Skip to content

Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area

ExploreLafayette, East Bay4.5/5

About This Place

A scenic reservoir in the Lafayette hills with a 2.7-mile paved lakeside trail perfect for strollers and young cyclists. Pedal boat and rowboat rentals, fishing, two playgrounds, and a seasonal snack bar. The trail is flat, shaded, and one of the best family walks in the East Bay.

Info

Age Range

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

Venue Type

Outdoor

Price Level

$

Best Time

Year-round; spring for green hills; summer for boating

Parking

$6 at 3849 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette.

Tips

$6 per car. Paved rim trail is 2.7 miles. Pedal boats seasonal. Two playgrounds. Popular — arrive early weekends.

Stroller FriendlyChanging StationDining On SiteReservation Needed--

Tags

reservoirboatingplaygroundstroller-friendlynature
Official Website

Location

Lafayette, East BayGet Directions

Trail Day Checklist

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

Shinylin 2 Pcs Kids Hydration Hiking Backpack,Blue, Purple,Classic

Shinylin 2 Pcs Kids Hydration Hiking Backpack,Blue, Purple,Classic

View on Amazon

Scotamalone Kids Binoculars Shock Proof Toy Binoculars Set for Age 3-12 Years Old Boys Girls Bird Watching Educational Learning Hunting Hiking Birthday Presents

Scotamalone Kids Binoculars Shock Proof Toy Binoculars Set for Age 3-12 Years Old Boys Girls Bird Watching Educational Learning Hunting Hiking Birthday Presents

View on Amazon

OFF! Kids Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray, Botanically Inspired, Safe for Use On Kids, 4 oz

OFF! Kids Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray, Botanically Inspired, Safe for Use On Kids, 4 oz

View on Amazon

Ivygreen Kids Hydration Backpack for Hiking, 1.5L Water Bladder, Purple S

Ivygreen Kids Hydration Backpack for Hiking, 1.5L Water Bladder, Purple S

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.

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$$
boat-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