When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
John Jay Pool
Why John Jay Pool is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
John Jay Pool, located within John Jay Park in Manhattan, is renowned as one of the most beautiful outdoor pools managed by NYC's Parks Department. This 145-foot pool, operational since 1940, offers visitors and local residents a refreshing retreat especially during the hot summer months. The pool is free to the community, open daily with hours typically from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring a mid-afternoon cleaning break. Notably, during heat advisories, the pool extends its hours to accommodate more swimmers seeking relief. Beyond swimming, John Jay Park provides a variety of amenities making it an ideal meeting spot: basketball courts, handball courts, playgrounds for children, exercise stations for adults, and ample seating near the scenic riverside. Its family-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities invite frequent visits year-round. The pool supports multiple programs such as free swimming lessons for all ages, lap swim sessions reserved for fitness enthusiasts, and special activities for teens, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Its location on the east side of New York with convenient access and beautiful surroundings makes it a popular urban oasis and a vibrant community hub.
Here's what people think of John Jay Pool
As of recent, John Jay Pool holds a 4.3-star rating based on 270 reviews.
User reviews of John Jay Pool are generally positive, reflecting an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 270 reviews. Visitors praise the pool for its exceptional outdoor setting, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. Many highlight the free access to a large, Olympic-sized swimming pool as one of its key attractions, applauding it as a rare and valuable community resource in New York City. The pool's extensive hours, including lap swim opportunities and swimming lessons for all ages, receive frequent commendation. In addition, the park's variety of amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts, and exercise stations add to the appeal for families and individuals alike. On the other hand, some reviews mention minor complaints about occasional overcrowding during peak summer times and limited grassy areas in the park. A few users note that the pool closes promptly during thunderstorms, which can be disruptive but is understood as a necessary safety measure. Despite these small downsides, the consensus remains that John Jay Pool is a cherished outdoor venue providing a safe, enjoyable, and beautiful environment for swimming and socializing. Overall, reviewers recommend John Jay Pool as a great place to gather with friends and family, enjoy water activities, and benefit from diverse recreational amenities in a peaceful riverside setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kenya Woods
I love this pool, I love the staff there as well I went there a few times this summer everything is clean and everyone makes you feel very welcomed. I would recommend this place to anyone.
Jorge Luis Tonuellas Sr.
My family and I enjoyed our visit to this public pool. and the view of the east river. Not over crowded and no waiting on a single line just to get in the pool. like other public pools in NYC. We love this pool.
Money Man
One of my childhood favorite pools it’s a safe serene pool, clean and with less noise then the popular public swimming pools in a nice neighborhood close to the Mayors manor
Amber Piper
I enjoy going to this pool, and there's a park as well, and a place where you can walk down to see the boats go by
Susan Poulakis
I used to love this pool but without lap swims times for adults you have to dodge cannonballing kids so I gave up on it. Another thing that’s gone since Covid.
How to reach John Jay Pool
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Website: None
Why John Jay Pool may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at John Jay Pool with your friends?
Gathering your friends or family for a day out at John Jay Pool offers an invigorating and refreshing experience unlike many other urban hangout spots. This pool is not just a place to swim—it’s a vibrant community hub where people come together to enjoy the water, engage in healthy activities, and connect in a welcoming environment. With an overall rating of 4.3 from 270 reviews, John Jay Pool consistently impresses visitors for its clean, well-maintained facilities and its lively yet relaxing atmosphere. The nearly Olympic-sized outdoor pool provides ample space for various swimming activities, making it an ideal place to cool off on a hot summer day or to challenge each other in lap swimming. Its location near the East River adds scenic beauty, complete with shaded areas thanks to the unique presence of trees right on the pool deck—a rarity among city pools. Whether you want to lounge on a recliner, dive off the springboard, or enjoy a friendly game of water volleyball, John Jay Pool offers a dynamic setting perfect for reconnecting with friends or celebrating special occasions. The blend of recreational swimming, exercise opportunities, and social space makes it an excellent venue for group meetups that foster both fun and healthful living.
What activities can you enjoy at John Jay Pool?
John Jay Pool is designed to accommodate a wide range of recreational activities that appeal to individuals as well as groups. The crown jewel of the park is its nearly Olympic-sized swimming pool, catering to both casual swimmers and serious lap swimmers. The pool operates daily with general swimming hours set from late morning into the early evening, with specialized lap swim times during weekdays requiring registration. This schedule allows groups with varying schedules to find a time slot that fits them perfectly. The pool also features a diving pool with a springboard, though it is open only at the discretion of lifeguards to ensure safety. Besides swimming, the park surrounding the pool includes facilities for handball, basketball, and other sports, affording additional activity options to complement your swim. For those who prefer lower-impact exercise or socializing, there are exercise stations for adults and plenty of benches along the river to relax and watch the world go by. The playground areas are especially popular for families with children, featuring separate zones for little kids, making John Jay a family-friendly destination as well. Moreover, John Jay Pool’s unique tree-shaded deck and available recliners create a comfortable environment for sunbathing and casual social gatherings, perfect for groups wanting to spend extended time together outdoors.
Why is John Jay Pool perfect for a group meetup?
John Jay Pool excels as a venue for group meetups due to its combination of open space, versatile facilities, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The sheer size of the pool enables multiple groups to coexist without feeling crowded—friends can swim together, compete in friendly races, or simply lounge side-by-side. The provision of lockers where you must securely stash your belongings adds a layer of comfort and security, allowing groups to relax without worry. The rule that phones cannot be brought onto the pool deck encourages guests to fully engage with each other and the environment rather than being distracted by screens. This policy promotes genuine social interaction, making it an excellent spot for bonding. Additionally, the availability of shade from trees right on the deck provides comfort from the sun, meaning your group can easily alternate between swimming and relaxing without overheating. For larger gatherings, the adjacent open spaces and ball courts create natural extensions to the meetup, enabling a mix of physical activity and leisurely downtime. Families with kids especially benefit from the playgrounds available, which let parents socialize while children enjoy themselves safely nearby. Overall, the thoughtful design and amenities make John Jay Pool an ideal setting for memorable and enjoyable group outings.
How does John Jay Pool support fitness and wellness group activities?
John Jay Pool is not only about leisure but also a significant resource for fitness enthusiasts and wellness-focused groups. The pool’s provision of lap swim hours caters specifically to swimmers looking to train or improve their technique in a dedicated environment, with experienced coaches often accessible through local swimming clubs such as Red Tide Swim NYC. Such communities welcome members of all skill levels, offering structured workouts that can strengthen bonds among participants while improving their physical health. The pool environment encourages cardiovascular fitness, endurance building, and muscle strengthening in a low-impact setting, making it suitable for a diverse range of ages and abilities. Besides aquatic fitness, the park offers exercise stations for adults that complement swimming workouts by targeting different muscle groups. The presence of multiple sports courts—handball and basketball—supports cross-training opportunities and group league play, fostering friendly competition and teamwork. Group activities such as swimming lessons and team swim meets are often organized at or near John Jay Pool, further enhancing its appeal as a wellness hub. The combination of amenities, structured opportunities, and open spaces creates a holistic environment where groups can pursue fitness goals together while enjoying camaraderie.
What special features make John Jay Pool stand out from other NYC pools?
Several features distinguish John Jay Pool from many urban swimming options, enhancing its appeal as a meetup destination. First, the pool’s size, close to Olympic standards, offers a spacious and professional swimming environment uncommon in public city pools. Its outdoor setting, located by the East River, gives swimmers and visitors a scenic backdrop of water and skyline views, enhancing the aesthetic and relaxing qualities of the spot. Uniquely, the pool deck includes natural shade from mature trees, providing refreshing reprieves from the sun and a pleasant ambiance for lounging or watching. Unlike many pools, John Jay also offers reclining chairs for sunbathing or unwinding, although demand means these can be limited on busy days. The controlled access policies, such as requiring swimsuits and locks for personal items and prohibiting phones on the deck, contribute to safety and a distraction-free environment that focuses on physical activity and social interaction. During summer, the pool is open for about ten weeks, providing a seasonal haven for cooling off and outdoor recreation without the overcrowding often seen in more commercial venues. These combined features make John Jay Pool a uniquely well-rounded aquatic venue capable of meeting a variety of group needs and preferences.
How accessible and welcoming is John Jay Pool for diverse groups and families?
John Jay Pool is notable for its inclusivity and family-friendly facilities, making it welcoming to a broad spectrum of visitors. The park surrounding the pool includes excellent playgrounds with separate sections specially designed for younger children, providing a safe and engaging space for families to enjoy together. These playgrounds allow adults to supervise children comfortably while socializing or relaxing nearby. The pool’s policies and management emphasize safety and enjoyment for all users, including clear guidelines on pool usage times and supervision requirements. The presence of LGBTQ+ swim team events and community gatherings hosted or associated with the pool highlights its role as an inclusive social hub that celebrates diversity. The availability of multiple access points, lockers, and well-maintained changing rooms also adds convenience for all guests, including those with different physical abilities or needs. While open during the warm months, the surrounding ball fields and sitting areas remain comfortable for group visits during cooler weather, adding year-round value for families and groups. Overall, John Jay Pool’s combination of amenities, community programming, and accessibility policies makes it a genuinely welcoming and accommodating place to host group meetups of all kinds.