Bay Area Water Parks for Families 2026 Season
Our team has done the hard work of visiting the Bay Area’s amazing collection of water parks over the years and formed very strong opinions. We did it so you don’t have to. Here are some splashy, thrilling water parks to seek out when the temperature passes 85 degrees.
Aqua Adventure Water Park, Fremont
Description: Lazy river, splashy water play structure, and a few big water slides. Lots of fun; kids over age six can navigate the park (somewhat independently) while you relax.
- Our review of Fremont’s Aqua Adventure.
- Their website has information on current hours, rates, and how to get reservations. Open weekends beginning May 23; Open daily beginning June 1, 2026. Some special field trip days, too.
- Family Fridays offer discount admission on June 13, 27, July 11, 25, and August 8, 2026.
Best ages: Toddler to tween. Price structure is all about height and residency
Prices: Over 4′ Non-Resident $26.99, Fremont Resident $24.99; Under 4′ Non-Resident $21.99, Fremont Resident $19.99; Children 3 and under – $4 includes swim diaper. Same day tickets are available in person only.
Food situation: No outside food; snack bar with lots of treats; ample grass outside for a picnic
Location:Â Fremont
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Concord
Description: Giant Water Park for thrill-seekers and big kids. Hurricane Harbor is quite large. 48″ is the magic height to try the bigger slides. There is a lazy river in the middle of the park, best enjoyed with a rented tube. Children’s sprayground for smaller people. Kids under 7 likely need to stay with their adults, as navigating the park is probably too big a task for a younger kid.
- Our review of Concord’s water park: Hurricane Harbor.
- Check their website for current hours and rates. Open weekends now; Open daily beginning June 8, 2026.
Best ages: Older preschoolers to teens and beyond. The price structure is all about height.
Prices: Many deals are available online, and a season pass is well worth it. Save money when you buy tix online a week in advance. Regular admission is $34 per person. Children under 2 are FREE; tube rental is extra for the lazy river; Parking is $30/car, which is best to pay for in advance.
NOTE: An annual pass to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo also works for Hurricane Harbor.
Food situation: No outside food; snack bar; ample shade structures and tables for picnics. Pre-pay for food packages for savings.
Location:Â Concord
The Wave Waterpark, Dublin
Description: In addition to a full-service aquatic center for swim lessons and lap swimming, The Wave has a massive Slide Tower with six ways to reach the bottom, including a near-vertical drop through a trap door (OMG!). The Splash Zone is for toddlers and others who aren’t ready for a thrill slide, and it’s packed with knobs and cranks for spilling and splashing.
- Read our review of The Wave Waterpark.
- Visit the website. Open daily beginning Memorial Day, 2026.
Best ages: Toddlers to Teens will enjoy this facility
Prices: Non-residents of Dublin pay $23 for over 40″ tall; $20 for under 40″ tall. Children under 2 are $5. Prices are $2 cheaper after 3 pm. You can buy tickets in advance here.
Food: No outside food. A concession stand that sells meals, snack items, and beverages. Wristbands include in and out privileges, so plan to bring a cooler and tailgate.
Location: Dublin, CA
South Bay Shores at Great America, Santa Clara
Description: Lazy river, massive water play structure, several big water slides, wave pool, zero-entry baby pool. Cabanas and lockers for rent. So much fun, but how do you fit this into a full day at an amusement park?
- Our review of Great America’s South Bay Shores.
- Their website to check current hours and rates. Open Memorial Day Weekend, for weekends, then daily in June (with some random closures, so check hours!).
- Special Events are posted on their calendar
Best ages: Toddler to teen and beyond.
Prices:Â Included with admission to Great America
Food situation: All food okay; lots on sale.
Location:Â Great America in Santa Clara
Great Wolf Lodge, Manteca (Open year-round)
Description: This is a hotel AND indoor waterpark that will entice you to Manteca, CA, about an hour from the East Bay. Part of a national chain that’s popular because of its year-round operating schedule, Great Wolf Lodge is new to the Bay Area, and includes a large-scale indoor adventure park with a ropes course, arcade, and more.
- Our review of Great Wolf Lodge
- Website for more details
- Possible deals to be found here>
Best ages: All ages
Prices: Stay overnight in a suite at Great Wolf Lodge to get access to the park. A family suite is about $600 for an overnight trip, but look for discount codes to knock it down to the $300s.
Food situation: Bring whatever you like to enjoy in your room which will have a fridge (but no kitchenette) or in the outdoor areas. There are numerous onsite restaurants and a deli/shop.
Location: Manteca, CA
Antioch Water Park, Antioch (Currently Closed for 2026, boo)
Description: Water activities for every age from baby on up: Five slides including a super shallow tad-pool, toddler and preschooler waterslide, big kid slides, lily pad for balancing (pictured). UPDATE : Due to ongoing construction, Antioch Water Park is closed until further notice, probably for the season.
- Our review of Antioch Water Park.
- Check their website for current hours and rates.
Best ages: Infant to tween. Wristbands are handed out based on height to restrict the littlest ones from going on the bigger slides and vice versa. With the two largest slides closed, it is an even more attractive location for younger children.
2025 Prices: Weekdays – $15; Weekends/Holidays – $17; After 4 pm – $9; Children under 2 – FREE
Food situation: Snack bar with lots of treats; ample grass outside for picnic; outside food OK (no glass or hard-sided coolers).
Location: Antioch
Silliman Aquatic Center, Newark (***Current Closure Dates: March 30 – June 21, 2026***)
Description: Lazy river, two mid-size water slides, lap pool, massive play structure for littles, in-pool basketball.
- Our review of Newark’s Silliman Aquatic Center.
- Their website to check current hours, rates, and to make sure the Lazy River and Slides are actually open. Open year-round.
Best ages: Toddler to tween.
Prices: General admission $13; Children 2 and under – $4 includes swim diaper (Discounts for Newark residents)
Food situation: No outside food permitted
Location:Â Newark
The Best Bay Area Water Parks for Any Age
- Best for little kids? With Antioch’s water park out of the mix, I suggest Fremont’s Aqua Adventure.
- Best for water slide junkies? Concord’s Hurricane Harbor
- Best for kids who also want a full day of roller coasters? South Bay Shores at Great America!
Best for cold and rainy days? Newark’s Silliman Aquatic CenterBest value? Silliman.Best for older but still on the short side kids? This was held by Antioch’s Water Park – closed in 2026
Some Other Bay Area pools with play structures or slides:
- Heather Farm Park pool in Walnut Creek has inflatable obstacle courses!
- Rankin Pool in Martinez
- San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Center
- El Cerrito Swim Center splash pad
- Robert Livermore Aquatic Center
- Larkey Spray Ground & Larkey Pool in Walnut Creek
- Golfland in San Jose has water slides!
- Water Oasis at Gilroy Gardens
- Hamilton Cnovato.org/…/aquatics-program-hamilton-poolommunity Pool in Novato
- Spring Lake in Santa Rosa
Hunt around for bargains on admission prices, consider a season pass if you live close, and always double-check that the water park is open before you pack up your kids and gear!
