Spring has sprung and summer is not far behind. With sunny skies and perfect temperatures, it’s a good time to start planning outdoor getaways that include swimming in some of Lehigh Valleys favorite locations.
Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley
The Jewish Community Center offers a refreshing and invigorating 85-degree pool year-round with a variety of programs for kids and adults. The pool accommodates all swimming needs with schedules for open time, family time, and adults only time. Swim with ease knowing certified lifeguards are on site during pool hours.
Along with aquatic exercise, the center also offers swim classes for all ages taught by certified instructors. Relax and learn in group lessons or you can choose semi-private or private lessons for more intense one-on-one instruction. The JCC also has an Adaptive Swim Program for special needs students.
Beltzville State Park
Just 30 minutes from Allentown, Beltzville State Park offers a day full of activities. The 3,002-acre park is home to the 949-acre Beltzville Lake where you’ll find swimming, boating, canoeing, skiing, kayaking, and fishing. Enjoy soaking up some rays on the 525-foot-long white sandy beach and for a break from the sun, rent a paddle boat and explore the lake. Swimming is available from 8 a.m. until sunset. There’s a bathhouse for your convenience.
Lake Nockamixon
Lake Nockamixon offers the best of both worlds; a 1,450-acre lake and a half-acre swimming pool. Kids will have fun on the two water slides and for smaller children, the pool features a shallow end with bubbling fountains. The swimming complex has dressing rooms and a snack bar for your convenience and a first-aid station. The complex opens May through September from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Extend your fun-in-the-sun time at the lake with a rental rowboat, pontoon boat, motorboats, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards. There are also launching areas with ramps for visitors with sailboats and catamarans. Fishing enthusiasts have plenty of opportunities, and for outdoor enthusiasts, there’s horseback riding, birdwatching, hiking, and biking on both paved and unpaved paths. Bring a picnic, grill a burger, then head to the 18-hole disc golf course. Lake Nockamixon is open from 8 a.m. to sunset and free admission.
Dutch Springs Aqua Park
What once was a spring-fed quarry now serves as the fun-filled Dutch Springs water park where there’s something for everyone. Water-wise, there are a variety of inflatables like the see-saw and water slide or try to maneuver the obstacle course or climb an inflatable iceberg. Kids will have a laugh a minute at the trampoline on water, and kayaks and paddle boats are available to rent for a quick spin around the lake. On land, there’s also rock climbing and a rope course to take you to new heights of excitement.
For adults, exploring the depths of the lake with a scuba diving excursion is an adventure to remember. Divers must be registered or accompanied by an instructor to go scuba diving. Dutch Springs is open May-September with varying hours.
Put on your bathing suit and a layer of sunblock, then head to one of these destinations for plenty of splash-filled excitement.
Image via Flickr by yomanimus and used under CC BY / Cropped From Original
Connect with us
