Swimming Lakes and Swim Holes Near San Francisco You Need To Discover

Lake Anza is a gorgeous spot for a dip in nature. Photo by photo by Jason via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

We've rounded up our favorite Bay Area swimming lakes and holes that are great for families, from picturesque swimming holes to serene lakes. Whether looking for sandy beaches, calm waters for young swimmers, or opportunities to explore nature trails and enjoy picnics, the Bay Area has the ideal setting for a dip in nature!

Below you'll find what makes these spots a must-visit, including amenities such as parking availability, entry fees, and much-appreciated facilities like bathrooms.

For more fun, our ultimate Summer Vacation Guide for San Francisco Kids is filled with summer activities like cool splash pads for little ones, the best beaches for a day of sun and sea, day trip ideas, and more.

Portland, ME with Kids: 50 Best Things To Do in Portland, Maine

Walk the rocks at Fort Williams for views of Portland Head Light and the waves.

Among my favorite things to do in Portland, ME, is to simply walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Port district, shopping at the boutiques and strolling along the waterfront. As a kid growing up in Maine, my family biked Back Cove, sledded down the Eastern Prom, and ice skated at Deering Oaks; as a teen, I went into "the city" for live music, the fantastic restaurants, and the many art museums and festivals.

Portland, Maine, is a pretty port city with a strong progressive bent, which some might even call a hippie streak. Now, as a tourist, I love returning with my own kids. It's home to a top-notch children's museum, pretty parks and outdoor activities, plenty of culture, jaw-dropping coastal beauty, and truly great food.

Here are 50 top things to do in Portland, ME with kids. Our New England Family Travel Guide includes even more fun activities in the region, including our list of 100 things to do in New England with kids before they grow up.

Flower Farms Near Boston Where Kids Can Pick Blooms

Find beautiful blooms with a fun outing to the top pick-your-own flower farms near Boston!

With ample room to roam around, these flower farms near Boston are a great place to bring kids on a nice spring, summer, or early fall afternoon. The pretty sunflower fields, lavender farms, and rows of tulips ready for picking are also a nice backdrop for a family day trip out of the city.

Check out these top 10 flower farms near Boston for your next excursion, and don't forget to pack your own scissors! You can also likely do some strawberry picking, blueberry picking, or apple picking to add to that custom bouquet. 

Inflatable Water Parks in New Jersey

The Totally Tubular Aqua Park offers 8,500 square feet of wet-and-wild fun in Ocean City. Photo courtesy of Totally Tubular

Inflatable water parks with floating obstacle courses are the latest summertime craze, popping up in lakes and bays in New Jersey. These installations are a mix of obstacle courses and bouncy houses on the water—and they're incredibly fun, especially for older kids.

Find more ways to beat the heat in our Garden State Guide to Beaches and Lakes. And check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide for tons of other dog-day activities.

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