10 Things: Places in the region to cool off this summer

BY CAMERON PRICE

We’ve highlighted 10 places throughout Northeast Pennsylvania where residents can cool off this summer with pools, splash pads and waterways.

William W. Scranton Pool Complex

Spend a relaxing afternoon by the pool and let children bask in the park’s splash zone, all while surrounded by the natural aesthetic of the state park’s grounds.

Address: Lackawanna State Park, 1839 Abington Road, North Abington Twp.
Hours: Thursdays through Mondays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Fees: $6 per day for swimmers/$5 per day for seniors/$5 after 4 p.m.; varying rates for individual and group season passes
Phone: 570-945-3239
TIMES-SHAMROCK FILE
William W. Scranton Pool Complex at Lackawanna State Park, North Abington Twp.

Merli-Sarnoski County Park

In addition to hiking trails, soccer fields and playgrounds, Merli-Sarnoski Park maintains a sandy beach along its peaceful lake, allowing residents to swim, fish and boat during summer months. The natural beauty of the park provides an excellent backdrop for camping, grilling and spending time with family and friends.

Address: 286 Sandy Banks Road, Carbondale
Hours: Daily, through August
Fees: Free
Phone: 570-963-6764

Nay Aug Park Pool

Friends and family can get some relief from the hot and humid summer weather at the pool, which also boasts large water slides.

Address: 500 Arthur Ave., Scranton
Hours: Daily, through August
Fees: Free for children under 5 (residents and non-residents)/$5 per day (residents and non-residents)/$50 per single-season pass for residents/$75 per single-season pass for non-residents/$75 per family season pass for residents/$100 per family season pass for non-residents
Phone: 570-348-4186

Wright Twp. Recreation Park

The Wright Twp. Recreation Park offers a setting where children can release energy that built up throughout the school year. The splash fountain is ideal for kids during the summertime, though the park also is surrounded by multiple basketball, volleyball and tennis courts; baseball and soccer fields; and traditional playgrounds.

Address: 321 S. Mountain Blvd., Wright Twp.
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fees: Free
Phone: 570-474-9067

Frances Slocum State Park Pool

Cool off from a day of hiking, boating, fishing and picnicking at the Frances Slocum State Park Pool. The park offers guests a range of activities for every age to enjoy.

Address: 567 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Monday, Sept. 2
Fees: Free for children under 42 inches tall/$6 per day for swimmers/$5 per day for seniors/$5 per day after 4 p.m.; varying rates for season passes.
Phone: 570-696-3525

Aylesworth Park

The quaint and scenic beach at Aylesworth Park provides a sunny place to spend an afternoon. Lounge on a lawnchair and swim with friends, gather family and reserve a pavilion for the ultimate cookout, or lace up your hiking boots and hike around the 252-acre park.

Address: 511 Hudson St., Jermyn
Hours: Open for swimming daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., through August
Fees: Free
Phone: 570-963-6764

Kingston Borough Pool

With water slides, diving boards and swim lessons, Kingston Borough Pool is well-equipped to entertain the public during the hottest months of the year. The Recreation Center also is available on a fee basis for the public to enjoy gymnasiums, workout facilities, racquetball/wallyball courts, game rooms and steam saunas.

Address: Lathrop Street, Kingston
Hours: Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., through Aug. 18; swim lessons held Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon
Fees: $8 per resident from noon to 5 p.m./$10 per non-resident from noon to 5 p.m./$6 per resident from 5 to 8 p.m./$8 per non-resident from 5 to 8 p.m. Memberships can be purchased at kingstonpa.org/recreation/pool.
Phone: 570-288-0554

Montage Mountain Resorts

Montage Mountain Resorts offers a picturesque setting for endless summer entertainment for the whole family. Children can challenge the thrilling rapids of the wave pool and race down the countless serpentine water slides while parents float along in the constant flow of the lazy river, eventually coming together to indulge in the park’s wide variety of American cuisine.

Address: 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Aug. 25; Monday, Aug. 26, through Thursday, Aug. 29, 4 to 7 p.m.; and Friday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 2, noon to 6 p.m.
Fees: Free for children under 2/$24.99 per day for those under 48 inches tall/$29.99 per day for those above 48 inches/$99 for season membership
Phone: 855-754-7946

Hickory Run State Park

Experience the natural beauty and serenity of the beach without the lengthy drive at Hickory Run State Park. The sandy coast of Sand Spring Lake allows guests to sunbathe, build sand castles and swim in the comfort of what is practically their own backyard.

Address: 3613 Route 534, White Haven
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset through mid-September
Fees: Free
Phone: 570-443-0400

Covington Park

Covington Park invested in renovations recently that expanded and popularized the recreational area. Free lake swimming is available to the public, as is access to multiple scenic hiking trails, newly renovated jungle gyms and various groomed courts and fields.