Best Public Pools for Kids in San Francisco and the Bay Area

What’s better than a cool swimming pool on a hot day? Luckily, the Bay Area has loads of amazing public pools with special features for families. From water slides and lazy rivers to retractable roofs, extra-large inflatables, and even a water obstacle course, these public pools in San Francisco around the Bay Area (From North Beach to Mill Valley to Berkeley and beyond) are awesome for kids of all ages. 

We've rounded up our favorite family-friendly beaches in the Bay Area and the best splash pads in all of San Francisco for when you want different ways to cool off! Find all this and more in our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Best Public Pools in San Francisco 

1. Hamilton Pool — Lower Pacific Heights, San Francisco

With two water slides, Hamilton Pool is one of the most popular pools in the city. The indoor pool is heated and can be a nice escape from the San Francisco summer fog. Note: Children must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the water slides, which are only open on Saturdays.

• Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child. 
• Hours: Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.

 
Check out the tiles at the Sava Pool, where sunshine makes the "waves" come to life! Photo by author Nicole Findlay

2. Sava Pool — Sunset, San Francisco

This neighborhood favorite reopened in 2009 after a $17 million renovation. Families will love this 25-yard, eight-lane indoor pool. The unique design offers plenty of natural light. Check out the wall of ceramic tile artwork by Catherine Wagner titled “Swimmer’s Waves.” When the sun hits the tiles, the waves come to life. The shallowest spot is 4 feet deep.

• Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child.
• Hours: Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.

3. Rossi Pool — Inner Richmond, San Francisco

Another neighborhood favorite, this pool is only one part of a 300,000-square-foot park. This means that after a dip in the water, families can enjoy the playground or play a family game of baseball.

• Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child.
• Hours: Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.

4. Balboa Aquatics Center — Mission Terrace, San Francisco

After a $9 million renovation project, this state-of-the-art swimming pool is ready to jump right in. While here, check out the facility's new mural by local artist Jason Jägel, which features people and animals making a splash.

• Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child.
• Hours: Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.

 
The North Beach Pool is one where you can ride a cable car there and see gorgeous city views. Photo by Ronaldo Farelli 

5. North Beach Pool — North Beach, San Francisco

This pool in the popular North Beach neighborhood has a glass wall offering cool city views from the water. They also have a dry sauna. Why not take a cable car ride to the pool? The kids will likely love it, and the Powell/Mason line will take you right there!

While here, let little ones run wild at the Joe DiMaggio playground or enjoy some quiet time at the North Beach Library.

• Cost: $8 per adult, $2 per child.
• Hours: Varies. Check here for the current pool schedule.

Best Public Pools in North Bay/Marin

6. McNears Beach Park Pool — San Rafael

McNear’s Beach is a 55-acre county park near San Pablo Bay. It’s a great place to swim in open water, picnic, fish, and soak up gorgeous waterside views. The highlight is actually the fenced-in swimming pool, which includes a main pool and a toddler pool. There’s also a snack bar nearby, so no need to pack food, if you don't want to.

• Cost: Parking and pool are free, but capacity is 100 people. Get there early!
• Hours: Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check here for the upcoming pool schedule.

7. Homestead Valley Community Pool — Mill Valley

This cute outdoor pool is near the Homestead Valley Community Center, a meadow, and over 80 acres of open space. Enjoy a dip and then explore the grounds.

• Cost: Non-resident daily pass rate is $12 per adult and $10 per child. 
• Hours: Varies. View the current pool schedule online.

8. Mill Valley Recreation Center Swimming Pool — Mill Valley

This indoor/outdoor pool in Mill Valley has plenty of windows and a retractable roof. It’s 25 yards long with 3 lanes, a shallow cove pool for little ones, and a water slide. Kids need to be 48 inches tall to ride.

• Cost: A single pass is $11 per adult and $8 per child. 
• Hours: Varies. Check website for the current pool schedule.

9. Hamilton Community Pool — Novato

The Hamilton Community Pool opens May 25! Every Friday this summer, guests can participate in an Inflatable Water Obstacle Course. Participation is free with a daily pass. In order to participate, little ones will need to pass a swim test. There’s a water play structure for the littlest swimmers, complete with a slide and water spray sites. Check out special events, like Inflatable Fun Friday!

• Cost: Non-resident adult drop-in is $11 per adult and $9 per child.
• Hours: Opens Memorial Day weekend, check hours online.

10. Marinwood Community Center Pool — San Rafael

Located near Marinwood Park and a fun playground, the Marinwood Community Center Pool is 25 yards long, has a double flume water slide, and a tot pool for kiddos under age seven. 

• Cost: Non-resident adult drop-in is $10 per adult and $9 per child.
• Hours: Varies. Check the website for the current pool schedule. 

11. Terra Linda Community Center Pool — San Rafael

Kids ages 6-14 will love the large inflatable at the Terra Linda Community Center Pool. Here all summer, weather and staff dependent, children under twelve must complete a swim test to partake. This consists of comfortable swimming the length of the pool without stopping. There’s also a toddler pool for those under six. 

This pool is adjacent to a park with a fun children’s playground, a basketball court, and a picnic area with grills. It’s conveniently located across the street from Scotty’s Market for snacks.

• Cost: Non-resident adult drop-in is $10 per adult and $8 for kids. 
• Hours: Check out the summer schedule on the website.

Best Public Pools in the East Bay

12. Silliman Aquatic Center — Newark

After major renovations, the Silliman pool is open and ready for summer! Expect two water slides. One has a tower rising 20 feet above the pool deck. Children must be 48 inches to ride. The Silliman Aquatic Center also has a lazy river and a children’s activity pool. 

• Cost: General admission for daily drop-in is $13 per adult and $4 per infant/toddler.
• Hours: Varies. Check online for the current schedule.

13. King Pool — Berkeley

This heated outdoor pool in North Berkeley is a great spot to swim on a hot day. Book tickets before arriving. No payment is accepted at the pool. Also, children under seven and under 42 inches must be accompanied by an adult and stay within arm’s reach at all times.      

• Cost: A daily swim pass for all ages is $6. 
• Hours: Varies.  Visit the website to check the current schedule.

14. Richmond Swim Center — Richmond

An indoor pool with plenty of natural light, the Richmond Swim Center has a retractable roof, the perfect feature for sunny days.  Plus, the shallow end is ideal for tiny tykes and has an entertaining water feature for added splashing.

• Cost: Drop-in for non-residents is $8.75 per adult and $5 per kid. 
• Hours: Varies. Check website for the current schedule.

15. Richmond Plunge — Richmond

Formerly known as The Richmond Municipal Natatorium, the Richmond Plunge was built in 1926. Swimmers can step back in time here. The Richmond Plunge still has original hand-painted signs, retro tile work, and a beautiful old-fashioned mural.

• Cost: Non-resident adult drop-in is $8.75 adults and $5 for kids.
• Hours: Varies. Check website for the current schedule.

16. Clarke Memorial Pool — Walnut Creek

Located in Heather Farm Park, this 50-meter heated pool is open year-round. There's also a 25-meter pool with a diving board. In the summer, kids will love the Inflatable Obstacle Courses. Kids need to be comfortable trading water, swimming 25 yards, and be able to recover from a deep water entry and swim to the side.  After a dip, share snacks at a covered picnic area.

• Cost: Drop-in rates are $7 per adult, $6 per youth (ages 7-17), and $5 per child (ages 0-6). Additionally, a $2 Splash Pass is required for Inflatables and in-and-out privileges.
• Hours: Saturday & Sunday afternoons

17. Castle Rock Swimming Pool — Walnut Creek

Situated in the Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area, the Castle Rock Swimming Pool is 30 feet by 70 feet and is open for drop-in only. Surrounded by rolling hills and tall trees, this picturesque pool is a treat if you’re in the East Bay on a hot day. 

• Cost: Drop-in rate is $4 for 16 & up and $2 for ages 1-15. No fee for babies under the age of one. 
• Hours: Open weekends and holidays from approximately Memorial Day through Labor Day and Thursdays & Fridays mid-June through mid-August. See current schedule online.

Best Public Pools on the Peninsula 

18. Jean E. Brink Swimming Pool — Pacifica

This pool is big with ten lanes, each 25 yards long. It’s indoors and has a diving board for those looking to dive into the deep end. The pool is 3 feet at the shallow end and 12 feet at the deep end.

• Cost: Drop-in rate is $6 per adult and $5 per child. 
• Hours: Monday and Friday evening and Saturday afternoon; check website for current schedule.

19. Giammona Westmoor High Swimming Pool — Daly City

The highlight of the Giammona Westmoor High Swimming Pool is the water slide. It’s open year-round and heated.

• Cost: Non-resident drop-in rate is $7.50 per adult and $6.25 per child. 
• Hours. Weekends through the end of July. Also open Monday through Thursday most days in June and July. Check website for hours.