Skip to content
Don Castro Regional Recreation Area

Don Castro Regional Recreation Area

ExploreHayward, East Bay4.3/5

About This Place

A family-friendly East Bay park with a chlorinated swim lagoon, sandy beach, fishing lake, and short hiking trails in the Hayward hills. The swim lagoon has gradual depth for waders and toddlers. Seasonal lifeguards and a bathhouse with showers.

Info

Age Range

0-2, 2-5, 5-8, 8-12

Venue Type

Outdoor

Price Level

$

Best Time

Summer for swimming; year-round for fishing and trails

Parking

Paid parking on weekends, free on weekdays, at 22400 Woodroe Ave.

Tips

Swim lagoon open May-September. Fishing year-round — stocked with trout. Short loop trail around the lake. Paid parking on weekends.

Stroller FriendlyChanging StationDining On Site--Reservation Needed--

Tags

swimminglakefishingtoddler-friendlyhiking
Official Website

Pack for a Water Day

Handpicked for this kind of outing — including a few things families usually wish they'd packed.

SEEKWAY Barefoot Water Shoes for Kids - Wide Toe Box and Quick-Dry Sand Shoes Toddler for Hiking Swim Beach Pool Kayak Sport Accessories, Camping Essentials Non-Slip for Boys Girls Sizes

SEEKWAY Barefoot Water Shoes for Kids - Wide Toe Box and Quick-Dry Sand Shoes Toddler for Hiking Swim Beach Pool Kayak Sport Accessories, Camping Essentials Non-Slip for Boys Girls Sizes

View on Amazon

Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers, Size 6+, 15 Count, Disposable Swim Diapers, Contains Mess, No Swell

Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers, Size 6+, 15 Count, Disposable Swim Diapers, Contains Mess, No Swell

View on Amazon

ZHEWTOEN Large Mesh Laundry Bags: 2 Pack 24" x 36" Heavy Duty

ZHEWTOEN Large Mesh Laundry Bags: 2 Pack 24" x 36" Heavy Duty

View on Amazon

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Quick Dry Camping & Travel & Gym Towel. Compact

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Quick Dry Camping & Travel & Gym Towel. Compact

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, kidsbayarea.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability shown are as of the last update and may change.

Location

22400 Woodroe Ave, Hayward, CA 94541(510) 544-3073Get Directions

Similar Places

Elkhorn Slough Safari

Elkhorn Slough Safari

explore
Moss Landing4.8

A family-friendly 90-minute pontoon boat tour through Elkhorn Slough wetlands featuring playful sea otters, curious seals, and dozens of bird species. A trained naturalist narrates, and complimentary binoculars and refreshments are provided.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoor$$
field-tripboat-tourwildlifesea-otterswetlandsnature
Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove Campground

explore
Sausalito4.8

An incredibly scenic campground with just 5 sites directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. A small beach offers stunning bridge views. Most sought-after camping near SF.

5-8, 8-12Outdoor$
campinggolden-gate-bridgebeachscenicunique

Lands End Trail & Sutro Baths

explore
San Francisco4.8

A spectacular 1.3-mile coastal trail with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, mysterious Sutro Baths ruins, and hidden shipwrecks visible at low tide. The Visitor Center has restrooms, maps, and a cafe for families to refuel.

2-5, 5-8, 8-12Outdoorfree
hikingscenicgolden-gate-bridgeruinscoastal
Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

explore
Monterey4.8

One of the world's best aquariums with breathtaking exhibits including a massive kelp forest, sea otter exhibit, and Open Sea tank. The Splash Zone area is designed specifically for toddlers with touchpools and interactive play.

All AgesIndoor$$$
aquariumoceanottersday-tripworld-class