Check out this world of watery fun.
"I want to swim, swim, swim, swim! If I don't have water, I'm a miserable critter," says Deborah Cohen, of Plainsboro, as she stops to wrap a towel around her midriff with a flourish after emerging from the water at The Quarry in Hopewell. "I prefer freshwater. Chlorine doesn't agree with me."
No matter what your preference is for water activities, there are a multitude of options across New Jersey that will have you making a splash close to home. No trip Down the Shore necessary. Of course, the ocean has its positives, but the beaches can be too hot or crowded for some tastes.
Off the high dive at The Quarry in Hopewell. "This place is heaven. Everyone from newborn nursing babies to grandmas come here. It's multi-generational and very European," Cohen says as she spreads her towel out on the grass beside Betsy Bennett of Princeton, who comes to The Quarry every summer day to swim in the afternoon shade.
Bennett, who has been a member of this private culb for 47 years, agrees. "All five of my children learned to swim here," she says. "We have green herons here. One year, they raised their babies with us and they learned to swim here, too."
For those who crave a chance to get back to nature this summer, lakes, reservoirs and swimming holes are all within easy driving distance. Dragonflies will swoop overhead while you do the backstroke on placid water.
And pools aren't just for swimming laps. The whole community comes together as the kids play Marco Polo and parents unpack picnic lunches under the trees nearby.
Brush up on your swimming skills and make sure your children have lessons so they are confident swimmers.
After making the big decision of whether this is a one- or two-piece bathing suit kind of year, it will be easy to choose one of these destinations for a refreshing swim this summer.
* * *
ACTION PARK
It's a long, long way down a water slide at Action Park in Vernon. Mountain Creek | 200 Route 94, Vernon; (973) 827-2000; actionpark.com
Kiddie, intermediate and extreme options will keep the whole family delightfully drenched all day long. Slide head-first down a waterslide on the same mountain where you can ski in winter. Shoot out of a water cannon at Cannonball Falls or jump from dizzying heights as you let out a fearsome cry before letting go of a Tarzan Swing. The more mellow can bob along on a tube raft or hit the shallow wave pool. Real thrill-seekers come for the Zero-G, a 100-foot-tall, translucent water slide that suddenly drops riders through a trapdoor, loops them around twice and shoots them into a splash pool at the end. The park's terrain is hilly between attractions, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Season and day passes.
* * *
AQUATICS & FITNESS CENTER
Educational Services Commission of New Jersey Aquatics & Fitness Center | 333 Cheesequake Road, Parlin; (732) 317-0333; theaquaticscenter.com
This community pool offers group swimming lessons and aqua fitness classes, for 6-month-old infants to seniors. A weekly aquatics play session for children with special needs and their families is free. The pool hosts an annual autism awareness swim-a-thon. Swim laps in the six-lane pool or play with the family in the recreational pool. Annual and monthly fee options.
* * *
ATSION LAKE
Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest | Route 206, south of Atsion Road, Shamong; (609) 268-0444; njparksandforests.org
Channel your inner Henry David Thoreau and rent a rustic cabin for the week, or just drop in for the day to contemplate nature at this lake deep in the Pine Barrens. Tannins from nearby cedar trees tint the water red. The recreation area has a great trail network offering a fascinating look at the ecology of pinelands, wetlands and pitch pine forests that have gone through various stages of natural succession and forest fires. Swimming permitted when lifeguards are on duty. Day passes.
* * *
CRYSTAL SPRINGS
Crystal Springs Family Aquatic Center | 380 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick; (732) 390-6833; eastbrunswickinfo.org
East Brunswick's municipal water park is open to residents and nonresidents alike. Kids at least 48 inches tall can choose to play on water slides, a lazy river, lap pool, and activity and recreational pools. The splash pad is the biggest draw, with colorful sculpture sprinklers to spray down visitors. Children under the height requirement for the main attractions can play safely in a kiddie pool. Parents can keep a watchful eye from poolside chaise lounges or seating under umbrellas. Annual memberships and day passes.
* * *
HIGHLANDS NATURAL POOL
Sometimes, you can have the pool to yourself -- like this swimmer at the Highlands Natural Pool in Ringwood. Highlands Natural Pool | 180 Snake Den Road, Ringwood; (973) 835-4299; highlandsnaturalpool.org
The Nature Friends, a group of utopia seekers who believed that working-class people deserve access to nature, came together to hand-carve this Olympic-sized pool out of the hillside in 1935. Situated next to the Norvin Green State Forest, it is easy to access 21 miles of hiking trails from the pool grounds. The nonprofit Community Association of the Highlands now preserves the location. Fed by mountain streams, the chlorine-free pool stays at a cool 65-degree average all season. After floating your cares away, join a game of ping-pong, volleyball or softball. Seasonal rates for families, individuals and seniors. Day passes for provisional members.
* * *
LAKE HOPATCONG
Hopatcong State Park | 1 Lakeside Blvd., Landing; (973) 398-7010;
njparksandforests.org
The state's largest lake is abuzz with motorboats and residents having fun on personal watercraft. A large part of the shoreline is privately owned, but public swimming is permitted at Hopatcong State Park. A thin, sandy beach hugs the shore, with plenty of grassy places to lounge farther inland. Volleyball and half basketball courts are near the bathhouse and concession area. Picnic grounds, with grills, make it easy to stay all day. A boat launch is available if you'd like to get out on the water and fish. Swimming permitted when lifeguards are on duty. Daily fees.
* * *
LAKE WAWAYANDA
Wawayanda State Park | 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt; (973) 853-4462;
njparksandforests.org
Breathtaking scenery awaits at this glacial lake in the Skylands region. Named the Lenni-Lenape Indian term for "water on the mountain," the deep blue surface is dotted with lush green lily pads. Rent a canoe or paddleboat to truly appreciate this place with a panoramic view. A moderate hike leads to a historic iron furnace that fell out of use after the Civil War. For a more strenuous hike, walk a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which crosses through the park. Swimming is permitted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., when lifeguards are on duty. Admission charged per vehicle.
* * *
PEDDIE AQUATIC CENTER
Peddie Aquatic Center | 155 Etra Road, Hightstown; (609) 944-7564;
peddieaquatics.com
Do you dream of being an Olympic swimmer? Peddie School students or alumni have participated in every Olympic Games since 1992. The school's swim program is world-renowned. The 15-lanecpool at Peddie Aquatic Center uses eco-friendly filtration methods to save water and energy. If you want to train like a champion, this is the place to dive in. Open swim for families, lifeguard training, and recreation classes for infants, toddlers, children and adults are available. Open year-round. Annual, monthly and daily passes. Register online prior to first swim, including daily visits.
* * *
ROCK LODGE CLUB
Rock Lodge Club | 119 Rock Lodge Road, Stockholm; (973) 697-9721; rocklodge.com
For those who would rather swim sans bathing suit, this naturist's club may be just what you are looking for. Explore the surrounding 145 acres of pristine woodlands before cooling off in a man-made, spring-fed lake accessible from sandy or rocky beaches. Since 1932, this family-friendly club has offered au naturel swimming, potluck dinners and classical music concerts. Visitors are welcome on weekends and the Fourth of July. Fill out a form on the club's website before your first visit. Guests are allowed four visits before membership is required. Daily fees or annual membership.
* * *
ROUND VALLEY RESERVOIR
Is there a better way to spend a summer afternoon than piloting toy boats at Round Valley Reservoir? Round Valley Reservoir | 1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road, Lebanon; (908) 236-6355; njparksandforests.org
Get an up-close look at a school of rainbow trout while scuba or skin diving at Round Valley Reservoir. Created by flooding a valley, the ghost town of a farming community is rumored to dwell below the deep blue waters. This is the largest reservoir in the state, with depths up to 180 feet. Swimmers are only permitted entry in the day-use area of the park, which offers a more modest depth. Wind gusts can make the water choppy. Swim with caution. Entrance fee charged per vehicle.
* * *
SHIMON AND SARA BIRNBAUM JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center | 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater; (908) 725-6994; ssbjcc.org
Indoor and outdoor pools use a saltwater sanitation system, rather than chlorine. The glass-enclosed indoor pool has a zero entry ramp, which allows for handicap access to the main pool. Water temperatures are kept at a warm 84 degrees. Outdoors, there is a five-lane pool, with a water slide and two kiddie pools. American Red Cross Learn-to- Swim program group lessons, private and semi-private lessons are available. Annual membership options for families, couples, singles, seniors, students and snowbirds. Try them out with a two-week guest pass.
* * *
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD YOGA
Soul In Motion Yoga at Leonia Swim Club | 140 Grand Ave., Leonia;
(201) 321-4962; soulinmotionyoga.com
Get in your sun salutations from atop a 5-foot-long surfboard during a unique aquatic yoga fitness fusion class. Jessica Diktas, owner of Soul In Motion Yoga, conducts small SUP class sessions in the Bahamas, Italy and Bergen County. You don't need yoga experience to work your entire body while floating above the water. A day pass to the pool is included with the class fee.
* * *
THE QUARRY
A young girl finds the perfect jumping off spot at The Quarry in Hopewell. Quarry Swim Club | 180 Crusher Road, Hopewell; (609) 466-0810;
quarryswimclub.com
During mining in the early 1900s, this quarry quickly began filling up with water. Attempts to pump out the water were futile and the company that owned it went bankrupt. Rough hewn from nature, this spring-fed, 55-foot deep swimming hole lies at the base of steep rock walls dripping with greenery. Dive in headfirst from one of the three diving boards or ease in to swim leisurely laps with the fish and turtles. Floating rafts secured by cable to the bedrock below are welcome stations to rest and sunbathe. Full and partial season passes available. No day passes.
* * *
UNIVERSITY POOL
University Swimming Association | Rutgers University, Busch Campus,
Sutphen Road, Piscataway; (732) 463-1915;
https://sites.google.com/site/universitypool
Hidden from view in a wooded grove mere steps from the Rutgers football stadium, the L-shaped University Pool is open to faculty, staff and alumni of Rutgers University, UMDNJ and New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Early birds enjoy peaceful morning laps to the sounds of chirping birds. Sign up for a competitive swim team for children under age 17, swim lessons or open swim for families. Annual special events -- including adult midnight swims, teen night and movie night in the pool -- allow the community to linger together after twilight. The group barbecue picnics are epic. Annual memberships. Members can sponsor guests.
MORE FROM INSIDE JERSEY MAGAZINE
Follow Inside Jersey on Twitter. Find Inside Jersey on Facebook and Google+