Splash pads, pools, beaches: Best places to stay cool this summer in Greater Fall River
School's out and summer is officially in full swing.
That means more time for road trips, backyard barbecues and fun in the sun. But as the heat and humidity start ramping up we begin the search for destinations to take a dip and keep cool.
Question is are you a toes-in-the-sand, ocean breeze-loving beach person or a chill by the seaweed-free pool type person? Whichever your preference, there are plenty of places to beat the heat this summer in the Greater Fall River area.
Here are a few popular SouthCoast swimming holes to check out this season, as well as an exciting new addition:
Pierce Beach, Somerset
It's home to the Big Red Slide and playground, as well as a nice sandy spot to spend a day by the water.
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can visit Pierce Beach at 295 South St. weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lifeguards are on duty 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The daily fee for residents is $8, or $16 for non-residents. Or you can opt for a season pass, which is $35 for residents, $70 for non-residents, and Somerset seniors and veterans are free.
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Town Beach, Swansea
You can swim, search for horseshoe crabs, lounge in the sand, or launch your kayak into Cole River at Swansea Town Beach on Ocean Grove Avenue.
Gates to the parking areas open at 9 a.m. and an attendant will be on duty until 4 p.m., weather permitting. The gate closes at dusk. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the beach house facilities, including rinse stations, are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Seasonal and daily passes are available at the entrance. Seasonal passes for residents are $15, non-resident seasonal passes are $35. Day passes on weekdays (residents and non-residents) are $5, and day passes on weekends or holidays (residents and non-residents) is $8.
Horseneck Beach, Westport
If you're looking to cool off in the water and don't mind a bit (a lot) of wave jumping, head to Horseneck Beach. Located at the western end of Buzzards Bay, the 2-mile long sandy stretch is a popular summer destination.
You'll find public restrooms, an on-site food vendor, and boardwalks make it much easier to cart your beach essentials from the parking lot through the dunes. It's also one of New England’s premier birdwatching locations.
Beach hours are Sunday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A daily parking fee is charged May 14 through Oct. 30. Massachusetts residents are $13, non-Massachusetts residents are $40. An annual parking pass, which can be used at most DCR parks, is $60 and is available to Massachusetts residents only.
Annual parking passes for Mass. state parks can be purchased online through YODEL at https://massdcrparks.yodelpass.com/masswebpasses/#/
Spend the day or stay the week at Horseneck Beach State Reservation. Camping is available from the first week in May until Columbus Day for $22 per night for Massachusetts residents and $70 per night for non-residents.
South Shore Beach, Little Compton, R.I.
If you're looking for a more peaceful swim, and don't mind trekking a bit, follow the backroads of Little Compton to this hidden gem.
South Shore Beach is one of Rhode Island's most scenic spots and a visitor favorite. Get there early, especially on the weekends, as it fills up fast.
The 75-acre South Shore Road spot is also home to Goosewing Beach Preserve, where The Nature Conservancy has been managing breeding populations of the rare piping plover and state-threatened least tern for two decades.
For the 2023 season — Memorial Day through Labor Day — the South Shore Beach parking fee for non-residents is $20 on weekdays and $25 on the weekends, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. A weekly pass is available for $75 and season pass for $250. Town residents and sticker holders get exclusive access to the beach from 5 to 8 a.m., and also in the evening from 4 to 11 p.m.
Want to extend your beach day into night? Gather around for a fire. Fire permits are $10. Non-residents can purchase them, but they must be on the beach before 4 p.m.
Grinnell's Beach and Fogland Beach, Tiverton
Just over the state line in Tiverton are a pair of smaller family-friendly beaches with beautiful views of the Sakonnet River.
Grinnell's Beach on Main Road (Route 77) and Fogland Beach - a bit further off the beaten path off Fogland Road/Three Rod Way - are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At Grinnell's, you can swim (bring water shoes because it is rocky), enjoy some fishing at the adjacent Stone Bridge Pier and hang out under the sun-shade pavilion.
At the slightly larger Fogland Beach you will more often than not spot a windsurfer gliding across the water. It's also a go-to for fishing, kite surfing, kayaking or paddle boarding. Both have restroom facilities.
To park for the day it's $10 (weekday), $20 (weekend and holidays) for non-Tiverton residents. Or $15 (weekday) and $35 (weekend and holidays) for an R/V (Fogland beach only).
Season passes for Tiverton residents are $10 (car/motorcycle/trailer); $35 for an R/V (Fogland Beach only); free for veterans or active duty. Season passes for non-Tiverton residents are $150 for cars/motorcycles; $50 for seniors; $300 for an R/V (Fogland beach only); and $100 for a trailer.
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Public pools and splash pads
Not in the mood to commit to an all-day excursion? Skip the exhausting beach packing routine, and head to the local public pool for a dip. You'll still have crowds, but will come home with less sand in your car - and everywhere else.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Deck at Lafayette Park, 339 Eastern Ave., Fall River, kicks off its summer season Saturday, June 24.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation website, hours of operation at the state-run city pool are from 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., seven days a week.
The Freetown-Fall River State Forest, 110 Slab Road, is a popular summer spot. The 5000-acre state park includes 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horse-back riding, as well as picnicking and fishing.
It's also home to Freetown State Forest Wading Pool, which is perfect for families with young kids. The wading pool is open May 27 through Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you're just looking for a refresher for the kids, no floaties necessary, you're in luck. Fall River has a number of cool places to visit, with four splash pads located throughout the city.
Check out the colorful spray and play spots at Father Travassos Park, located behind the Flint Mill and the Espirito Santo Parochial School on Alden Street; Pulaski Park on Warren Street; Thomas Chew Park on Globe Street, and Massasoit/Cathy Assad Tot Lot, just blocks from Father Travassos on Quequechan Street in the Flint neighborhood.
According to a clerk in the Parks Department, the city's splash pads were expected to be up and running Wednesday, June 21, and will be open to the public daily starting at 10 a.m.
And come July 1, there will be yet another spot in the Fall River area to make a splash this summer.
On Thursday, Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA in Swansea announced the opening day of its brand new splash pad area.Membership is not required. Day passes will be available for the community at $10 per participant, as capacity allows.
If you are interested in joining the YMCA, you can can advantage of the Swansea branch's two-month membership special. The cost is $175 for a two adult family, $150 for one adult family. Join online at https://buff.ly/3nwm3mo or in person.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Beat the heat at these Fall River area splash pads, pools and beaches
