Water Play in the South Bay

Summer is here and that means time for fun in the sun. Check out the below list of favorite places to let the kids play in the water and cool off. 

Gilroy:

GILROY GARDENS (3050 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy)

This amusement park features the new Splash Garden with five interactive water attractions. For more info, refer to their website.

Campbell:

There is a water feature shaped like a spiral which sprays once a button is pushed. The water feature is in the middle of the playground, so just be aware that during the summer months (when it is turned on) your kids may be tempted by it.

There is also a water spout in the sand play area which makes for some messy fun. Here, you will see kids building elaborate rivers and dams with the sand and then flooding them with the water. 

 and are here almost every week. The kids like the run in the water feature, and get messy with the water spout in the sand play area.

There is a similar sand play area to that of Jack Fischer Park. It has a water spout on the top of the concrete structure and another one near the little play houses.

Remember that this park is divided into two sides. The Rincon Avenue side has a water feature identical to that of Jack Fischer’s. (The Budd Avenue side has no water feature, though.) It can be a bit crowded at times  during the summer months, especially during the park’s summer camp.

This park has a couple of different water features. The first is an arch that sprays water that kids can run through. There is also a small water play feature in the toddler playground area that has a water spout and fun pipe structure to pour the water or sand through. 

Not great for open play or open swimming, but they do offer lap swimming times as well as swim classes and swim teams.

The pool is open for lap-swimming Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. On the weekend, the pool is open Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Sunday from  8 to 11 a.m. for $5 per day. 

CLOVERDALE CABANA CLUB

This is a private, members-only club. They do offer some “open swim” days, so check their website for more info.

Saratoga:

SARATOGA SPRINGS (22801 Big Basin Wy., Saratoga)

Saratoga Springs is a hidden little place located just past downtown Saratoga. They have a small campground and other amenities, one of which is a pool. They are popular for corporate events, weddings and family picnics. Check their website for more info.

SOUTHWEST YMCA (13500 Quito Rd., Saratoga)

This “Y” location has a pool and they offer swim lessons and classes for ages 6 months and up.

Los Gatos:

VASONA PARK (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos)

We love this park and the neighboring (connected) Oak Meadow. There is so much here for everyone. There is no water feature at the playgrounds, but you can rent paddle boats and row boats to take out on Lake Vasona from spring through fall.

Cupertino:

CALI MILL PLAZA (Stevens Creek Blvd and De Anza Blvd., Cupertino)

This plaza has a fun fountain that spurts water from the ground. It makes for a great place for the kids to run through the water and cool off.

This is a great spot right in the middle of Cupertino. It’s easy to find, but parking can be tricky at times. There isn’t much shade, either.

San Jose:

LINCOLN GLEN PARK (Lincoln and Curtner, San Jose)

This park has a tall sprayer and fun turtles that spray water.

The water features are located outside of the gated toddler playground and can make it difficult to manage with more than one toddler, or if you're trying to keep up with friends while hanging out at the park.

PARMA PARK (Camden Ave and Little Falls Dr., San Jose)

The main playground area has a great water feature that sprays water from the ground. There's also another water play feature in the sand play area located inside the fenced-in toddler area.

Great park, but we wish there was more shade, so don’t forget the sunscreen here.

PLAZA DE CESAR CHAVEZ (Market and San Carlos, San Jose)

This park is located in downtown San Jose between the Tech Museum and the Art Museum. There is a fun fountain that spurts water out of the ground.

WESTGATE CABANA CLUB (4750 Bucknall Rd., San Jose)

This is a private, members-only club. Please check their website for more information.

RAGING WATERS (2333 South White Rd., San Jose)

Northern California’s largest water park. For more info, check their website.

Sunnyvale:

ORTEGA PARK (626 Harrow Wy., Sunnyvale)

The water feature is a giant water spraying flower activated when a button is pushed. Super cute and fun for the kids. Also makes for some great photo ops for us parents!

LAS PALMAS PARK (850 Russet Dr., Sunnyvale)

There is a really cool spray area here, but you have to pay to turn it on, or just happen upon it while it's live. It costs $60 for two hours if you pay. 

LAKEWOOD PARK (834 Lakechime Dr., Sunnyvale)

This park offers several water features with a space theme. There is also a swimming pool that offers lessons and classes.

San Mateo:

BURTON PARK (900 Chesnut St., San Mateo)

There is a great water feature which sprays water from the ground when a button is pushed.

Of course, there’s always the kiddie pool or sprinkler in the backyard,  too. We also love to create our own water play fun at home. Just gather a few big bowls or buckets and a few cups, spoons, strainers, and other fun things. Kids just love to pour, scoop and splash water and can have fun with just about any container filled with water on a warm day. Or, you can also check out one of our many beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers.

Please remember to use caution around any water and keep those kiddos safe!

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