Staying Cool Guide: Hayward, Castro Valley and the Bay Area

With summer here, 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, creeks, and beaches in the Hayward, Castro Valley, and San Leandro area, as well as the surrounding areas to make it easy to make some fun plans meeting up with friends near and far this summer! Go have fun and enjoy! Please note: Dates were confirmed for the 2025 season on May 31, 2025.

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 am to 5 pm through Labor Day. 

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area: Swimming in the chlorinated swim lagoon is the main attraction weekends and holidays from 11 am to 6 pm May 24 through June 9 and daily, June 9 through August 15, 2025. 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 2; $3.00 ages 2 to 17; $5.00 ages 18 to 61; $3.00 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, 2025. 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 106 to August 2, 2025 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.

Castro Valley Park Splash Pad: The kids will enjoy getting wet and playing in the water. The water play area is open Wednesday through Sunday and holidays from 11:00 to 6:00 pm June 11th through early August 10th; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 6:00 pm August 16th through September 1st. 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. *Please note: The splash pad is open, but will be undergoing brief maintenance this summer. Check link above for updates.

Castro Valley Swim Center: A seasonal outdoor facility open from June 2nd through August 9th 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. Open from 11:00 to 6:00 pm (water closes at 5:30 pm) daily May 27th through August 15th and weekends and holidays through September 1st. Beach Access Fees: free under 2; $3 ages 2 to 17; $5 ages 18 to 61; $3 seniors 62+ or disabled; free parking. 

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 pm from June 16 to August 9, 2025.

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 1:30 pm to 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm Weekend Family Rec runs from May 24 to September 28, 2025 and Monday-Thursday from June 16 to August 10, 2025.

San Leandro Family Aquatic Center: A seasonal outdoor swim facility offering an activity pool with zero-depth entry and new interactive water play structure, lap lanes, a spray ground, and a 17-foot tall water slide. The Aquatic Center will reopen June 14, 2025 and be open Monday-Thursday from through August 7, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday through September 29, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

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 16 through August 2, 2025. 

Aqua Adventure Waterpark: A fun, local waterpark with waterslides, lazy river, pools, splash area, and more. Open daily from May 31 through August 10, 2025, 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, a 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 2025 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. $5 parking fee from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Antioch Waterpark: A seasonal outdoor waterpark featuring waterslides, wading pool, sports pool, lap pool, splash ground, and more. 2025 season begins May 24th 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 11 am to 6 pm 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. Swim Lagoon currently closed due to ongoing renovations.

Lake Anza Swim Area: Located in Tilden Park and open daily from 11 am to 6 pm. 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 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 6 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 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends, April through October, weather permitting.  

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

Meadow Homes Spray Park: This awesome spray park is open daily from noon to 6 pm for summer hours and noon to 6 pm weekends and holidays and 3 to 6 pm Monday through Friday when school is in session, and features play areas for tots, tweens, and teens.  

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord: A waterpark with something for everyone. Open through September 1, 2025 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 24 for the 2025 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 noon to 6 pm Monday through Friday and weekends from 10 am to 6 pm from April 1 to September 30, 2025. 

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 noon to 6 pm Monday through Friday and weekends from 10 am to 6 pm from April 1 to September 30, 2025. 

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 am to 6 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 in operation from Memorial Day weekend through the second weekend in September from 11 am to 6:00 pm. 

The Wave: A waterpark for family fun featuring a slide tower, splash zone, and sports pool. Open for the 2025 season now with various days and hours through September 28, 2025.  

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

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. $10 parking fee. 

May Nissen Swim Center: This outdoor facility offers two pools including a wading pool perfect for the little ones. Open June 2 to August 9, 2025 for recreation swim. Visit their site for specific hours and pricing. 

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. Open June 2 to September 1, 2025 for recreation swim. Visit their site for specific hours and pricing. 

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. 

Burgess Park Pool: Wading Pool open weekends from May 24, 2025 from noon to 3 pm. 

Belle Haven Pool: Splash Pad and pools open various hours through summer.

Milpitas Sports Center: Summer rec swim is available for summer with various hours. Visit site to confirm hours and fees. 

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 7 to August 31, 2025 with various hours. $12 age 2-17; $15 age 18+, under 2 are free. 

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. 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.  

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: $5 per vehicle; $2 per dog.  

Val Vista Park: A great water play area the kids will enjoy cooling off in! Features two play areas, inline skate park, roller hockey rink and soccer fields. 

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 to 6 pm from June to September 30, 2025. 

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 to 6 pm from June to September 30, 2025. *Will shut off at 5:00 pm during the Music in the Park concert 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 to 6 pm from June to September 30, 2025. The Recreation Way gate will lock to entering foot traffic at 7 pm. 

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 am to 5 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 newer 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 2025 season weekends and many summer days through September 7, 2025.

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.

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. As of May 2024, the Water feature is not currently in service - check website for any updates.

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 1 to October 31, 2025 from 10 am to 5 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 1 to October 31, 2025 from 10 am to 5 pm. 

San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Center: Multiple swimming pools, Splash N' Dash obstacle course, basketball hoop, diving boards, and a waterslide. 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. 

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.

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 2025 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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