McCarren Park

This VAST park (think running track, play ground, food trucks and BBQ picnic areas in a tight bustling area in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) includes a public swimming pool with warm showers, soap, and free sunscreen.

This memory making daily getaway is immaculately kept and with free lunches during the summer for the kiddos.

The staff is kind but EXTREMELY FIRM about NYC pool safety rules and guidelines, so know them and be ready to agree and be generous with your compliance for the happiest experience. The line starts here, and it's good to know these things:

ALL BAGS WILL BE INSPECTED so no pocket knives or work blades, no food or glass bottles or juices etc will be let inside the facility.

Do wear your swimsuit with a mesh liner and maybe just pull that mess up above the elastic waist to expedite the line and avoid them having to ask the embarrassing questions about whether you have a liner in your swim trunks.

And no, my guy, you can NOT wear your fart streaked BRIEFS under your board shorts into the pool. They will send you back into the locker room or back home if you try that hack. Sorry, bruh.

Do bring a small lock for EVERYTHING EXCEPT your swimsuit sunglasses, brimmed hat, towel, water friendly shoes (flops, slides or Crocs) and WATER bottle only - these are allowed on deck.

Leave your food at home and your cellphones in the locker if you're coming to this SAFE HAVEN of splashy goodness and fun and genuine interaction.

If you don't feel comfy only in your swimsuit, bring a plain WHITE cover up or plain white T-shirt in this neutral zone, otherwise you may need to leave that extra shirt in the locker. Rashguard swimsuit tops are the exception to this rule.

Pools empty out 15 minutes before closing time for the 11-2 morning session and 4-7 afternoon session. So if you're looking to get into one of the family changing rooms with your littles get there early and leave a bit earlier to catch an empty room to yourself.

Otherwise, enjoy the warm days, use the sunscreen and don't forget your wide brimmed hat.

Cheers!!