SF’s Secret Water Slides

Hamilton Rec Center is a great place to cool off during a hot week. This public swimming facility features a large, heated pool and is a mini-water park with not one, but two, indoor corkscrew water slides, the only ones in the city.

Until summer (even though it already feels like summer), the water slides are only open to the public during rec swims on Fridays (2:30 to 3:30 pm) and Saturdays (1 to 3 pm).

One of the slides dumps you into the kiddie pool, while the other drops you 7 feet above to help make a big splash in the main pool.

Hamilton Rec Center Pool
Slides open Fri (2:30 to 3:30 pm) and Sat (1 to 3 pm)
Summer hours will be longer
Geary and Steiner St., SF
$5 for Adults, $1 for kids

Schedules and costs can change seasonally, so make sure you call before hand just to make sure the slides are open. 

• For more info: sfrecpark.org, (415) 292-2008
• Photo credit: sfcitizen.com

East Bay Mini Indoor Water Park
If you’re looking for more serious waterpark action on the cheap, head about 40 miles southeast from SF to Newerk. The Sillman Activity Center has a 32,000 square foot indoor waterpark that’s always 72 degrees.  The park has two large slides, a kiddie slide a lazy river and spa.

Silliman Family Aquatics Center
6800 Mowry Ave., Newark, CA
Open swims are Friday (5-8p), Saturday (1-7p) and Sunday (Noon to 5p)
– $8 for Adults, $7 for teens, $6 for kids.

Times and costs may change depending on season.