We are big fans of hopping in the car and heading through the tunnel to the warmer temps of the 925. One of our favorite warm-weather destinations? Clarke Memorial Swim Center in Walnut Creek — a massive public pool complex located right next to the awesome Heather Farm Park and Playground.
This pool is a total summer thrill, especially thanks to the enormous inflatable obstacle courses that show up for open swim starting in June.
2025 Summer Season: Clarke Memorial Swim Center offers recreational swimming from 1 to 4 pm on weekdays and noon to 5 pm on weekends (June 9 – August 10, 2025).
🎉 Why We Love It
The inflatables are the big draw: giant floating obstacle courses that kids can climb, race across, and slide off into the water. My kids spent last summer timing each other over and over, trying to beat their own personal records. There’s no official height limit, but these courses take strength, coordination, and courage. Even my ten-year-old hesitated the first time he tackled the larger one!
👉 There are two inflatable courses:
- One in a lap pool section (better for younger kids)
- One in the deep “diving well” that’s taller, trickier, and more thrilling
Yes, grown-ups can do it too — though expect to be humbled.
Skills required: Kids must be competent swimmers to navigate and slide off the obstacle course. Lifeguards are happy to administer a swim test if you want them to.
Clarke Swim Center for younger kids
This swim center also features a wading area for pre-swimmers and a diving board from which to jump into the deep water, no wristband is required.
🕐 2025 Summer Season Hours (June 9 – August 10)
Weekdays: 1 – 4 pm (inflatable hours match)
Weekends: 12 – 5 pm (inflatable hours match)
💸 Admission Info
Adults: $8 (increasing July 1, 2025)
Kids 7–17: $6
Kids under 7: $5
Non-swimming adults still pay admission
To use the inflatables, purchase an additional $3 Splash Pass wristband and sign a waiver at the desk.
🧺 What to Know Before You Go
- There’s a grassy area with some shade for towels and chairs
- Plan to bring your own lunch or snacks — the park isn’t close to restaurants
- Don’t skip the amazing Heather Farm All-Ability Playground next door — you can make a whole day of it!
- Check the Walnut Creek arts & rec website for updates on hours and pool closures.
📍 Clarke Memorial Swim Center
1750 Heather Drive, Walnut Creek (inside Heather Farm Park)
Whether you’re chasing thrills on a giant inflatable or just dipping your toes in the wading pool, Clarke Swim Center is a solid addition to your family’s summer bucket list.
1 thought on “Clarke Swim Center: Swimming Pool with Inflatables in Walnut Creek”
In case you don’t know there is an awesome extra large park sharing the same parking lot. Usually an ice cream man going around sometimes a shaved ice cart. So much fun. Do the park first it gets hot over there. Then cool off at the pool!!