It's summertime, and for those of us with many more hours of time to fill with our kids, well, the living's not always so easy. If you just can't face another week of the same old city excursions, hop in the car and within an hour you can be enjoying one of the Bay Area's many kid-friendly outdoor pools! Megan Bushnell's round-up of top options is here to get you started; swim times vary by day and season, so it's best to call ahead for confirmation. Splash away!
A fantastic water park for the whole family, this aquatic center includes a toddler area, diving boards, and water slides for older kids. A few tips: purchase tickets online to avoid waiting in line, bring your own shade, and note that the water is unheated, so it’s best on sunny days.
ADDRESS: 9900 Broadmoor Dr., San Ramon
PHONE: 925.973.3240
COST: $5
The complex houses three areas for play: a lap pool, a fountain area, and the Splash Park for little kids. Spring 2018 hours are available here.
ADDRESS: 7007 Moeser Ln., El Cerrito
PHONE: 510.559.7011
COST: $3 to $6
Located within Marin County’s McNear’s Beach Park, the pool requires a vehicle parking fee. You’ll get access to a fun beach, acres of potential picnic spots, a popular fishing pier, and, of course, the main and adjacent toddler pool.
ADDRESS: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael
PHONE: 415.446.4424
COST: $5 for pool admission; parking is $5 on weekdays and $10 on weekends
Robert Livermore Community Center Pool
A slightly longer drive than the others on this list, the Livermore pool has a fantastic water play structure with waterfalls, water cannons, and a crazy water slide. Plus, there is ample shade, lounge chairs, and a grassy area bordering the pool. Worth the drive!
ADDRESS: 4444 East Ave., Livermore
PHONE: 925.373.5700
COST: $5-8 for nonresidents
Megan Bushnell is a former marine biologist who takes her two little fish to the pool sometimes, but she prefers the ocean.
This article originally appeared in the June 2016 issue of GGMG Magazine; all information is current as of May 2018.
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