Where to Cool Off: Swimming Holes and Pools in Vermont

Summer is here and the living is easy! Especially when you live in a State as beautiful as ours!

There’s nothing more Vermont than finding a swimming hole and jumping in for a dip. For that reason, we’ve put together a list of our favorite swimming holes and, for the less adventurous but still overheated, local pools to visit!

Pools

1. Sandhill Pool

This pool is located in Sandhill Park in Essex. Last year, they started family swim nights on Monday and Wednesday evenings which are the only times little ones in swim diapers are allowed to swim in the pool. Be aware they do not allow floaties or puddle jumpers.

2. The Edge 

The Edge (multiple locations) offers a great indoor swimming option for chilly or rainy days and year-round swimming!

3. The Splash Park

The Splash Park is located in the Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Junction. Fun for all ages!

4. Maple Street Pool

Maple Street Pool is a hot spot for families in the summer! Play the day away in the park and then enjoy some poolside fun. The waterslide makes this one a kid favorite. Zero entry makes it great for little ones. New this year, they are offering half-price entry after 6 pm!

5. The YMCA

You can always check out the pools at at the YMCA in Burlington! Each day they have time dedicated to “open swim,” where families can enjoy some fun pool time together. This is free for members and non-members can buy a day pass and come cool off. Of course, the YMCA is also a resource for swim lessons throughout the year. 

6. Jay Peak

The water park of all Vermont water parks is obviously at Jay Peak Pump House! Forget swimming pools, here you can enjoy waterslides and swimming pools and enough water fun to last a weekend!

7. The Swimming Hole

The Swimming Hole is an indoor community pool located in Stowe. They have something for everyone with a competition-sized swimming pool with diving board and a toddler and child swimming pool with a waterslide.

8. Button Bay State Park

This is a great pool that slowly wades in which is great for little ones. It has a waterslide too!

9. Middlebury Town Pool

Your typical town pool, open to residents and non-residents. A lovely place to visit for the day!

10. Smuggler’s Notch

From the pools to the waterslides, there is so much fun to be had at Smuggs!

11. Montshire Museum

Enjoy the splash and play area behind the museum. Ideal for little kids. 

Swimming Holes

{Please check with local officials and take the utmost precaution before trying any swimming holes!}

1. Metcalf Pond, Fletcher

We couldn’t find much info about this one online but hear that it’s a great spot for a swim! Look for crawdads and bring your bug spray!

2. The Old Red Mill, Jericho

Visit the museum and craft shop and then enjoy a hike where you will find swimming holes to enjoy along the way.

3. Triple Buckets, Richmond

Near the Huntington Gorge, Trible Buckets has been known to be dangerous for swimmers. However, the article linked above says if you stick to the swimming holes below the falls you are just fine.

4. Bristol Falls, Bristol

This is spot is geared more towards older kids, although younger ones can enjoy splashing in the shallow edges. A very popular spot so be prepared for crowds.

5. Red Rocks, South Burlington

Enjoy a hike and a dip in the swimming area at Red Rocks!

6. Colchester Pond, Colchester

After a nice hike along the trails, take a dip in the Colchester Pond! There’s no beach but swimming is permitted. Find the rope swing for added fun!

7. Warren Falls, Warren

Warren Falls is called a “natural waterpark” and for good reason! It’s a beautiful place to swim and play in the town of Warren. Follow the small path to a shallow spot for kids.

8. Bolton Potholes, Bolton

Some say the potholes are not safe for little ones so please consider your kids’ abilities before trying this one out. If the water looks too high, just enjoy the view!

9. Lake Iroquois, Williston 

Lake Iroquois is a great place to take your kids to swim. However, there are regulations, and passes and/or fees are required. This is also a great location to kayak, canoe, and grill.

10. Waterbury Center State Park, Waterbury

While you can’t bring your pets, you can bring your family for a day of summer fun. There are grills for picnicking and a designated area for swimming. Boat rentals are also available.

11. Mills Riverside Park, Jericho

This gorgeous river has places for all ages and swim abilities to splash, and includes a dog beach where pups can enjoy the water too. 

12. Benson’s Hole, Manchester

This is a great little place to swim and play, and is a quick hike from the road.

13. Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow

Three falls in separate areas create different swimming pools that are located about a mile hike from the road. 

14. Lareau Swimming Hole, Waitsfield

This family-friendly swimming hole has shallow areas, deep water, and waterfalls. It’s a great spot to bring a picnic. 

15. Bingham Falls, Smuggler’s Notch/Stowe

A short steep walk that is worth your while brings you to beautiful Bingham Falls.

{There are many more swimming holes to enjoy in Vermont than we can possibly list, and it’s hard to say which are kid-friendly and which are not. Your best bet is to ask around and get advice from the locals before attempting a swimming hole with little ones.}

We’d love to hear what pools and swimming holes you enjoy around the state!