also find lounge chairs and oversized umbrellas for lots of shade.
Details: Daily swim is available Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and will close for weekday swimming on August 1. It will remain open on weekends through Labor Day. Admission is $5 for each person older than 2.
Hint: This is a fun and well-maintained pool, but be prepared for plenty of company. This pool is very popular with Decatur's small set because of the zero-entry pathway.
534 Mckoy St.
Decatur
404-378-8084
Online: decaturga.com
Roswell Area Park Pool
The Roswell Area Park Pool is situated in the huge forest-like setting of Roswell Area Park. With plenty of great walking paths, ball fields, tennis courts and several nice playgrounds this park really has it all. The pool itself is Olympic-sized with eight lanes, two diving boards and a children’s wading pool. And of course, no kid-friendly pool is complete without the beloved mushroom waterfall!
Details: Roswell residents pay $3.00 and non-residents pay $4.50. It's closed Thursdays, and generally opens at 11 a.m. on all days but Sundays, when it opens at 1 p.m. Hours will change as the season continues so check the website before you go.
Hint: If you’re looking for more than casual splashing, check out some of the many programs offered at the pool, like aquatic exercise, or swim lessons for the kiddos.
10495 Woodstock Rd.
Roswell
770-641-3822
Online: roswellgov.com
Garden Hills Pool
Snug in the beautiful Garden Hills neighborhood, this pool has been popular with residents and guests for years. Enjoy its concession stand, updated bathrooms and an indoor party room—not to mention the shady playground just outside its front door, and the playing field adjacent to the pool.
Details: Admission is $5 per person and free swim hours are from opening to closing, with the exception of from 12-2 p.m. and 2:15-4:15. Member-only hours begin daily at 4:30 p.m.
Hint: Stay in the loop on Garden Hills Facebook page for updates on fun events like The Garden Hills Pool dog swim and movie nights!
335 Pinetree Dr. NE
Buckhead
404-848-7220
Online: gardenhillspool.com
Piedmont Park Aquatic Center
Last but not least, the most well-known park in the city of Atlanta is also home to what we think has got to be one of the prettiest pools city! With beautiful views of the park and Lake Clare Meer, fountains, a large deck and even a lazy river this pool makes for a great day of pool fun with the little ones.
Details: Free swim hours are Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m., and $5 per person during all other hours (Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 12-5 p.m.) They also have lockers available to store your belongings and a fun concession stand for midday snacks.
Hint: This year, there will be no available seating or furniture on the pool deck due to Covid precautions, but guests may bring their own chairs.
1320 Monroe Dr. NE
Midtown
404-875-7275
Online: piedmontpark.org
Featured photo courtesy of iStock.
—Shelley Massey
RELATED STORIES:
That’s Amore! Atlanta’s Best Pizza
5 High-Flying Zipline Adventures Near Atlanta
Atlanta’s Best Nearby RV Parks
The Spin: 9 Kid-Friendly Bike Paths Around Atlanta
