San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park - 510 Families
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San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park

Spending a day at a pool/aquatic park provides instant relief on scorching East Bay summer days. And lately, it’s been scorching on the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel. The San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park is worth the drive for some cool, summer fun with aquatic activities for all ages, from infants to adults. We love how the park offers a splash-centric water playground, a large inflatable obstacle course, and swim lane pools. It’s also a short drive away from City Center Bishop Ranch, a public square full of popular shopping and dining (including dessert) options. Open weekends starting May 13, 2023, with daily summer hours beginning June 6, running through August 6.

San Ramon Swiming Pool
Splash fun at San Ramon Olympic Pool | Photo: Kat Choi

Aquatic Activities at San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park

The San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park has three main sections for aquatic swimming and play: a pool with an inflatable obstacle course and diving, a slightly smaller pool for recreational swimming, and a water play structure surrounded by a lagoon. Though it can get crowded on summer weekends, the grounds are spacious enough that it still feels tolerable. My family’s last visit was a prime time (a sunny Saturday at 1 pm), and we appreciated that each of the pools has attentive lifeguards and that all areas were clean.

The water play structure was the main attraction for us because of the slides, interactive features that turn on and off sprayers, and the lagoon area. There is also a sectioned-off area of the lagoon which is a great spot for little ones to practice getting comfortable in the water without fear of being trampled by larger kids.

Looking for other places to swim in the East Bay? Check out our East Bay Swim Guide.  

San Ramon olympic water structure
The water play structure is such fun for younger kids | Photo: Michele Yuen

We spent most of our time soaking in the lagoon and watching kids voluntarily get drenched by the gigantic bucket that overflows from the top of the structure. We did not opt to participate.

San Ramon olympic center
Some kids find it enjoyable to be drenched with the large bucket of water each time it overflows | Photo: Michele Yuen

Another popular activity is the inflatable obstacle course. We’ve tried it in the past and enjoyed the challenge of getting across, but didn’t get to it this time around. The slide at the end of the course into the pool looked particularly fun. A great activity for older kids to tackle.

San Ramon pool
One of the pools has a large inflatable obstacle course and diving area | Photo: Michele Yuen

Find another water obstacle course in Walnut Creek >

Find a super giant inflatable obstacle course near Sacramento >

The third pool is reserved for general recreation swim and use of provided inner tubes (though they were all occupied when we arrived). We also spotted some older kids playing water basketball on the farther end of the pool.

San Ramon pool
The third pool for recreation swim | Photo: Michele Yuen

Tips for visiting the San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park 

  • Bring blankets and sun umbrellas. Though there are some shaded picnic tables, they get snagged quickly. If you plan on spending some time outside of the pool or want a “home base,” I’d recommend bringing lawn chairs/a blanket, and a sun umbrella for use in the grassy areas around the pools.
  • Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed. There is no food sold onsite; though they do have a vending machine with some typical snacks and beverages.
  • No pool floaties are allowed. Don’t try to bring your large inflatable pool animals, swim noodles, or personal inner tubes. Though we did see some young kids with arm flotation devices, which seemed permissible.
  • They have lockers. But you’ll have to bring your own lock.
  • Birthday parties. Picnic tables can be reserved for parties to accommodate 25-50 people. Reservations can be made via their website and include discounted entries into the pool for party guests.
  • Head to City Center Bishop Ranch Afterwards. If you are looking for lunch or a dessert (we like both Salt and Straw or Sprinkles Cupcakes with a cupcake ATM), City Center Bishop Ranch is a solid choice. We especially love the grassy courtyard area in the middle of the plaza and mist pad, in case your kid isn’t wiped out already from the pool.
cupcake atm
Yes, that is a Sprinkles cupcake ATM | Photo: Michele Yuen

Plan your visit to the San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park  

  • Hours. Rec Swim begins on weekends on May 13, 2023, with summer hours beginning June 6, running through August 6. They also have designated Toddler Time slots for kids ages 5 and under. Check hours here>
  • Prices. $7 per person. Pool passes can be purchased from their website or at the door. You can also purchase bundled packages if you think you’ll be visiting often.
  • Location. 9900 Broadmore Drive, San Ramon 
  • Parking. Free in the pool’s parking lot. Though there isn’t much shade so be prepared for a toasty car.
  • Phone. 925.973.3240

Website for more info >

Bottom Line

Despite the often blistering heat in the summer, pools and aquatic parks like the San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Center is what makes the East Bay shine. A great spot for aquatic activities for the whole family at a reasonable price, we think the San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Center is worth the drive, especially when paired with an outing to City Center Bishop Ranch. 

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