Macaroni KID's Guide to Staying Cool on the Lower Peninsula and Beyond

With summer quickly approaching, we are seeing some much hotter days. My kids and I love finding new and fun places to cool off with friends. Here's a list of local splash parks, waterparks, pools, and beaches on the Peninsula and beyond! Go have fun and enjoy! (Local areas listed first, followed by alphabetical listing of surrounding Bay Area locations.) Please note: Dates were confirmed for the 2024 season on May 26, 2024.

Burgess Park Pool: Wading Pool open weekends from May 25th to June 16th from 11 to 5:00 pm. 

Belle Haven Pool: Splash Pad open beginning May 20th, Monday through Friday from noon to 8:00 pm and weekends from 10 to 6:00 pm.

Cornelis Bol Park: A great park that also offers a creek and lots of shady trees. There is also a playground and chickens and donkeys to visit! Plenty of grassy areas, bike paths, and more. Street parking is available. Picnic tables available. No bathroom.

Mitchell Park: A great park with jogging/walking path, picnic areas with barbecues, tennis, paddle tennis and handball courts, horseshoe pits, children's play areas with a splash park area, Magical Bridge - all-inclusive playground, dog run, restrooms, and nice lawn area. The water features are currently closed. Check website for current water features schedule.

Rinconada Pool: A seasonal outdoor swim facility with a fun kid's wading pool and a larger swimming pool. Open daily during the summer and weekends through September with various hours. 

Andrew Spinas Park: This park has a playground, water features, grassy area, basketball and tennis courts, and restrooms. The water features are turned on from 10:30 to noon and 2:00 to 6:00 pm from June through September. 

Stafford Park: A huge playground area with multiple play structures, water features, grassy area, and restrooms. The water features are turned on from 10:30 to noon and 2:00 to 6:00 pm from June through September. *Will shut off at 5:00 pm during the Music in the Park concert from if applicable. The Snail is activated by push-button and is on all day.

Stulsaft Park: Not only will you find a splash pad here, but you'll also find hiking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, grassy area, and restrooms. The water features are turned on from 10:30 to noon and 2:00 to 6:00 pm from June through September. The Recreation Way gate will lock to entering foot traffic at 7:00 pm.

Parkside Aquatic Park: Open year-round from sunrise to sundown with boating concessions open seasonally from Memorial Day through September. You will enjoy a roped-off swim area, beach and park area, play equipment, boat launch, and restroom. There is no lifeguard on duty.

Ryder Park: Playground with water feature, picnic area, bbq grills, walking paths with a view of the Bay, and restrooms. The water feature typically operates from Memorial Day through the end of September, Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As of May 2024, the Water feature is not currently in service.

Stanford University Fountains: With 16 fountains and shallow pools, you and the kids will have a blast exploring them all. Stanford chlorinates the water and playing and splashing in the fountains is allowed! My kids enjoyed the Sunken Pool with metered parking nearby at 380 Panama Road, Stanford.

Gull Park: Featuring a sand beach and two playgrounds, as well as swings, slides, a large lawn area, and restrooms.

Aqua Adventure Waterpark: A fun, local waterpark with waterslides, lazy river, pools, splash area, and more. Open weekends beginning May 25th, daily from June 3rd through August 8th, and then weekends until Labor Day. Hours vary depending on day of the week, so confirm times before visiting. 

Creek at Lake Elizabeth/Central Park: The creek near the Sabercat Playground at Lake Elizabeth/Central Park offers a nice cool creek that kids love to splash in. There's ample parking in the lot behind Aqua Adventure and plenty of green grass to spread out and enjoy the space. There is a walking/biking trail and several playgrounds at the park to enjoy as well as a little bridge my kids always enjoyed crossing. Picnic tables and bathrooms available.

Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area: The swimming beach is open year-round and has lifeguards on duty at times. Swim at your own risk within the roped-off swim area when lifeguards are not on duty. Be sure to check the water conditions at the link before visiting. There is sometimes a caution advisory for swimming based on blue-green algae. Confirm before visiting.

Silliman Family Aquatic Center: An indoor waterpark open year-round with varied hours. You'll enjoy waterslides, playground in a shallow activity pool, lazy river, a pool, and hot tub. Current hours can be found on their website. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call prior to visit to confirm which amenities are available. $4 ages 0-2; $13 ages 3+.

Dan Oden Swim Complex: An outdoor swim facility typically open to the public for Recreational Swim during the summer, Monday through Saturday. Still waiting for confirmation of 2024 summer schedule.

Crown Memorial State Beach: A wonderful beach for the family with warmer, shallow water. You'll find changing rooms. Swimming is permitted during park hours year-round. No lifeguards on duty. 

Antioch Waterpark: A seasonal outdoor waterpark featuring waterslides, wading pool, sports pool, lap pool, splash ground, and more. 2023 season begins May 25th with various days and hours through Labor Day.

Contra Loma Regional Park: A chlorinated swim lagoon with a sandy beach, concession stand, an accessible lift into the lagoon, and restrooms. A beach wheelchair is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty 11am to 6pm during the summer. Beach Access Fees: free under 1; $2 ages 1 to 15; $3 ages 16 to 61; $2 seniors 62+ or disabled; $5 parking fee. Still waiting for confirmation of 2024 summer schedule. 

Lake Anza Swim Area: Located in Tilden Park. Be sure to check the water conditions at the link before visiting - they will close the swimming area due to blue-green algae at times. 

Live Oak Park: Live Oak Park offers lovely paths through the trees, a creek, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball court, a toddler playground and a school-age playground, art and garden center, and more. Picnic tables and bathrooms available.

Wildcat Creek: Located in Tilden Park, Wildcat Creek offers a great trail where you will find a lot of spots to enter the creek. In addition, you will find a carousel, steam train, Botanic Garden, Little Farm and nature area, and more to enjoy a full day of fun. Bathrooms available.

Campbell Park: Play equipment with water features, basketball courts, access to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, and restrooms. The water features are turned on from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, April through October, weather permitting. 

Jack Fischer Park: Play equipment with interactive water features, a "bee hive" hill with walking path, large open grassy areas, and restrooms. The water features are turned on from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends, April through October weather permitting. 

John D. Morgan Park: Two playgrounds with a fun splash pad, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and restrooms. The water features are turned on from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends, April through October weather permitting. 

Castro Valley Park Splash Pad: The kids will enjoy getting wet and playing in the water. The water play area is open daily from 11:00 to 5:00 pm early June through early August (school summer break); Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. To turn on the water, press the RED button on a post near the splash park. You will also find a playground, open lawn area, restrooms, and more.

Castro Valley Swim Center: A seasonal outdoor facility open from June 10th through August 3rd is currently offering public swim Monday through Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm for $3 per person. 

Cull Canyon Regional Recreational Area: The swim complex is open during the warmer months and is perfect for families with small children. Features a shallow, white, sandy beach. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty daily from May 27th through August 16th and weekends and holidays through September 4th. Beach Access Fees: free under 1; $2 ages 1 to 15; $4 ages 16 to 61; $2 seniors 62+ or disabled; free parking. 

Concord Community Pool: Enjoy swimming and the kids will love the inflatable obstacle course on top of the pool. Open year-round. 

Meadow Homes Spray Park: This awesome spray park is typically open from noon to 6:00 pm daily from late Memorial Day weekend through the last Sunday in September, summer hours are noon to 6:00 pm; when school is in session, noon to 6:00 pm weekends and holidays and 3:00 to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and features play areas for tots, tweens, and teens. 

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord: A waterpark with something for everyone. Open through September 7th with various hours. 

Blackberry Farm: A large park with two swimming pools, a waterslide, playground, sand volleyball courts, and bocce ball courts. The pool opens May 25th for the 2024 season with varied hours through Labor Day and the rest of the park can be enjoyed year-round. 

Hap Magee Ranch: This is a super fun park with a great water feature, walking trails, play equipment, and a dog park. The water features are on weekdays from 12:00 to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and weekends from 10:00 to 6:00 pm from April 1st through September 30th.

Sycamore Valley Park: A park featuring new play equipment, shaded bocce ball courts, a recreational fountain and a reflection pond with waterfall. The water features are on weekdays from 12:00 to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and weekends from 10:00 to 6:00 pm from April 1 through September 30th.

Emerald Glen Park: Stay cool with the water park features. There's also a skate park, playground, restrooms, walkways/trails, and more. The water play area open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Shannon Park: A natural creek meanders through the park and is a great place for exploring nature. Kids will also enjoy the water play area, play equipment, restrooms, walkways/trails, and more. The recently renovated water play area will be open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

The Wave: A waterpark for family fun featuring a slide tower, splash zone, and sports pool. Open for the 2024 season now with various days and hours through September 2nd.

Cannery Park: We love this park! The water features are so much fun for all ages. There's also a playground, restrooms and a huge grassy lawn area. The water play area is open daily from 11:00 to 5:00 pm through Labor Day.

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area: Swimming in the chlorinated swim lagoon is the main attraction weekends and holidays from May 25th through September 15th and Monday through Friday, June 10th through August 16th from 11 to 6:00 pm. You will also find a shower, vending machines, a sandy beach and large lawn areas. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty. Beach Access Fees: free under 1; $2.00 ages 1 to 15; $3.00 age 16 to 61; $2.00 seniors 62+ or disabled; $5 parking fee. 

Hayward Plunge: A year-round indoor swimming facility currently offering public swim Monday through Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm for $3 per person from June 10 through August 9, 2024. Enjoy Inflatables Obstacle Course on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Tot Swim Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 1 pm and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5 pm to 7 pm for $5 per parent and child.

Sunset Swim Center: A free seasonal outdoor swimming facility currently offering public swim Monday through Saturday, June 10th to August 3rd from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm for FREE.

Sulphur Creek Nature Center: The Sulphur Creek Nature Center has creek access and a short hiking trail. You will also find rehabilitated animals indoors and outside to enjoy and a lovely picnic area. Free to visit (donations accepted). Plenty of parking and bathrooms available. 

Del Valle Regional Park: Features two swimming beaches with lifeguards on duty during posted periods. Year-round swimming is allowed without lifeguards. Keep dogs away from the water.

May Nissen Swim Center: This outdoor facility offers two pools including a wading pool perfect for the little ones. Open Monday through Friday from June 10th to August 9th from 1 pm to 3:45 pm and weekends from June 17th to August 11th from noon to 5 pm. 

Robert Livermore Aquatic Center: This outdoor facility features two pools, a waterslide, and an interactive play structure. Must be 48" or taller to use the waterslide. Monday through Friday from June 10th through August 9th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and weekends from noon to 5:00 pm from June 17th through August 11th for $7 per person. Toddler Time is Monday through Thursday from June 10th through August 8th from 10 am to noon for $3 per person. Hot Nights Activity Pool on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm June 10th through August 9th for $5 per person.

Shoup Park: Shoup Park offers a creek near playground. You will also find a large grass field which is great for soccer, frisbee, and relaxing. There is also the trail to Redwood Grove and BBQs, picnic tables and bathrooms are available.

Vasona County Park Creek and Lake: Vasona Lake County Park offers a lovely creek with water cascading over the rocks. You will also find 45 acres of lawn which is great for soccer, frisbee, and relaxing. Paddleboats and rowboats are available for rental from early spring through early fall. The lake also offers fishing and a hiking trail. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available. $6 parking fee.

Milpitas Sports Center: Summer rec swim is available from June 21st through August 10th. Fridays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm and Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for $6 per person - swimmers and non-swimmers. 

Morgan Hill Aquatics Center: An outdoor facility featuring two large waterslides, a water play feature, splash pad, a full-size competition pool, and a warm instructional pool. Open daily (except Mondays) from June 8th through August 14th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on weekends. Weekends only from August 14th through September 1st from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. $12 age 2-17; $15 age 18+.

Dolores Bengston Aquatic Center: An outdoor facility featuring a shallow pool with waterslide, lap pool, diving boards, and an Olympic-size pool. Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day for Recreation Swim with various hours.  

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area: Kayaks and float tubes will be accepted. Typically, lifeguards are only on duty during the summer months. Confirm water conditions at their website before visiting. Parking Fee: $6 per vehicle; $2 per dog. 

Val Vista Park: A great waterplay area the kids will enjoy cooling off in! Features two play areas, inline skate park, roller hockey rink and soccer fields. Water features not available for 2024.

In Chan Kaajal Park: Fun park with play equipment, interactive water feature, restrooms, and limited street parking.

Mission Playground: Playground area with a "water garden" to cool off and restrooms. You will also find the city's only outdoor pool. The water feature is typically operated on warm-weather weekends from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

24th and York Mini Park: Playground with a cool serpent play structure around the water feature, small picnic area, and no restroom. 

Golfland Emerald Hills: In addition to some fun waterslides and an all new splash pad, you will find miniature golf and an arcade to enjoy. Hours and attraction availability are subject to change without notice. Be sure to confirm before your visit.

Hellyer County Park: A brand new awesome playground and a nice splash pad with shades over the top. Don't miss the Coyote Creek meandering through the center. $6 per car. The splash pad is supposed to be open daily starting at 10:00 am.

Lincoln Glen Park: Two great playgrounds, two water play features, and restrooms. They do not list hours for the water features online. 

John P. McEnery Park: The kids will love playing in the two water features at this park. In addition, there are two playgrounds and restrooms. They do not list hours for the water features online.

CaliBunga Waterpark: A traditional waterpark with lots of waterslides and much more. Something for everyone. Open for the 2024 season most summer days and then through September.

Silver Creek: Silver Creek at Silver Creek Linear Park has a creek that is easy to get to with plenty of shade and easy creek access. In addition, you will find playgrounds and picnic areas to enjoy. There are also a basketball court, tennis courts, and three exercise courses. There is a parking lot and bathrooms available.

Boys and Girls Club Pool: An indoor facility offering public swim and swim lessons. The current summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm from June 17 to August 8, 2024.

Farrelly Pool: A seasonal outdoor swim facility that offers a large heated pool that can accommodate swimmers and non-swimmers. Family rec swim Monday through Thursday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 pm Weekend Family Rec runs from May 25 to September 1, 2024 and Monday-Thursday from June 17 to August 11, 2024.

San Leandro Family Aquatic Center: A seasonal outdoor swim facility featuring waterslide and a new interactive playground in a shallow pool. The Aquatic Center will reopen August 1, 2024 and be open Monday-Thursday from August 1 to August 15, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from August 3 to September 29, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm. Open Labor Day.

Arroyo Swim Center: An outdoor swim facility currently offering public swim Monday through Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm for FREE from June 10 through August 17, 2024. (Closed 6/19 and 7/4.)

San Ramon Central Park Fountain: Children's participatory fountain with a fun "creek bed" and splash pad to play in is open daily from April 1st through October 31st from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Rancho San Ramon Community Park: Park includes playgrounds, tennis courts, splash park, and more. Be sure to check the link to learn about their daily activities such as face painting, balloon animals, visiting fire trucks, and more. The fountain is open daily from April 1st through October 31st from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Center: Multiple swimming pools, Splash N' Dash obstacle course, basketball hoop, diving boards, and a waterslide. Open for the 2023 season beginning June 5th through August 6th for Recreation Swim, Play Pool, and Toddler Time. Visit the link for other hours, pricing, and more information. 

Dougherty Valley Aquatic Center: Enjoy Recreation Swim. Visit the link for hours, pricing, and more information.

South Bay Shores Waterpark, Great America: Is a super fun and newly updated waterpark inside California's Great America amusement park. Separate admission is not available, but it is a super fun way to spend the day, or many days, this summer! Open various hours and days through the summer. 

Braly Park: A playground with water play area, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, sand volleyball courts, and restrooms. They do not list hours for the water features online.

Fair Oaks Park: A playground featuring a water play area, skate park, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court, and restrooms. They do not list hours for the water features online.

Lakewood Park: The kids will enjoy the fun outer space theme, bike path, large grassy area, playground, water play area, skating, tennis, and more. They do not list hours for the water features online.

Ortega Park: A Victorian-themed park with playground, water play area, basketball, shuffleboard, and more. They do not list hours for the water features online.

Serra Park: Two playgrounds, water play area with a man-made brook, skating rink, tennis courts, and restrooms.

Seven Seas Park: Featuring a spray pool, two playgrounds, basketball, dog park, tennis courts, multi-use field, and restrooms. They do not list hours for the water features online, but it has already opened for the 2023 season.

Let us know if you have a favorite splash park, water park, creek, or aquatic center you want us to add to our guide. 

*Reminder: Please check websites, phone locations, etc., to confirm open hours, etc.

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Palo Alto-Redwood City-Woodside-Portola Valley Macaroni KID is a free weekly calendar and website focused on fun family events, activities, and more in the Lower Peninsula including Palo Alto, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, Atherton, and Menlo Park. We gather all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about schools, classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, giveaways, and so much more. We proudly serve families in the Lower Peninsula including Palo Alto, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, Atherton, and Menlo Park. Macaroni KID Palo Alto-Redwood City-Woodside-Portola Valley is full of useful local information like this Guide to Stayin Cool, plus tons of kid-friendly events on our event calendar HERE.

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