7-05-2023 12:13am

Ten Pools and Lakes Near Clifton to Enjoy Over the Summer

photo credit: Life Floor Website

This summer season, in between July showers and drizzle episodes, it is important for every New Jersey resident to have a go-to place to cool off with family and friends or to enjoy alone. Although New Jersey is well known for its beaches, there are plenty of local pools and lakes available to Clifton residents who are looking to soak up the sun and take a dip.

Below is a list of the top ten pools and lakes within a 40-minute drive of Clifton. All are open to the public without requiring membership or residency in the town. Note that the listed hours and amenities may vary depending on various factors such as weather and day of the week so be sure to call or check the websites before your visit to ensure you have the best summer day possible!

1. Westfield Memorial Pool- Westfield, NJ (around 40 minutes from Clifton)

The Westfield Memorial Pool has a wide range of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy such as a diving pool, water slides, a kiddie pool and splash pad area, concession stands with a picnic area, family fun nights, and swim lessons. Daily passes can be purchased at the front desk upon arrival for $45 for all guests without a member companion, 3 years and older. The daily guest pass is only $12 if you visit with someone who is a member of the pool. From now until September 4th, the pool will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

2. Wayne Township Lake- Wayne, NJ (around 20 minutes from Clifton)

Captain Kilroy Park, also known as Tom’s Lake, is a man-made swimming lake located with a sand beach, a floating inflatable playground, a basketball and volleyball court, a picnic area, a diving dock, lockers, and concession stands. Non-residents of Wayne can visit the lake for $25 for those 18+ and for $20 for those 17 and under, with senior citizens being admitted for $15. On weekends and holidays, the lake opens at 11 a.m. and at 12 p.m. on weekdays. Until July 23rd the lake will be open until 8 p.m. but will begin to close earlier as the summer progresses. Make sure to check the website for specifics. For more information, you can view this brochure.

3. Weehawken Pool - Weehawken, NJ (around 20 minutes from Clifton)

Open to all New Jersey residents, the Weehawken Pool overlooks the Hudson River and offers slides, a lap pool, child play areas, a basketball and volleyball court, restrooms, and a waterfront view. There are no daily passes but memberships are free for children. Adult membership fees are $200 for the first adult for the season and $100 for additional adults in the same household. The pool is open for general swim from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

4. Highlands Natural Pool - Ringwood, NJ (around 40 minutes from Clifton)

Filled with mountain streams and surrounded by forest and scenic hiking trails, the Highlands Natural Pool is open to the public with day passes costing $20 for adults (18+), $10 for children (3-17), and $15 for active military/veterans and senior citizens (65+). These passes can be purchased at the entrance with either cash or credit. The pool is chlorine-free, maintains a temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and is adjacent to the Norvin Green State Forest in Ringwood, NJ. The pool is open from noon to 6 p.m.

5. Palisades Park Swim Club- Palisades Park, NJ (around 25 minutes from Clifton)

At the Palisades Park Swim Club, non-residents of Palisades Park are able to purchase a day pass for $20 as long as each adult has a valid New Jersey driver’s license to prove they are residents of New Jersey. The pool is generally open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and all visitors are welcome to bring their own food along with coolers that are 8 quarts or less. For more information, you can visit their Facebook or call their office at 201-585-4140.

6. Lake Hopatcong- Jefferson, NJ (around 40 minutes from Clifton)

The largest freshwater lake in New Jersey, Lake Hopatcong offers boating, fishing, water sports, concession stands, volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, changing areas, playgrounds, and stores in which beach supplies can be purchased. The lake is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and provides free entry to all. For more information about various activities and restaurants available, you can visit the lake’s official website here.

7. Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool - Rahway, NJ (around 40 minutes from Clifton)

Open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., non-county residents can purchase tickets to enjoy a lap pool, splash playground, and kiddie pool for just $10 for adults (18+) and $8 for senior citizens (62+) and children (17 and under). For more details, you can call 908-527-4000 or email infot@ucnj.org.

8. Sunrise Lake Beach Club - Mendham, NJ (around 40 minutes from Clifton)

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the Sunrise Lake Beach Club provides an inflatable obstacle course, a sandy beach, paddle boats, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. The Wibit Splash Zone water obstacle course has an additional fee of $3 per 20-minute session and can be purchased onsite. Please note that only children 7 and up are allowed to participate. Prices for daily passes and hours vary as follows:

Weekends and holidays: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Seniors (65+): $13
Adults (16-24): $15
Children (5-15): $13
Infants (4 and under): Free

Weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday): 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Seniors (65+): $11
Adults (16-24): $13
Children (5-15): $11
Infants (4 and under): Free

9. Warrenbrook Pool- Warren Township, NJ (around 40 minutes from Clifton)

The Warrenbrook Pool offers concession stands, which only take cash, slides, two pools, shaded areas, chairs, and free admission for children under 3. Open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m week round, pricing varies as follows:

Weekdays

Seniors (60+): $12
Adults (18-59): $16
Youths (4-17): $12
Infants (3 and under): Free

Weekends

Seniors (60+): $14
Adults (18-59): $20
Youths (4-17): $14
Infants (3 and under): Free

10. Darlington Lake- Mahwah, NJ (about 30 minutes from Clifton)

Darlington County Park features three lakes, white sand beaches, a picnic area, and tennis and handball courts. There is also a Wibit Splash Zone water obstacle course, which requires additional fees that can be viewed on the website linked above. The lake is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day from now until September 4th. Prices vary as follows:

Weekdays

Seniors (61+): $3
Out of County Adults (18-60): $10
Children (5-17): $6

Weekends

Seniors (61+): $6
Out of County Adults (18-60): $15
Children (5-17): $6

If you have the desire to swim that surpasses the summer, be sure to consider becoming a member at local gyms and pool clubs such as the Clifton Boys and Girls Club, YMCAs (Montclair and Garfield), and LA Fitness, which offer a variety of lap pools, hot tubs, and diving boards.

Have a good summer, Clifton!