Top Free Swimming Pools in Houston This Summer    

In 2023, the City of Houston opened its free community pools in Houston in phases. They're all officially open, but on a staggered schedule, with some operating on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday schedule and others operating on a Sunday, Wednesday, Friday schedule.

1. Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic & Fitness Center — Katy

The Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic Center is open to residents of Katy and Harris County, and has the benefit of being indoors, which offers a nice respite from the relentless heat of summer. The Center offers both recreational pool time for children and adults alike and splash time for children 5 and under. All children visiting the pool must be accompanied by an adult and any children 4 and under must be within arms-reach of a parent or caregiver at all times. Both recreational swim time and splash time are by reservation only. Reservations may be made one day before the swim if you reside in Harris County or the city limits of Katy. Other counties must call the day of the recreational time.

2. Agnes Moffitt Park Pool — Spring Branch 

This park has a swimming pool and a kiddie pool and there is also an updated playground area, ball fields, covered basketball courts, and a disc golf course.

3. Memorial Park Pool — Memorial

Memorial Park is not just for jogging; there are also tennis courts with a Smoothie King in the pro shop, a golf course with a Beck's Prime, lots of play areas and fitness areas, and of course, a pool that is a popular spot for athletes and families! The pool has some shade from trees, a slide, and is known to be clean, though it can get crowded.

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Moody Park swimming pool photo by Rachel Y.H. Sun, Architect 

4. Moody Park Pool — Northside Village

This pool is in a park with lots of open fields with downtown views and picnic tables, as well as basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, and a fitness center. There are multiple playgrounds and you can see the famous Vaquero sculpture while there.

5. Emancipation Park Pool — South Central

Emancipation Park was the only municipal park that African Americans could utilize in 1918, but today the park stands as a monument to the pride and hope that came from the founding members of the Colored People’s Festival and Emancipation Park Association turning their backs on slavery. The pool is a Houston favorite, boasting two slides, shaded picnic tables, and attentive lifeguards.

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Enjoying the cool waters of the T.C. Jester Park Pool. Photo courtesy of the City of Corsicana, Texas

6. T.C. Jester Park Pool — Northwest Houston

This pool has two slides with a deep end and lots of seating with tables, chairs, and loungers. The park also has a splash pad with plenty of shade and a playground. Additionally, there is a baseball field, fenced dog park with separate areas for big and little dogs, picnic tables with shading, and a disc golf course. The White Oak Bayou runs through the park and is great for biking, walking, and jogging.

 
Finnigan Park Pool photo courtesy of Houston Parks & Recreation

7. Finnigan Park Pool — Fifth Ward

Finnigan Park Pool was recently updated and has a long slide. It is located next to tennis courts, basketball courts, a community center, and baseball fields.

8. Metropolitan Multi-Service Center Pool — Hyde Park

The MMSC pool provides a great environment for people with disabilities to exercise. The five-lane heated pool is fully accessible and is equipped with a zero-depth entry ramp, handrails, and three chair lifts. Changing and shower facilities are available adjacent to the pool area. Participants are required to have independent functioning mobility skills or bring an adult attendant to assist. The pool is also open year-round. Hours vary, call for schedule.

9. Townwood Park Pool — Southwest Houston

The pool at Townwood Park is a great place to get out in the sunshine. The park is located on the Sims Bayou and features a walking trail, playground, and community center. 

 
Mason Park Pool is a free public pool in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Mason Creek Utility District

10. Mason Park Pool — Lawndale/Wayside

The Mason Swimming Pool is nestled in the bustling Mason Park that straddles the Brays Bayou. Get out and play some ball or go for a walk along the bayou before taking a dip with the kiddos to cool down. 

Houston Pool Rules to Remember

• Children under 8 must be accompanied in the pool by an adult
• Toddlers and babies are required to wear swim diapers
• Appropriate swimwear is required; no shorts or T-shirts.