Central Park

Pool Hours

Outdoor pool hours are from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. 

Know Before You Go

What to Bring

Make sure you have a sturdy combination lock when you head out to the pool. It will keep your valuables safe, and let you hit the water feeling more secure about your belongings.

What Not to Bring

You’ll need to leave food, glass bottles, electronic devices, and newspapers at home. Unbound periodicals tend to blow around and create litter, food can be messy to clean up after, and there’s too much water around to make sure your electronics stay safe.  Just to be on the safe side, we also recommend leaving valuables like jewelry and credit cards at home.

What to Wear

You’ll need to have a swimsuit to enter the pool area. We may choose to check men’s shorts for a lining if we can’t tell if they are wearing a bathing suit. Feel the need to cover up from the sun? Throw on a plain white shirt or white hat and you’re set. We don’t allow shirts with colors on them on the deck. And remember to wear sunscreen! We provide free sunscreen to city pools across the five boroughs.

For the Kids

Thinking of bringing floaties? It’s safer to leave them at home and just stay in the shallow end of the pool until everyone learns to swim. Want to venture deeper? Try some of our free swimming classes.

Babies or toddlers can put on swim diapers before they head into the water. While we may be able to find a place to park your stroller, we can’t keep an eye on it for you, so bring it at your own risk.

Managing our Lines

There is often a line to enter our pools. We promise, it’s worth the wait! Sometimes, on busy days, we take steps to ensure that more people have the chance to swim. We may add swim sessions and limit the amount of time that you can swim in the pool. We may also give you bracelets on busy days, allowing you to come back later and skip the line.

Swim Programs

Learn to Swim

NYC Parks offers free swimming lessons for people of all ages throughout the summer.

Lap Swimming

At some pools, fitness-minded adults can swim laps without interruption from other swimmers during morning or evening hours.

More Programs

Our outdoor pools feature more special programs for teens, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Be WaterSafe

Stay safe near and in the water. Here are 10 Tips to Stay Water Safe in New York City.

Want to swim in a pool all year long? Find a recreation center with an indoor pool, and become a member today.