The wait is finally over! The San Leandro Family Aquatic Center (SLFAC) has reopened as of June 2025 with exciting upgrades.
The San Leandro Family Aquatic Center is an East Bay summertime gem offering a splash pool, water play structure, free-swim pool, lap lane, a spray park, and a 17-foot high waterslide. It’s open six days a week from 12:30 pm-4:30 pm from mid-June to mid-August, weekends through September. It’s spacious enough to where every family is able to carve out their own space at a table or on the grass to relax and soak up those summer rays. There are also many friendly lifeguards on watch.
On a warm Monday afternoon, my six-year-old and I met up with another family at San Leandro’s Washington Manor Park Pool. My son loved controlling the water-spray features to soak his pals and daddy. I couldn’t get him to stop splashing down the small enclosed slide right into the water. The deeper free-swim pool, which requires passing a swim test, was perfect for extra swim practice. And even though my son was just shy of the 48″ required to ride the waterslide, we enjoyed watching the bigger kids take their rides.
The Lowdown on San Leandro Family Aquatic Center
Activity Pool and Water Play Structure: This is the main event for the younger kids and families. I appreciated how many features were spread throughout the pool. There were levers and wheels all over that allowed kids to control where the water sprays. I have to admit I enjoyed watching unassuming adults being sprayed by their children. My kid’s favorite was the enclosed slide that has the kids sliding and splashing right into the shallow pool.
Swimming Pool: If you want to swim in the deep free-swim pool you’ll need to pass a swim test in the lap lane. The test requires one to swim on their stomach for about 30 feet without stopping or touching the sides or bottom. I couldn’t believe my six-year-old passed the test – those Aquatech swim lessons finally are paying off! If your child doesn’t pass the test, NBD since they can still accompany you in the pool as long as you stay within arm’s reach of them.
Waterslide: The waterslide looked awesome, but my kiddo was just shy of the 48” required to ride it.
Lifeguards: Lifeguards are always on duty, and they seemed attentive and friendly. It’s always a good idea to remind your kids before they enter that there’s no running anywhere inside the facility.
Tables: There are six small tables with umbrellas and ten larger tables, some covered, that can fit larger parties. The tables tend to fill up right away, so if you’re hoping to snag one you should get there a bit before they open.
Bathrooms: There are large, clean bathrooms with showers located just outside the pool areas. The door to enter is pretty heavy, so I recommend assisting and staying with your child at all times.
Parent tips for enjoying the San Leandro Family Aquatic Center
Watch the Capacity on Hot Days: Max capacity is 250. This was not a problem during our visit, although I have heard that on the hotter days people start lining up an hour beforehand.
BYO Shade and Snacks: If you’re like me and don’t make it in right away, you likely won’t snag one of the tables, but fear not! There is a large grassy area that’s perfect for shade tents, umbrellas, and beach towels. Set up your own space and bring your own picnic. You can bring in outside food and drinks. Maybe you’ll want to pick up a pizza at nearby Porky’s Pizza Palace on your way over. We like to get Clancy’s ice cream on the way home.
Sunscreen, Goggles, Dive Toys, and Swim Vests: The Aquatic Center has swim vests you can borrow. Don’t forget your sunscreen. My kid really enjoys having his goggles and dive toys when we swim in the deeper free-swim pool.
Plan your visit to San Leandro Family Aquatic Center
Location: 14900 Zelma Street, San Leandro in Washington Manor Park, just a few minutes off of the Beatrice Exit on the 880 Freeway in San Leandro.
Parking: There is a parking lot in front of the aquatic center which fills up notoriously fast, and also plenty of shaded street parking.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Sat/Sun 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
Cost: Babies under 1 are free. Everyone else is $7. They take cash and cards.
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The Bottom Line on the San Leandro Family Aquatic Center
We loved it. The San Leandro Family Aquatic Center is the perfect East Bay retreat for hot summer days. Kids of all ages will find something they’ll love, be it the water play structure, swimming pool, or waterslide. Get there early to secure a table or stake out a spot on the spacious lawn. Don’t forget to pack towels, snacks, goggles, sunscreen, and shade!
