Fun fact: June was yet another record-setting month for heat following the crazy-high temperatures of Summer 2018.
So with the Fourth of July coming up quickly (like, today), where can you and yours escape the heat without missing out on those gorgeous Summer afternoons?
Whether you're a long-time resident or a weekend tourist, these are the five best pools and water parks you can find in Lancaster, PA!
#1. Duke's Lagoon at Dutch Wonderland
Duke's Lagoon is an attraction at Dutch Wonderland (2249 Lincoln Highway East).
That makes it a family-friendly area ideal for younger children who want to frolic in sprinklers, water jets — you name it.
If you've ever been to Hershey Park's water park, Duke's Lagoon is kind of like that but on a smaller scale.
This time of year, you can expect a lot of foot traffic at Duke's Lagoon since it's so hot and it's in the prime time of tourist season.
In fact, considering the influx of tourism that Lancaster experiences every July, you can safely expect large crowds and lots of activity!
If you're into that kind of thing, then Duke's Lagoon is a great place for you and yours.
If you're looking for a more low-key place to cool off, you can try one of Lancaster's many public pools scattered throughout its small towns.
#2. Lancaster County Swimming Pool
The Lancaster County swimming pool (1050 Rockford Road) is a whopping 15,000+ sq. ft. in size with depths up to 6 ft. deep.
You have to purchase a pool pass in order to access the pool itself, which is pretty expensive if you're just taking a weekend trip to Lancaster.
But if you're planning on spending a week or more in Amish Country, the $185 price tag for a family of four isn't a terrible deal.
(It's still expensive, but it's better than only using the pass for a day.)
This swimming pool is actually more like a water park. It has slides and fountains for anyone who doesn't feel like swimming, and there's even a full-sized basketball court and an open yard for sunbathing.
That's why the pricetag for a season pass gets to be so high — there's a lot more at Lancaster County swimming pool than just the pool.
Lastly, check out the pool rules if you want to buy a pass. It'd be a bummer to shell out for a pass, break the rules, and get thrown out within the first hour of your pool-related shenanigans.
#3. Conestoga Pines Swimming Pool
The Conestoga Pines swimming pool (200 Arthur E Morris Parkway) is another conveniently-located watering hole for individuals and families.
This pool borders the Conestoga River and neighbors the Lancaster City Water Department.
It's also located back inside a park that's next to a residential development.
In other words, it's a lot more secluded than the Lancaster County pool and Dutch Wonderland!
(Plus, there's a Costco nearby if you need 1,000 of something.)
Conestoga Pines is a smart choice for tourists because it charges by the day ($6) instead of by the season.
You can buy a season pass if you want, but the amenities at Conestoga Pines are much less impressive than those at the previous areas on our list.
Still, this is a great pool if you just want to go to a pool. It's more laid back, less active, and probably less populated than a lot of other parks in Lancaster, mostly because so few people know it's there.
So if you want a day out at the pool without slamming down $180 for a pass, check out Conestoga Pines.
#4. Overlook Park Pool
Overlook Park Pool (301 Golf Drive) is partly a pool and partly a water park.
Complete with a big-assed water slide, water bubblers, and (of course) the pool itself, it offers a lot of different areas for kids to run around and parents to relax.
The pool is actually located on the campus of Overlook Park, which is between Lancaster City and Lititz.
The only downside is that the pool doesn't currently list its prices or active hours on its website.
If you'd like to get in touch with them directly for more details, you can contact the Stauffer Mansion — which sounds awfully sophisticated for a public pool — at 717.290.7180.
#5. Leola Community Pool
The Leola Community Pool (23 East Main Street, Leola) is, as the name implies, a community-based pool that's open to residents of certain municipalities.
As a result, you have to know someone who's a resident to get into the place.
Leola Community Pool is really only worth mentioning because it's an option for anyone with family or friends in the area. It's a great excuse to spend the day with someone, catching up, and not being set on fire by the oppressive Lancaster sun.
If you're a non-resident, you still have the chance to get a pool pass, but it probably costs more than the resident option.
I say "probably" because Leola Community Pool doesn't actually list its prices on its website.
Still, if you're nearby, it's a great place to go. You can enjoy the rest of Leola Community Park while you're there, too!
#6. Skyline Park Pool
Skyline Park Pool (245 Eden Road) is north of Lancaster City and, as a result, mostly frequented by residents.
Considering it's off the beaten path of Route 30 and all the tourist traps around it, you won't find many out-of-staters in the area.
Skyline has a lot of amenities in common with the Overlook Park Pool, and it's probably because both pools are managed by the same municipality (Manheim Township).
Still, Skyline is far enough away from Overlook Park that it's a smart choice for anyone who wants to visit a decent pool without driving 15+ minutes.
Looking for a mellow Saturday? Skyline is a solid bet.
Just like with Overlook, you can contact the Stauffer Mansion at 717.290.7180 for more information on pricing and hours.
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