Hi neighbor,
My boys love being in the water, but easily become bored of going to the same places week after week. It’s been fun to try new spots as they get older and more adventurous.
Here are some our favorite splash pads, pools, and water parks around Pleasant Hill — as well as a few on our list to try.
Splash pads, pools, and waterparks:
Our very own Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park features two pools, a spray ground, and plenty of seating and shade, making it a great option for all ages.
Cost: Free
Location: 147 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill
Offers a cute spray ground for little kids (mini waterslide included), a full lap pool, and a diving board.
Cost: $3–$8/person
Location: 2771 Buena Vista Ave, Walnut Creek (~5 min)
This pool features floating inflatable obstacle courses, a diving board, and a baby pool. Plus, it’s right next to the Heather Farm all-abilities playground.
Cost: $6–$8 for recreational swim/person; $3 extra for inflatables
Location: 1750 Heather Drive, Walnut Creek (~10 min)
This pirate-ship-themed splash park is perfect for little kids.
Cost: Free
Location: 1351 Detroit Ave, Concord (~10 min)
Full-scale water park with slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and two areas for smaller kids.
Cost: $35/person (or get a season pass for $70 that includes Discovery Kingdom)
Location: 1950 Waterworld Pkwy, Concord
Kids can run through the water spray tunnels to cool off, while enjoying the play structures in this cute Western-themed park. There’s also a dog park here!
Cost: Free
Location: 1025 La Gonda Way, Danville (~15 min)
A nearby pool that offers inflatable obstacle courses in the water (dependent on weather and staffing).
Cost: $6-$8/person (Kids 2 and under are free); inflatables $2
Location: 3501 Cowell Road, Concord (~15 min)
The Grove’s water play feature is a simple, fun way to cool off while playing at this cute park. It’s right in the main town square so you can easily add lunch or a frozen treat to your visit.
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Clayton (~15 min)
A small pool near the base of Mt. Diablo that caps attendance at 105 people per day.
Cost: $3–$5 (kids 2 and under are free)
Location: 1700 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek (~15 min)
This lake is just through the Caldecott Tunnel, featuring a sandy beach and swim area. There’s also a playground, fishing dock, and hiking trails.
Cost: $5/vehicle
Location: 6502 Broadway Terrace, Oakland (~15 minutes)
A fun pool with a zero-entry pool, water play structure, and dedicated tot hours.
Cost: $5–$7/person (kids 2 and under are free)
Location: 100 Buckley St, Martinez (~20 min)
This fun and colorful water feature is adjacent to the play structures, reflection pond, and jogging path.
Cost: Free
Location: 2101 Holbrook Drive, Danville (~20 min)
A simple splash pad in a vast park that includes several play areas, a skatepark, bocce ball courts, sand volleyball, and a disc golf course.
Cost: Free
Location: 1425 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga (~20 min)
This “participatory fountain” creates a nice splash pad near the Central Park playground in San Ramon.
Cost: Free
Location: 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, San Ramon (~20 minutes)
A big splash pad next to a park for kids who like to climb!
Cost: Free
Location: 1998 Rancho Park Loop, San Ramon (~20 minutes)
Swim among the redwoods in this heated pool.
Cost: $3–$5/person plus $5 parking
Location: 10570 Skyline Blvd, Oakland (~20 minutes)
Private pool memberships near Pleasant Hill
These swim clubs require an annual membership to use the pool.
Larkey Private Swim Club: 800 Duxbury Ct, Walnut Creek
Pleasant Hill Aquatics (PHA): 468 Boyd Rd, Pleasant Hill
Buena Vista Swim Club: 197 Cortsen Rd, Pleasant Hill
A little further out, if you're up for the drive:
The Wave: A waterpark with a slide tower, splash zone, sports pool, and natatorium; $5–$23/person; 4201 Central Pkwy, Dublin (~30 min)
Robert Livermore Aquatic Center: Zero-depth-entry activity pool with a water play structure, plus a main pool; $7/person; 507 School Street, Livermore (~35 min)
Aqua Adventure Water Park: Slides, lazy river, wet play structure, and splash pad; $15–$27/person (Kids 3 and under are $4); 40500 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont (~40 min)
Silliman Family Aquatic Center: An indoor aquatic center with a zero depth entry activity pool featuring a water play structure; $4-$13/person; 6800 Mowry Avenue, Newark (~45 min)
Great Wolf Lodge: Indoor water park resort; pricing varies by package and day; 2500 Daniels Street, Manteca (~60 min)
Gilroy Gardens: Water play area included with theme park admission; pricing varies; 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy (~80 min)
Wake Island Waterpark: Wakeboard park, floating playground, ninja race course, floating bounce house, aqua slides, zip line, hamster wheels, and beach; pricing varies; 7633 Locust Rd, Pleasant Grove (~80 min)
What's your family's go-to spot this summer? Reply back and let me know — my kids and I would love to check it out.
See you around town,
Jen