Palisades Park Swim Club Review: A Toddler-Friendly Summer Spot in Bergen County, NJ(2026)
If you’re looking for a fun and affordable place to cool off this summer in Bergen County, the Palisades Park Swim Club is definitely worth considering.
We recently spent the day there with our 3-year-old, and the highlight of our visit was definitely the kids splash area. It kept him entertained for hours while giving us a chance to relax nearby.
If you’re visiting with young children, here’s everything you should know before you go.
Getting There: Finding the Entrance
Located in Bergen County, NJ, Palisades Park Swim Club is a popular summer destination for local families looking for a place to swim, relax, and cool off with kids.
When you see the Swim Club sign, don’t stop there — continue driving down the road for another 1–2 minutes until you reach the entrance. It may feel like you’re going the wrong way because it doesn’t appear right away, but keep following the road and you’ll find the Swim Club.
Parking and Admission Fees
Parking at Palisades Park Swim Club is free and convenient.
As Bergen County residents, we paid $20 per person. The admission fee is the same for everyone, from toddlers (age 2 and up) to adults.
There are two entrances: the Member Entrance on the left and the Day Pass Entrance on the right.
From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, only members are allowed to enter. Day Pass visitors can enter starting at 12:00 PM.
We arrived around 11:50 AM, and there were already about 10 families waiting in line ahead of us. If you’re visiting with a Day Pass, arriving a little earlier may help you get in faster.
What to Know Before You Go
Before visiting Palisades Park Swim Club, there are a few things you should know.
Coolers, outside food, drinks, and especially alcohol are not allowed inside. Last year, we were only allowed to bring in baby water in a tumbler.
This time, We called ahead before our visit, and they told us that small snacks for kids were okay to bring. So if you’re visiting with little ones, it’s a good idea to check their current policy before you go.
After purchasing your ticket, each guest receives a wristband for entry. They also check all bags at the entrance, so be prepared for a quick bag inspection before heading inside.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the clean and well-maintained facilities. The staff was incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home from the start.
One thing we really appreciated was how family-oriented the swim club felt.
Most visitors were families with children, making it a comfortable and welcoming environment. Parents could easily keep an eye on their kids while enjoying the day together.
Family Pool
This is a family-friendly pool where both kids and adults can swim together.
I don’t remember the exact depth, but for reference, I’m 160 cm (5’3″), and the water came up to about chest level on me.
One thing to keep in mind is that large floaties and inflatable floats are not allowed in the pool. During our visit, I noticed that small infant floats for babies under 1 year old were permitted. Since pool rules can change, it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm if you plan to bring one.
Lap Pool
We didn’t get a chance to check out the lap pool with the swim lanes. From a distance, it looked like it was mainly being used by stronger swimmers doing laps.
I didn’t see any young kids in that area, so it seemed to be more of a space for lap swimming than family play. We decided not to walk over since it looked like a quieter area, and I didn’t want my toddler to interrupt anyone who was swimming.
Splash Pad: The Favorite Spot for Toddlers
Last year, there was a very shallow pool area (about 0.4 inches deep), but this year it has been changed into a splash pad.
This splash pad quickly became my son’s favorite spot! He had so much fun running around, playing with the water features, and exploring on his own.
The funniest part? He was having so much fun that he completely forgot about Mom. 😂
Of course, I couldn’t help but laugh. We came all the way here for the pool… but my little guy had zero interest in it. 😂
Every time I suggested we check out the pool, he insisted on going right back to the splash pad. I kept thinking, “We came all the way to a swim club just to play at the splash pad?” 😅
I was hoping he’d enjoy the pool too, but he had his own plans—and honestly, seeing him have so much fun made the trip totally worth it.
Poolside Picnic Cafe
The Poolside Picnic Cafe offers simple snacks and light food options for a quick bite while enjoying your day at the Swim Club.
It’s a convenient spot to grab something small when the kids get hungry, so you don’t have to leave the pool area for a snack break.
There are plenty of seating areas available around the cafe, so finding a place to sit was not something we had to worry about. 😊
Playground
There is also a playground right next to the pool area.
But of course… almost every kid was busy playing in the water, so the playground was pretty quiet. 😂
It was funny to see an empty playground at a place where kids usually love to play. If your little one needs a break from the water or wants to burn off some extra energy, this could be a nice option.
Locker Rooms & Facilities
I wasn’t able to take photos, but there are women’s and men’s locker rooms right next to the entrance. The space is fairly large, with restrooms located inside as well.
The facilities were not perfectly spotless, but they were clean enough and understandable for a busy public swim club. It was convenient for changing my child’s clothes before and after swimming.
One thing to note: life jackets and swim vests are not available for rent, so if your child needs one, make sure to bring your own.
🌞 Practical Tips Before You Visit
Arrive early if you’re visiting on a weekend — it can get busy, especially during peak summer hours. Arriving early also gives you a better chance of finding a shady spot near the trees, which is especially helpful when spending the day outside with young children. 🌳
Bring plenty of sunscreen to protect your little ones during a full day in the sun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on yourself too! I was so busy making sure my son was protected that I completely forgot about my own shoulders and arms — and ended up with a very red sunburn. 😅☀️
Pack towels, water shoes, and extra clothes for the kids. Water play means happy kids… and sometimes very wet clothes! 😊
Stroller-friendly tip: We saw many families with strollers during our visit. While our 3-year-old was able to walk around on his own, a stroller would have been helpful for carrying towels, extra clothes, and all the “just in case” items that come with toddler life. 😊
Don’t forget to bring a picnic mat and chairs if you plan to stay for a few hours. We also noticed that small pop-up tents (for 2–3 people) were allowed, which can be a great option for creating some extra shade during a sunny day. ⛺☀️
😂 Toddler parents, you know what I mean — little kids come with a lot of luggage! We brought so many things “just in case,” while families with older kids (around 9–10 years old) seemed to arrive with almost nothing. The toddler stage definitely requires a little extra preparation! 😊
Final Thoughts
Summer goes by quickly, and places like this are perfect for making simple family memories.
If you’re looking for things to do near Ridgefield Park, Fort Lee, Leonia, or other Bergen County towns, this is an easy summer outing option.
We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
