guides

Beaches, Pools & Splash Pads in the Merrimack Valley

Water Play in the Andover-Haverhill Area

By Katrina Mancini & Barbara Evangelista May 20, 2023

Cool off at these beaches, pools and splash pads in the Merrimack Valley, including Andover, Georgetown, North Andover, Lawrence, Haverhill and surrounding towns. 

Did you know that you can buy an annual Mass Parks Parking Pass for $60 for MA residents and have unlimited access to all state parks and beaches for the year? You can also reserve a free pass from the local library. 

Several beaches offer wheelchair access and flotation devices. See the list of wheelchair accessible beaches at the end of the list. 


ANDOVER

Pomps Pond 
147 Abbot St
Andover MA 01810

Open 12-7 PM daily from late June (approximately June 19) to late August. Includes a beach area, pond swimming, shaded picnic grounds, playground, boat rentals, a concession stand and bathrooms.  Swimming is only allowed during seasonal open hours when lifeguards are on duty.  Season passes are available for Andover residents only.  Resident and non-resident daily passes are available.


BOXFORD

Stiles Pond Beach
10 Stiles Pond Rd
Boxford MA 01921

Open to Boxford residents only (proof of residency or town employment is required to join the beach association). Includes playground, boats, concession stand, picnic area, swim lessons and a lifeguard on duty during family swim times. Membership information available on the beach website.


GEORGETOWN

American Legion Park
20 Pentucket Ave
Georgetown MA 01833

Includes a beach area, park, tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic areas and playground.  See park and beach rules and regulations.  Currently, parking is for Georgetown residents only.


HAVERHILL 

Cedardale Health & Fitness
931 Boston Rd
Haverhill MA 01835

Offers indoor and outdoor pools, a spray park, an outdoor toddler and baby pool, picnic areas and a cafe.  Summer membership required to use the facilities.

Lake Saltonstall (Plug Pond)
Sanders Rd
Haverhill MA 01830

Small town beach with boat rentals. Lifeguard on duty from 10 AM to 7 PM.  $2 to park, Haverhill residents only.

Swasey Field Splash Pad
59 Blaisdell St
Haverhill MA 01832

Splash pad and playground.


LAWRENCE

Geisler Memorial Swimming Pool
50 High St
Lawrence, MA 01841

Opening June 25, 2022. Open daily 11:15 AM to 6:45 PM

Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Swimming Pool
180 Crawford St
Lawrence, MA 01843

Opening June 25, 2022.  Open daily 11:15 AM to 6:45 PM 


METHUEN

Forest Lake
Ridgewood Lane
Methuen MA 01844

Methuen residents only; license and car registration required as proof.  Open 10 AM to 7 PM daily beginning June 25. $10 parking fee per day or $50 season pass.


NORTH ANDOVER

Stevens Pond
522 Pleasant St
North Andover MA 01845

Open to North Andover residents only. Season and day passes available for purchase. 

Brooks School
1160 Great Pond Rd
North Andover MA 01845

Summer Swim & Tennis Club memberships.  

Harold Parker State Forest
305 Middleton Rd
North Andover MA 01845

Swimming in Berry Pond. Picnic area, playground, restrooms available. Daily MA state park parking fee.


TOPSFIELD

Bradley Palmer State Park Spray Deck
40 Asbury St
Topsfield, MA 01983

Spray deck, picnic area, and restrooms. Daily MA state park parking fee.


SALEM NH

Castaway Island at Canobie Lake Park
85 North Policy St
Salem NH 03079


PORTSMOUTH NH

Water Country
2300 Lafayette Rd
Portsmouth NH 03801


OCEAN BEACHES NEAR THE MERRIMACK VALLEY

Crane Beach 
310 Argilla Rd
Ipswich MA 01938

Large beach, bathhouse, refreshment stand, walking trails. Lifeguards on duty.  As of June 7, timed entry passes are required.

Good Harbor Beach
Thatcher Rd
Gloucester MA 01930

Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Food, drinks, beach toys, and other beach necessities are available at the concession. Restrooms and showers are available as well from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. See beach parking rates and regulations.

Wingaersheek Beach
Atlantic St
Gloucester MA 01930

Great tidepools for kids. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. See parking information and beach regulations

Hampton Beach State Park
160 Ocean Blvd
Hampton NH 03842

Large beach and state park.  See beach parking information and regulations.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
State Reservation Rd
Salisbury MA 01952

Swimming, boat launch, picnic area, restrooms, playground and large beach.  See parking information and regulations.

Sandy Point State Reservation
Parker River Wildlife Refuge Rd
Ipswich MA 01938

Beach with restrooms. 

Plum Island Beaches
Northern Boulevard
Newburyport MA 

Three beaches to choose from, with different amenities and parking options.


WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BEACHES IN THE GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY

Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Swimming Pool
180 Crawford St
Lawrence, MA 01843

Chair lift.

Geisler Memorial Swimming Pool
50 High St
Lawrence, MA 01841

Chair lift.

Bradley Palmer State Park Spray Deck
40 Asbury St
Topsfield, MA 01983

Zero-depth entry.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
State Reservation Rd
Salisbury MA 01952

11 Sunbathing Chairs, 2 Floating Wheelchairs. This beach has boardwalks over the dunes and beach mat at several access points. All three bath houses are accessible.



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