Summer temperatures starting to skyrocket? Get yourself to a body of water. Public swimming pools and aquatic complexes around the Bay Area are starting to welcome guests back for socially distanced recreational splashing and sliding, from the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center to San Ramon’s Olympic Pool & Aquatic Center.
Or wade in one of the region’s many natural swimming holes and reservoirs, from the Contra Loma Swim Lagoon in Antioch to the Cull Canyon Swim Complex in Castro Valley. Just remember to make reservations — they’re required, along with nominal access fees — and check online for the latest information on hours and reduced-capacity guidelines.
Whether you have kids or grandkids, you’re a kid at heart or an aquatic fitness buff, there’s a splash zone here for you. Don’t forget your pool noodles.
San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Center
This outdoor water complex includes a 50-meter pool, pool deck, play pool and upgraded play structure. While the beloved Lil Squirt Water Slide has been retired after 26 years, a new addition — a humongous bucket that periodically dumps water all over the structure — should keep kiddos squealing in delight. Also look for two new water slides coming off the main platform and a new interactive feature allowing kids and grandkids to spin water in any direction.
Bonus: Shaded areas and umbrella-covered tables are good for picnicking, as permitting by county guidelines.
Details: Recreation swim through Aug. 7 at 9900 Broadmoor Drive in San Ramon; www.sanramon.ca.gov/aquatics.
Morgan Hill Aquatics Center
Before making a splash, take in the lovely scenery with shaded grassy areas and large palm trees lining the perimeter of this South Bay escape. Then dip into all the water fun, which includes two large water slides, a competition pool with diving boards, a recreation pool with water playground and spray ground with fountains and geysers.
Did we mention the poolside cabana rentals? The facility is open year round for lap swim, too.
Details: Recreation swim is available through Sept. 5 at 16200 Condit Road in Morgan Hill; www.morganhill.ca.gov/aquatics.
Contra Loma Swim Lagoon
Located inside the 775-acre Contra Loma Regional Park, this 80-acre reservoir is lifeguarded and chlorinated for summertime swimming and cooling off on the sandy beach after a day of hiking. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will relish the abundance of catfish, black and striped bass, bluegill and trout, too. Concession stands should be open, too.
Make sure you arrive early or book a spot: The swim facility normally reaches capacity early on weekends and holidays, with no entries allowed for the remainder of the day. But starting capacity in June is capped at 25 percent of normal. Reservations for swimming at East Bay Parks lagoons and reservoirs can be made up to two weeks in advance for up to six people.
Details: Open year round, until 7 or 8 p.m. in the summer months, at 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch; www.ebparks.org/contra_loma. (Note: The lagoon closed for maintenance and safety repairs on July 11. Check the link for reopening information and alternative swim programming.)
Cull Canyon Swim Complex
A sand-bottomed lagoon in Castro Valley? Oh yes. Located inside the Cull Canyon Recreation Area just off 580, this secluded, tree-lined reservoir features a large floating dock where adults and big kids line up for a jump into the 11-foot deep chlorinated water (the littles enjoy splashing in the shallows or playing on the white sandy beach).
The swim complex, including bathhouse, vending machines and lifeguard service, typically operates on weekends and holidays through Sept. 5. No lifeguard? No swimming.
Details: Open until 6 p.m. daily through Aug. 19 at 18627 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley; www.ebparks.org/cull_canyon.
Don Castro Swim Lagoon
Located between Hayward and Castro Valley, the clear blue waters of the Don Castro Swim lagoon are tucked inside the Don Castro Regional Park, a 101-acre urban oasis. If you’re hiking along the shore before your dip, you may spot turtles and frogs splashing in the water or deer coming to drink at sunset.
Like the other East Bay Regional Park lagoons, the water here is chlorinated and filtered, making it safe for swimming. The large shallow area is roped off especially for children.
Details: Open daily through Aug. 19 (and holidays and weekends only through Sept. 18) at 22400 Woodroe Ave., Hayward; www.ebparks.org/don_castro
Great Wolf Lodge, Manteca
Looking for a place to splash, then crash? Great Wolf Lodge has opened its new 500-room family resort in Manteca with a nearly 95,000-square-foot indoor waterpark. Heated to a balmy 84 degrees, it features a dizzying variety of twisting body slides, multi-person raft rides, activity pools and splash areas for every member of the family. Sequoia Splash swishes into a 360-degree loop. The Fort Mackenzie, a massive water play structure, has a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. And Wolf Tail, a thrill-seeker’s delight, hurls you into a nearly vertical, 20-foot free fall. Open to registered overnight guests only; www.greatwolf.com/northern-california.
