10 Swim Clubs for East Bay Families

Swim clubs appeal to families because they offer more features and more community than a public pool. Some people like to belong to a club because of an attached gym, tennis courts, or a snack bar that makes it easy to feed their kids on summer afternoons. Read on to learn more about East Bay swim clubs.

This post is sponsored by Oakland Hills Tennis Club, a family-owned and operated facility that includes 8 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, a swimming pool + baby pool, a hot tub, fitness equipment, and classes, all with spectacular panoramic views of the Bay.

Some swim clubs are open year-round, while some are seasonal. Some are country club-style where you have to pay a starting fee and ongoing membership fees. Some offer summer camps and/or onsite childcare for parents who are working out.

Here is a list of the swim clubs to which some {510} Families readers belong.

Family-Friendly Swim Clubs in the East Bay

While we hesitate to publish prices that may go out of date, we have flagged the start-up fees in two categories, low and high, in which low initiation fees are under $2000 and high initiation fees are greater than $2000. We hope this helps you get a sense of the pricing.

Bay-O-Vista (San Leandro)

Focused on families, the Bay-O-Vista Club offers a lap pool, a kiddie pool in the warmer months. Onsite childcare has been on pause but may open again this summer. Located near Lake Chabot, this club invites you to stop by for a tour and learn about membership, which requires a low start-up fee and then monthly dues.
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Location: 1881 Astor Dr. San Leandro, CA 94577

Berkeley Tennis Club

Located across the street from the Claremont Hotel & Resort, Berkeley Tennis Club emphasizes tennis but also has a lap pool, whirlpool, and cafe. Membership is by application, typically submitted by a sponsoring member, and requires a high initiation fee if you are over 35, plus monthly dues. For young families (parents under 35), the initiation fee is low.
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Location: One Tunnel Rd, Berkeley, CA 94705

The Club at the Claremont Hotel & Resort (Oakland)

Club members share the pools (outdoor saline pools, a whirlpool, and a splash pad for kids), tennis courts, and fitness facilities with hotel guests. This iconic luxury resort features multiple onsite restaurants and a full-service spa. Membership pricing is available upon inquiry.
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Location: 41 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley, CA 94705

The Hills Swim & Tennis Club (Oakland)

(No memberships are available as of this writing.) Part of a small chain, California Athletic Clubs, The Hills is home to a robust swimming program, including a competitive youth team. Membership includes access to a full gym with group fitness classes. But the club is also meant to be a home away from home with a cafe for poolside dining and shower facilities.
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Location: 2400 Manzanita Rd, Oakland, CA 94611

Harbor Bay Club (Alameda)

Set right on the water in Alameda, the Harbor Bay Club offers family memberships that provide access to a year-round heated pool as well as a fitness center and tennis courts.  For kids, there is an afterschool program, swim and tennis lessons, and annual summer camp programs. There is no large initiation fee.
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Location: 200 Packet Landing Rd, Alameda, CA 94502

Lakeridge Athletic Club (El Sobrante)

This is a full-service gym with a large outdoor pool, swim lessons for kids, and cabanas to reserve for socializing poolside. There is a staffed childcare room that will enable parents to work out while their little ones are entertained and cared for. The club makes for a great birthday party venue for kids who want a swim party. The fees are simply monthly dues, like a gym.
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Location: 6350 San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803

Montclair Swim Club (Oakland)

For families who want a pool without the hassle of owning one, Montclair Swim Club is designed to be that place. With a lap pool, recreation pool, and baby pool, this club keeps their membership roster small so it is never crowded. Many kids take swim lessons here. Buy in with a high initiation fee and then pay monthly dues.
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Location: 1901 Woodhaven Way, Oakland, CA 94611

Oakwood Athletic Club (Lafayette)

A family-friendly club with childcare, Kids Night Outs, and other events for members, Oakwood features a year-round heated pool. Swim lessons and a junior swim team are available through the club.
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Location: 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549

Oak Springs Pool (Orinda)

This is a small, seasonal swim club, associated with a housing community, loved by families that are in the know about it. Memberships are available for purchase by families who don’t live in the development. A family membership carries a low-cost initiation fee and then a low cost for the season. The season begins Memorial Day and ends in October, depending on the weather.  The pool features a wading area for young children, lap lanes, and a diving board.
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Location: 39 Spring Rd, Orinda, CA

Other places to swim in the East Bay

YMCAs (Oakland and Berkeley)

The East Bay YMCAs are full-service gyms with indoor pools, group fitness classes, and some programming for kids. Membership gives you access to all the East Bay YMCAs. On-site childcare is only available at Pleasant Hill. One of the most affordable options, a family membership is $115/month for two adults and their children. Swimming lessons often have a waiting list, so be sure to ask if that’s what you’re after.

Thanks to Oakland Hills Tennis Club for sponsoring this post. Interested families should know that OHTC offers babysitting 7 days a week for children 5 and under for $2.50/hour per child. Visit their website to learn more >

See also: Where to Swim in the East Bay (Including Lakes!)