articles

North Shore Splash Pads, Pools and Beaches Guide

UPDATED June 2022

By Cheryl Lachendro - Macaroni Kid North Shore June 3, 2022


Kids want to cool off, but not sure where to go on the North Shore? Here is a list of splash pads and pools on the North Shore area to take kids on these hot summer days.

We advise always checking with the venue when possible before heading out as hours and availability can change due to any number of factors, ranging from weather to staffing issues.

Amesbury



80 High Street

Lake Gardner includes a small, beautiful beach and trails that run along the lake to Battis Farm. It's a wonderful spot for families to spend a summer day, to go canoeing or kayaking, or go fishing.


Beverly

πŸ–Dane Street Beach

Lothrop St, Beverly.
This large, beautiful, sandy beach features acres of open, grass fields and one of the city’s most popular children’s play structures.  During the summer months, bathrooms are available.
Limited, free public parking available for both residents as well as non residents.  On-street parking available.




πŸ–O’Bear Park

145 Livingstone Ave., Beverly
O’Bear Park and beach offers plenty of parking, a playground, baseball field, basketball and tennis courts, a pavillion and seasonal bathrooms.



πŸ–Lynch Beach

55 Ober St, Beverly.
One of two fantastic beaches located at Lynch Park in Beverly, you can enjoy unencumbered views of the Atlantic while catching some rays or enjoying a wintery walk.
Public bathrooms are available to the public during the summer months.  Free parking is available for all residents with proof of residency.  Nonresidents must pay for admittance during seasonal months.
There is also a seasonal snack stand available in the park.



πŸ– Woodbury Beach

55 Ober St, Beverly 
The larger of the two beaches located at Lynch Park, come and enjoy the seasonally opened snack bar, bathrooms and Rose Garden.
Free parking is available for residents.  Non residents must pay from Memorial Day through Labor Day


πŸ–Independence Park

Lothrop St, Beverly.
With dramatic ocean views and rich local history, Independence Park and it’s accompanying beach serve as a perfect place to relax, swim and enjoy a picnic.
On street parking for both residents as well as non residents.


πŸ– Pleasentview Park

Porter St, Beverly

Tucked away behind the beautiful cliffside park it adjoins, this quaint, little beach is perfect for sunbathing or privacy.

Limited, public, street parking is available to all.





Brackenbury Lane



Danvers
50 Ferncroft Rd 
Danvers, MA 01923

Open year round and conveniently located in Danvers, Massachusetts, Water Park of New England provides everything you need for an adventure filled day. There are plenty of slides and attractions to keep the good times rolling all day. For tons of fun, there’s the Dip-In Theater and Parrot’s Perch Play Area. These include jungle gyms, water cannons, kiddie slides, and water-dumping buckets.
100 Independence Way, Suite 137 
Danvers, MA 01923

Whether you want to help your children practice their swimming skills or your family needs some bonding time, a Family Swim is a great way to spend an afternoon. Enjoy your day or evening in our shiver-free pool that’s heated to a pleasant 90°.


Essex




Gloucester
Atlantic St
Gloucester MA 01930
Great tide pools for kids. At low tide, the beach extends out for hundreds of yards and a long sandbar is exposed, making for a great place to walk. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. See parking information and beach regulations.
99 Thatcher Rd
Gloucester MA 01930
Small beach with prime swimming conditions is surrounded by dunes & marshes & has limited parking. See beach parking rates and regulations.


Stage Fort Park

Half Moon is a small quiet beach located in historic Stage Fort Park. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms are located nearby at the Visitor Center and there are plenty of areas to enjoy a picnic or cookout. Parking is available in the parking lot for $15 per vehicle on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays.
Washington St.

This small, quiet beach has been enjoyed by families for many years. This is a great beach to bring small children due to the small confines of the beach. Parking is limited and restricted to vehicles with a resident beach sticker

Historic Stage Park

This is a great place to spend the day as you can sit and observe the activities on the Harbor, have a picnic or cookout, play games in the park, or just relax with a good book. Restrooms are located nearby in the park


πŸ– Pavilion Beach
Stacey Blvd.
Gloucester, MA
This beach is located on the eastern end of Stacy Boulevard, a very short walk from the center of the city and Fort Point". Parking is very limited and there are no restrooms. Porta–Potties are available a short distance away on the boulevard. Alcohol is prohibited and the beach is not guarded.
Pavilion Beach is also the home of the famous Greasy Pole Challenge and a blessing of the fleet held during the world-renowned St. Peter’s Fiesta celebrated each June to honor the patron saint of fishermen.


Hamilton




Ipswich
Parker River Wildlife Refuge Rd

Beach with restrooms.

πŸ– Crane Beach 
310 Argilla Rd

Large beach, bathhouse, refreshment stand, walking trails. Lifeguards on duty.  As of June 7, timed entry passes are required.
πŸ– Pavillion Beach
Little Neck Rd.
This beach has access for beach goers and great views.  It is located near Great Neck Park.
***The parking lot area and roads near Pavilion Beach are resident parking only.



Manchester-by-the-Sea

πŸ– Black and White Beaches

Harbor St.

West Manchester Beach is a small beach situated on Harbor Street. There are just two parking spots at the beach that are limited to Manchester residents only. There are no restrooms or other amenities on the property.

119 Beach St
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944


πŸ– Magnolia Beach

Magnolia Beach is a small beach on Manchester town property but is only accessible through the neighboring city of Gloucester. A Gloucester parking permit is required for street parking. There are no amenities at the beach.



Newbury/Byfield




Newburyport
Northern Boulevard

Three beaches to choose from, with different amenities and parking options.




Peabody


Rockport

Beach St. 

The beach is on the smaller side but still offers ample space to set up your beach towel and chairs and take some time to relax. It is also a great spot to bring the kids. They can find a nice variety of seashells, climb on the rocks, and hunt for some aquatic treasures in the tide pools.

Penzance Rd.

Pebbles and stones cover this beach; however, they are not rough and jagged, but smooth and rounded as a result of the constant tidal motion. Sunbathe long enough and you just might see a diver in pursuit of an ocean atmosphere or a friendly seal playing in the waves.


Visit here and you will see great views as a bonus to its sand and surf, and is close to the downtown shopping area. Back Beach is a renowned scuba diver’s destination.
Old Garden Road

The small beach is a combination of sand and rocks and has a grassy park adjacent to it where you can relax at the picnic tables or enjoy the scenery from the benches.


The beach is not as well-known as other local beaches. Parking can be tricky because it is only for residents or seasonal pass holders so we would recommend biking in.



This is one of the largest Rockport beaches and is backed by a retaining wall that is lined with summer cottages. You can get a nice view of Thatcher Island and the twin light houses from here.

Rowley



Salisbury

State Reservation Rd
Salisbury MA 01952
Swimming, boat launch, picnic area, restrooms, playground and large beach.  See parking information and regulations.


Salem
60 Winter Island Rd

Beachside park offering tent & RV camping facilities, a historic lighthouse & a public boat launch.




πŸ– Dead Horse Beach
Memorial Dr.
Salem MA
It's quiet and still, overlooking the yacht club across the bridge in Beverly. There's always lots of nautical debris scattered about so you might find a few shells or beach glass bits. I like to stop here for a little peace and pensive beachcombing.



Topsfield



Marblehead