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 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.
Here’s your comprehensive Summer Guide to Pools, Splash Pads & Beaches across Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Haverhill, Lawrence, Groveland, Georgetown, Middleton, and Boxford:
🏊♀️ Andover
- Pomps Pond (147 Abbot St) – A town-owned freshwater pond with a sandy beach, walking trails, picnic areas, and swimming access facebook.com+2communitykangaroo.com+2pinterest.com+2merrimackvalleyma.macaronikid.com.
- Andover/North Andover YMCA Outdoor Pool & Splash Pad – Family-friendly pool area includes splash fountains, hot tub, and swimming lanes (adult or family Y membership required) instagram.com+3mvymca.org+3northshoreymca.org+3.
- Rec Park Playground at Pomps Pond – Registration-based summer program with daily swims, boating, crafts, and swim lessons included yelp.com+6andoverma.myrec.com+6andoverma.gov+6.
🌊 North Andover
- North Andover YMCA/Family Splash Pad – Outdoor aqua center featuring slides and splash zones; open to Y members
- Harold Parker State Forest Beach – Refreshing freshwater swimming beach with hiking trails and picnic spots
- Lake Cochichewick – Note: Swimming is prohibited (reservoir water), but paddle boating is permitted
💦 Methuen
- YMCA Branch / Local Splash Spots – Methuen YMCA (check local site) and occasional community splash events; watch for updated splash pad openings .
- 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.
- 🌴 Haverhill
- Swasey Field Splash Pad – Free public splash pad with rubberized play surface, adjacent playground facebook.com.
- Haverhill YMCA Outdoor Pool – Offers pools and summer swim programming (membership required)
- 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.
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.
59 Blaisdell St
Haverhill MA 01832
Splash pad and playground
- 🚣 Lawrence
- Lawrence YMCA Outdoor Pool – Outdoor pool accessible to Y members, ideal for cooling off and swim sessions .
- Nearby Haverhill/Haverhill Rec Areas – Haverhill parks welcome residents without water restrictions .
🌲 Groveland
- Local Ponds & Trails – While lacking formal splash pads, Groveland offers scenic freshwater ponds, swimming spots, and trails—great for a restful splash .
🧒 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.
🍦 Middleton
- The Y at Ipswich Branch – Also serves Middleton families; outdoor pools, slides, splash zones included .
- Local Ponds & Conservation Areas – Scenic natural spots for gentle cooling off.
🧺 Boxford
- Stiles Pond Beach – Freshwater town beach with sandy shoreline, picnic tables, and swimming access merrimackvalleyma.macaronikid.com.
- Community Conservation Areas – Charming wooded ponds perfect for barefoot paddling and relaxing.
🏊🏼♂️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
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.
✅ Tips for a Great Summer Swim
- Membership: Many YMCA pools require a full family or adult membership for outdoor pool & splash pad use.
- Check Schedules: Pools often have specific open hours, splash times, and swim lesson sessions—view local rec or Y sites for details.
- Bring Essentials: Pack towels, water bottles, sunscreen, and floaties for younger swimmers.
- Know the Rules: Reservoirs like Cochichewick don’t allow swimming, but offer boating; confirm access before visiting.
- Explore Local Gems: Smaller spots can surprise you with peaceful, kid-friendly environments away from crowds.
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