On those hot and humid summer days, sometimes all we want to do is take a break and cool down.
While North Jersey is a prime location for those looking to have easy access to the beach without actually having to live near one, it's still a bit far for some — especially when you factor in that good old summer traffic. Luckily, though, North Jersey has a variety of swimming alternatives available.
Whether you are just looking to float and relax, or you are up for a little bit of daring fun, here are some options to keep cool:
Palisades Park Swim Club
Palisades Park Swim Club offers $10 daily passes for Palisades Park residents and $15 daily passes for all other New Jersey residents — so it's the place for those who want to enjoy just an afternoon at the pool or who don't want to pay for a seasonal membership.
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The club includes a 25-meter swimming pool with diving boards and a separate kiddie pool area. There are also picnic tables and areas to barbecue available.
Go: End of Roosevelt Place, Palisades Park; 201-585-4140, mypalisadespark.com/town-pool.
Lou Costello Pool and Riverside Pool, Paterson
After delays in opening for the summer, Lou Costello Pool on Grand Street and Riverside Vets Pool on Fifth Avenue in Paterson are open for the summer.
Access to either pool is free and open only to Paterson residents. Both pools feature hours for summer camp programs, as well as a general public family swim.
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Go: 169 Grand St., Paterson and 165 Fifth Avenue, Paterson; 973-321-1313, patersonnj.myrec.com/info/activities/program
Highlands Natural Pool, Ringwood
This spring-fed pool offers a limited number of daily passes to non-members at a cost of $20 for adults and $10 for children, without residency conditions.
In addition to the natural swimming area, in Ringwood next to Norvin Green State Forest, there are open fields for sports, volleyball courts, pingpong tables and several hiking trails nearby.
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There is a snack stand selling food and drinks, and visitors can also use the charcoal grill and picnic table area — with an extra $25 table fee for non-members.
Go: 180 Snake Den Road, Ringwood; 973-835-4299, highlandsnaturalpool.org.
Mountain Creek Waterpark, Vernon
Not everyone wants to sit and relax while they cool off. Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon Township combines the best of both worlds: cool water and daring slides.