Finding a place to swim in Central Mass that isn’t a pool can seem challenging these days. Also not knowing if the space is great for young families or not is another headache that deters many families from swimming at local ponds and lakes. But don’t you worry because we rounded up some great local outdoor swimming spots all over Central Mass for you and your families to enjoy this summer!
South Central Mass
Pout Pond (Uxbridge)
This is a small pond that is well taken care of with fresh sand donated perfect for building sandcastles. The rate is $3/per person for a Day Pass ($12 family cap) or you can buy a season pass for $40 (Uxbridge residents) or $80 for non-residents.
Wallum Lake at Douglas State Forest (Douglas)
Enjoy a day of swimming in the Douglas State Forest. The area offers spots of shade or sun depending on your preference. There are also walking trails that you can do from the swimming area. Daily parking fees are charged from May 25 through October 14 at $9 (MA resident) and $30 (non-MA resident).
Carbuncle Pond (Oxford)
This is not only a beach for swimming but also a splash pad. It is owned and operated by the Town of Oxford. Daily passes can be purchased both for Oxford residents and non-residents at the gate.
Lake Singletary (Sutton)
Marion’s Camp located at Lake Singletary is located at the end of Tuttle Road and is now open year-round. There is no swimming during swim lessons. Season passes for both Sutton Residents and Non-Residents can be purchased online. Daily pass fee can only be purchased at the beach at $5.00/per person.
Memorial Beach (Webster)
This is a town-owned public beach located right on Webster Lake. It offers a swimming area and a playground close by. They offer both daily and sticker passes for both residents and non-residents. They can be purchased online or in person at the beach in season.
Buffumville Lake Park (Charlton)
Buffumville Park is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and it is open daily from mid-May through mid-September. There is a daily fee of $5 or an annual pass of $40 that can be paid onsite at the automated fee machine.
Silver Lake Beach (Bellingham)
This is a small beach with a playground and splash pad in the same area. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Only porta potties are available for restrooms. Fishing is also allowed. Daily fee is $7 and can be purchased online. They also offer seasonal passes for $10 (Bellingham residents) and $60 (non-residents).
North Central Mass
Sandy Pond (Ayer)
Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty. Sandy Pond Beach is free to residents. Non-residents may use Sandy Pond Beach for a daily fee of $8.00 ($5.00 for children), but parking is limited to residents who have a Sandy Pond Beach parking sticker.
Mirror Lake (Devens)
Mirror Lake offers an enjoyable and relaxing environment for both individuals and families. You can swim, sunbathe, and paddle during the open season. They also offer rentals including kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats. Daily fees during the weekday are $8 per adult (age 12 and over) and $6 per child, and during the weekend $10 per adult and $7 per child. They also offer season passes. Keep in mind that they only accept cash and checks here.
Central Mass
John J. Binienda Memorial Beach (Worcester)
John J. Binienda Memorial Beach (formerly Coes Pond Beach) includes a bathhouse, a swimming area, and a sandy beach. It is a perfect place for families. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boats, and paddle boards. Parking is free.
Regatta Point (Worcester)
The Regatta Point area is a part of the Quinsigamond State Park. It offers swimming, sailing, picnicking, and fishing. There is a daily fee charged year-round $8 (MA Residents) and $30 (Non-MA Residents).
Indian Lake Beach (Worcester)
Indian Lake Beach is on the eastern side of Indian Lake, and it is a small public beach. It’s located within a residential neighborhood at address 34 Sherburn Ave.
Silver Lake Beach (Grafton)
This sandy beach offers picnic tables and grills, an outdoor shower, fishing boating, and lots of swimming. They offer day passes to only Grafton residents, but you can purchase a non-resident family season pass for $75.
Kiwanis Beach (Upton)
This small beach offers swimming, summer concerts, and children’s programming all summer long. It is also staffed by lifeguards. The daily rate fee is $15 (Upton Residents) and $25 (Non-Residents). They offer a season pass at $60 (Upton Residents) and $125 (Non-Residents). They are accepting credit cards this year.
East of Central Mass
Hopkinton State Park (Hopkinton)
This state park has two seasonal swimming beaches staffed seasonally by lifeguards and a variety of sunny and shaded picnic areas to enjoy with your family. Parking fee is $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-MA residents.
Ashland State Park (Ashland)
During the summer months, this year-round park offers hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and boating. The parking lot fills to capacity quickly so make sure to plan to arrive early. Parking fee is $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-MA residents. P
Lake Cochituate (Natick)
Lake Cochituate has three linked ponds at Cochituate State Park. It not only offers spots for swimming but also boating, sailing, hiking, and fishing. There are picnic areas, grilling, and restrooms. Parking fee is $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-MA residents.
NARA Park (Acton)
Nathaniel Allen Recreation Area has a sandy beach leading up to the lake, large umbrellas for shade, and a playground and walking trails located directly next to the beach. Daily entry fee is $6 per person for ages 2 & up, with a cap of $24 per household up to 6 members (Acton Resident), and $8 per person for ages 11 & under, $10 for ages 12 & up, with a cap of $45 per household up to 6 members (Non-Residents).
Walden Pond (Concord)
Enjoy a day swimming and walking around this historic pond. It is great for both nature lovers and history buffs. Parking is located in the large lot off Rt. 126. The daily fee is $8 (MA Residents) and $30 (Non-MA Residents). No cash accepted.
