Larkey Spray Ground in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek’s Larkey Spray Ground is the perfect place to spend a sunny day in the Bay. The splash playground shares a space with the Larkey Pool but is sectioned off in its own gated area with a lifeguard on duty. Admission to the sprayground is included with admission to the pool during recreational swim hours, but there are also sprayground-only hours during the heat of the summer.

Summer sprayground-only hours begin June 17, 2024 and run through August 1, 2024 (or during regular rec swim hours beginning June 8, 2024).

This splash park offers plenty to do: climb to the top of the water slide; shoot a water stream on those below; tug on strings to get wet; or jump over water shooting up from the ground. It’s a great option for mixed ages. Older children will enjoy the slide and climbing the ropes ladder, while babies can splash in the adorable wildlife-shaped fountains. I visited with my kids, ages 7 and 4. They both were excited and kept busy by the offerings. However, this spray ground is likely best for 6 and younger.

The playground is set in a circle, with benches along the perimeter – plus three tables with umbrellas – which fill up fast. It’s small enough for one parent to keep an eye on multiple kids. Though keep in mind that the gate is often left open and runners could easily move out of the spray pad area. The lifeguard on duty is very proactive and will ensure your children don’t run up the slide or climb on the spray statues; it’s also helpful to share these rules with kids before entering. Every time we’ve visited, the spray ground hasn’t been too crowded. However, there is a capacity of 60.

 Pro Tip: In the afternoon, shade falls on most of the area. This can make the water quite cold on a cooler day.

Larkey Spray Park Hours:

Always subject to change without notice, so be sure to check before you pack up the car with eager preschoolers in swim gear! Summer Spray Ground only hours begin June 17, 2024 and run through August 1, 2024. or during recreational swim hours beginning June 8, 2024.

• Spray Park Only Hours:
  

  Monday – Thursday

  10: 30 am – 12:30 pm AND 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

• Recreational Swim (pool and spray park):
  

  Monday – Thursday	1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  Friday	1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  Saturday & Sunday	12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Larkey Spray Ground Admission:

• Splash Park Only Hours: $2/Person
• During Recreational Swim: $5/Child, $6/7-17 yrs, and $8/Adults

More to do at Larkey Park

Once you’re done splashing around, take advantage of Larkey Park – just behind the swim center – plenty of green grassy hills, picnic tables, and two playgrounds – bring a lunch and dry off under the trees. Lindsay Wildlife Experience, a great option for the 5 and younger crowd, is also located on the grounds of Larkey Park.

Larkey Swim Center is located at 2771 Buena Vista Ave, Walnut Creek.

For more info, check Walnut Creek’s Aquatic Site.