Larkey Park Sprayground in Walnut Creek: The Ultimate Splash Pad for Kids
One of the best splash pads for kids in Northern California is tucked away in the East Bay. Beat the summer heat with the Larkey Park Sprayground in Walnut Creek. With water slides, animal sprayers, and interactive water features, this splash pad is a paradise for toddlers in the summertime.
In addition to the sprayground, there are other entertaining things in Larkey Park for kids, including a playground and the Lindsay Wildlife Center. It’s easy to make it a whole fun-filled summer day for kids at this Walnut Creek gem.
Plan out the perfect 1-day summer itinerary in Walnut Creek for kids.
Why Larkey Park is Worth the Drive from Sacramento
There are so many incredible splash pads for kids in Sacramento. However, White Rock Splash Park in Rancho Cordova is the only splash pad in the Sacramento area that has water slides. These water slides have height requirements, and toddlers may not meet those height requirements.
Several aquatic centers in the Sacramento area do have water playgrounds, but they are in wading pools. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but I also have a one-year-old who isn’t ready for wading pools just yet.
When I learned that the Larkey Park Sprayground had water slides without height requirements, I knew my three-year-old would have the ultimate summer day in Walnut Creek. He probably went down the slides about 50 times in one hour! He would not yet meet the height requirements for the slides at White Rock Splash Park. My one-year-old was also able to enjoy the various water sprayers that surround the water slides since this splash pad doesn’t plunge into a wading pool.
What to Expect at Larkey Park Sprayground
The two biggest things to know about Larkey Park Sprayground are that it has an entry fee and it has a capacity limit.
The Larkey Park Sprayground is part of the Larkey Swim Center, which is in Larkey Park in Walnut Creek. It’s an accessible, all-abilities sprayground, and it’s an excellent summer experience for kids.
Compared to a free splash pad in a park, this is a much larger sprayground with two water slides, waterfalls, and various animal statue water sprayers, from a snake to a turtle to a lizard. I’d say it’s a combination of small water slides and a splash pad, making it ideal for younger children. The water sprayers surround the play structure with the water slides.
There are hidden interactive features in nooks and crannies surrounding the play structure, from wheels that turn to make the water flow lighter to heavier to various water fountains. This place is so much for kids who want to take splash pads to the next level.
My one-year-old enjoyed interacting with the gentle sprayers that surround the outside of the play structure. There are small sprayers and fountains for little ones to sit near and splash around in.
This sprayground is not in a wading pool. The ground flooring is ideal for younger kids, providing a safer setting versus a structure set in the middle of a wading pool.
Sprayground Safety Precautions
A lifeguard is stationed at the base of the water slides. This is to ensure that kids don’t swim in the water that pools at the bottom of the slides or climb up the slides. Additionally, they prohibit kids from climbing on the animal water sprayers.
The sprayground is next to the Larkey Swim Center recreational pool. If you have a runner who is curious about a pool, you need to keep a close eye on them. While there is a gate that separates the sprayground, there’s a good chance it will be open. Ideally, kids will be so awed by the sprayground that they won’t even realize they are near a pool.
If your kids don’t know how to swim but are comfortable in a bathtub, then they should be fine on the water slides. My three-year-old doesn’t know how to swim yet, and he had no issues with going down the slides.
Larkey Park Sprayground Capacity
There is a maximum capacity of 60 people on the sprayground at one time. We arrived soon after the sprayground opened on a Saturday in July and had no issues getting in.
There was a rush of people after the sprayground had opened, but the crowds subsided after about a half hour. It seemed many people started at the sprayground and then moved over to the recreational pool. To ensure kids get to use the sprayground, it’s best to arrive close to when the spray park opens.
If the spray park is at capacity, names are added to a waiting list, and those waiting to enter must remain in Larkey Park.
Shade & Seating Areas
A few picnic tables are under a covered pavilion in the sprayground area. However, they fill up very fast. You might be able to set a blanket or towel down in a small pocket of shade here and there. However, expect to be in full sun on the sprayground. Some benches line the sprayground area, but most are in the sun.
Larkey Swim Center Recreational Pool
In addition to the Larkey Park Sprayground, the Larkey Swim Center also has a large recreational pool. The pool is a 25×25 meter heated pool. It also has a 1-meter diving board.
Entrance fees include access to the recreational pool unless paying to enter during sprayground-only hours.
Restrooms & Other Amenities
Restrooms are available at Larkey Swim Center. There is a changing area, bathrooms, and showers. Vending machines are on-site in the main building of the swim center. The Larkey Swim Center also has birthday party packages.
Parking at Larkey Park
The parking lot at the Larkey Park Swim Center is small and fills up quickly. Many people opt for street parking. Pay attention to the nearby street signs, but parking on the street is allowed.
Sprayground Hours, Dates, and Admission Fees
The Larkey Park Sprayground is open during summer swim recreational hours and sprayground-only hours.
Always check the official website for any updates before trekking to the sprayground.
As of 2025, Summer Recreational Swim Dates and Hours are as follows:
- June 9 – August 10
- Monday – Friday, 1-4pm
- Saturday & Sunday, 12-5pm
Prices after July 1, 2025:
- $8 for adults (18 & older)
- $7 for youth (ages 7-17)
- $7 for youth (ages 7-17)
Sprayground only hours are weekdays, Monday – Thursday during the following times:
- 10:30am-12:30pm
- 4:30-6:30pm
Admission for sprayground-only hours is $3 per person.
Other Fun Things to Do at Larkey Park
If the kids aren’t too worn out from the splash pad, you can extend the fun in Larkey Park.
1. Lindsay Wildlife Experience
The Lindsay Wildlife Experience is an interactive museum full of different animals, from amphibians to avians. Kids can learn about rescued animals through hands-on exhibits and unique animal presentations. The museum is on the smaller side and is ideal for younger children.
If the kids are too tired from a day of sun at the splash pad, they can at least check out the turkey vulture outside the entrance of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience. This museum is a two-minute walk from the Larkey Swim Center.
Since the Lindsay Wildlife Experience opens hours before the Larkey Park Sprayground, you could easily check out this museum in the morning before the sprayground opens.
2. Larkey Park Playground
Larkey Park also has a playground for kids. There’s a traditional playground, as well as a smaller play structure in the shape of a train. This is another fun way for kids to spend time in Larkey Park before or after splashing around at the Larkey Swim Center.
What to Bring to the Sprayground
Pack these items for your summer adventure to Larkey Swim Center:
- Swimsuits, towels, and water shoes
- Sunscreen and hats
- Snacks or lunches
- Buckets – My kids love playing with buckets at splash pads
- Extra clothes for more adventures in Walnut Creek
Larkey Park Sprayground FAQs
Is the Larkey Park Sprayground free?
No. There is a fee per person to enter the sprayground during open seasonal hours.
Do you need to live in Walnut Creek to use the sprayground?
No. Anyone is welcome to use the sprayground so long as the 60-person capacity has not been met. Our family drove from Sacramento to use it. You do not need to live in Walnut Creek to use the Larkey Park Sprayground.
Is there a time limit for the spray park?
No. Once you pay to get in, you can stay as little or as long as you like during operating hours.
Is there shade at Larkey Park Sprayground?
There is very little shade. A few picnic tables have shade, but they are taken very quickly. It’s best to prepare for full sun.
Is the sprayground good for toddlers?
The Larkey Park sprayground is perfect for younger children who will love the many water features and may get to test the waters on their first water slides!
Larkey Swim Center Location: 2771 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94597
