When the summer sun is blazing, there's only one thing to do—find some water! Whether your family loves sandy beaches, splash pads, swimming ponds, spray parks, or waterslides, Central Massachusetts has plenty of places to cool off and have fun. If you're unsure where to go, we've got you covered! Check out our comprehensive list of all the spots around Auburn + Beyond!

Don't forget the sunscreen, towels, and extra snacks—you may end up staying longer than planned! ☀️💦😎

Macaroni Tip: Before heading out, check each location's website or social media page for current hours, admission fees, weather updates, and water quality information, as schedules can change throughout the season.

🌊 Pools in Auburn + Beyond

Whitin Community Center

• Address: 60 Main Street, Whitinsville
• Details: Offer group Swim Lessons from ages 6 months and up as well as private lessons and splash parties!
• Hours: 
  • Family Time Swim:
    • Fridays, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  • WCC Summer Hours:
    • Monday – Friday: 5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
    • Saturday - Sunday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Guest Pass Available!
  • Ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult
  • Cost: 
    • Youth (Ages 0-17): $10.00
    • Adult (Ages 18-61): $15.00
    • Senior (Ages 62+): $6.00
    • Family/Household: $20.00

Edneil Jocusol | Canva

💦Splash Pads in Auburn + Beyond

Carbuncle Pond + Splash Pad

• Location: 12 Carbuncle Drive, Oxford
• Details: This local favorite features a sandy swimming beach, shallow water for younger swimmers, and a zero-depth splash pad that's perfect for little ones. 
• Admission: Daily Passes for admittance can be obtained on-site upon arrival. Season Passes are available for both Town-residents and non-residents, and must be purchased in advance at the Oxford Community Center located at 4 Maple Road.
• Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily, weather permitting 

🏖️Beaches in Auburn + Beyond

Breezy Picnic Grounds 

• Location: 520 Northwest Main Street, Douglas
• Details: 
  • Lake Swimming With Sandy Areas For Kids
  • Spacious, Immaculately Maintained Picnic Grounds
  • Large Tables By The Water And Throughout The Grounds
  • Snack Bar
  • Certified Lifeguards
  • Mini River Kiddie Slide for kids 48” and under.
• Admission: 
  • Ages 5 and up:
    • Weekdays: $20.00
    • Weekends + Holidays: $22.00
  • Ages 2 - 4 / Seniors / Military: 
    • Weekdays: $15.00
    • Weekends + Holidays: $17.00
• Hours: Open Daily 6/13 - 8/30 and Open Labor Day Weekend 9/5 - 9/7 
  • 6/13 - 6/20: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
  • 6/21 - 9/7: 9:00AM - 6:00PM
  • The last admission to the park is sold at 5:00 PM.
  • Closed 6/9 - 6/13.

Buffumville Lake Park

• Location: 48 Old Oxford Road, Charlton
• Details: 
  • Swimming area with Beach
  • 1 Picnic Shelter (Reservations Required)
  • Boat Ramp
  • Restrooms
  • There is no lifeguard on duty, and the swimming area is delineated by buoys. The maximum depth is 5 feet. 
  • Buffumville Lake Park Rangers routinely patrol the beach and other recreation areas
• Admission: 
  • Private Vehicle: $5
  • Walk-in/Bike-in: $2
  • Bus/Commercial: $20
  • Annual Pass: $40
  • Federal Recreation Pass Holders: Free
  • Picnic Shelter Reservation: $50
  • Special Event: $75+
  • Big Island Primitive Camping Permit: $100 per week (one week maximum)
  • Boat Ramp: Free
  • Disc Golf Course: Free
• Hours: Open 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Daily
  • Use automated fee machine to pay the day use fee Monday – Thursday (cards only).
  • Park Hosts will be available to accept fees in person Friday – Sunday (cash).

Douglas State Forest

• Location: 107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas
• Details: 
  • Swimming Beach
  • Picnic areas
  • Restrooms
  • Grills
  • 2 reservable pavilions
  • Accessibility:
    • Accessible pavilions
    • Accessible restrooms
    • Beach wheelchair available
• Admission: Daily parking fees charged May 23 through October 12
  • MA resident: $9
  • Non-MA resident: $30
• Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Memorial Beach

• Location: Memorial Beach Drive, Webster
• Admission: 
  • Walk in / Bicycle:
    • Birth - 17: Free
    • 18+: $3
  • Resident Motor Vehicle:
    • $7 weekdays
    • $15 Weekends and Holidays
  • Non-Resident:
    • $12 Weekdays
    • $30 Weekends and Holidays
  • Additional Admission Costs On Website
• Hours: Until the end of August
  • Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM 

Kindel Media from Pexels | Canva

Make the most of summer in Central MA with these great spots to stay cool and have fun!