San Francisco is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Victorian houses, cable cars, and a few other architectural attractions. But with its proximity to the shores of the North Pacific Ocean in Northern California, it’s no surprise that you can easily find the best water parks in San Francisco for kids and the whole family to enjoy, especially on sunny days!
To start your family’s summer journey, we’ve compiled our list of the best water parks in San Francisco for kids to get wet and wild under the sun. So, what are you waiting for? Pack those towels, grab your swimsuits, cover them with sunscreen, and head out for a fun family water adventure this summer!
1950 Waterworld Pkwy., Concord, CA 94520
Phone Number: (707) 644-4000
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is Northern California’s biggest and most thrilling water park. With thirty-five attractions ranging from an idyllic lazy river to extreme waterslides for the daredevils, there’s something for the whole family here. Younger ones will love hanging out at Splashwater Island with its pint-sized slides while waiting for the massive bucket to dump water on people below.
If you are visiting the park in the current season, Six Flags Theme Park Company brings its flair and distinct attention to the visitors with its new look, colorful new themes, and extensive park enhancements. The park is built on a 30-acre land encompassing a family amusement spot. For more information, please visit their website.
4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin, CA 94568
Phone Number: (925) 574-4800
The Dublin Wave is another water park with many attractions and water play areas for all ages. This newly opened water park has an aquatics complex situated in the East Bay city of Dublin, featuring a comprehensive theme walk. The Water Park has six stunning slides and water towers, and the Splash Zone extreme’ is meant for toddlers, where they can wade with slides.
The Wave is a 31,000-square-foot aquatics facility that provides a state-of-the-art facility. The park comprises an indoor swimming pool, an open-air sports pool, a waterslide barbican, and a splash zone coupled with water play highlights. For more information, please visit their website. Â
4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531
Phone Number: (925) 776-3078
When you head outside the city of San Francisco, you will see an attractive waterpark. This Antioch Water Park is the perfect spot for adventure ride lovers. It has many slides and rides suitable for kids, so you can visit with your kids as well.Â
The main attraction of Antioch Water Park is the floating bridge, which big rocks support from both ends. The water park’s campus also includes a pool, a waterfall, and various slides. For more information, please visit their website. Â
2500 Daniels St., Manteca, CA 95337
Phone Number: (800) 905-9653
If you are looking for weatherproof family fun with your kids, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park is the place to please your wishes. This is one of the best indoor-themed water parks in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has everything kids could ask for. Experience a world of play where you can splash, play, eat, and relax together, all under one roof.
Catch a wave, splash, and play as the swells sweep from the five-foot-deep end to the zero-depth-entry shallows. Relax and float down the river with your friends and family. Or delight in the interactive water toys and kid-activated splash features. For more information, please visit their website.
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark, CA 94560
Phone Number: (510) 578-4000
Not all water parks for kids in the San Francisco Bay area are open only in the summer. This indoor Adventureland is a lovely 72 degrees year-round. There’s a lazy river, several slides for different age groups, water fountains, lap pools—you name it, it’s there. The site features not only an indoor water park but also a fitness gym, basketball gymnasium, meeting rooms, etc.
With a combination of basketball hoops, an open lap pool, and a children’s activity pool with a spraying play structure, kids of all ages will have a blast, and parents can relax poolside or join in the fun. For more information, please visit their website.
2800 24th St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone Number: (415) 902-5893
This recently renovated mini-park has great public art and murals on display. It focuses on a fun mosaic snake based on the Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl. This is one of those fountains that turns itself on and off and surprises you. The snake also doubles as a water fountain, making it one of the best water parks in San Francisco for kids.
24th & York Mini Park also provides two swings and a merry-go-round for children to enjoy. There are also many picnic tables and benches to rest, eat lunch, and watch your kids play. For more information, please visit their website.
18988 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley, CA 94546
Phone Number: (510) 881-6700
Another East Bay splash pad can be found not far off I-580 in Castro Valley. This splash pad is located in a park with several playgrounds for dry play. It features geysers and giant sprayers that send water sky-high. And the best part? Kids can turn on the water feature by pressing the big red button!
From Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend, a Castro Valley Community Park water feature turns into a splash pad on Wednesdays and weekends. This sprayground is totally free and is perfect for hot summer days with energetic preschoolers. For more information, please visit their website.
7007 Moeser Ln., El Cerrito, CA 94530
Phone Number: (510) 215-4300
Berkeley and Oakland families will find their closest splash pad just up I-80 in El Cerrito. El Cerrito’s Aquatic Center has several pools and water slides and a splash pad area that is separately enclosed for extra safety for toddlers and young kids. Keep an eye out for Tot Splash play times where only children (and adults) ages six and under can enjoy the pool.
Family fun at Splash Park is a great way to get wet and play in the water. An assortment of spray features will create hours of fun. This is a non-lifeguarded area with no pool access. For more information, please visit their website.
618 B St., San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone Number: (415) 485-3333
This park has it all! Water play features views, amphitheater seating, a new playground, etc. It’s a lovely water park for younger children as the water flows straight back into the soft flooring. With a gentle geyser that pops up here and there and slowly builds into a water display, younger kids will enjoy this park a lot. This is an excellent introductory waterpark.
Marin County dwellers should make a beeline for this San Rafael water play area on hot days. Kids can control the water by placing their hand on a start button which sends water through three rings and ultimately up through a geyser in the park. They have a brand-new and fantastic playground, so make sure to let your kid have some quality playground time. For more information, please visit their website. Â
1801 J Hart Clinton Dr., San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone Number: (650) 522-7434
Ryder Park is a fun water park where people of all ages are welcome to enjoy the refreshing water. Shoreline Parks, which includes Ryder Park, consists of a unique blend of water parks that offer the best recreational experiences for kids along the edges of San Francisco Bay.
The great thing about kid-friendly water parks is all the other play equipment available, especially in this park. Its structures are really quite something – lots of modern European designs. This means your kids don’t get bored, and you can fill a whole day with fun. For more information, please visit their website.
Visiting the best water parks in the San Francisco Bay Area can add a thrill to your summer break, especially with kids. There’s nothing more inviting than crystal-clear waters in the pool, splashing through the park, or just floating down a lazy river. These water attractions are spectacular destinations and can give a lifetime aquatic adventure.
San Francisco offers a wide variety of opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of kids resources. Are you looking for more things to do with kids around San Francisco? Browse through our places to go and summer camps section. Check out our blog posts if you’re even more curious and seek to learn more about kids’ topics, tips, and guides.
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Best Water Parks in San Jose for Kids
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