9 Fun Ways to Get on the Water This Summer (and Beat the Heat!)
Summer is calling—and nothing cools you down quite like getting on the water. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-packed adventures or peaceful moments with your family, there’s a water activity out there that fits your vibe.
Here are nine fun, family-friendly ways to make a splash this summer—from thrilling slides to lazy paddles and everything in between.
1. Swim at Beaches – Natural Springs, Lakes & Rivers
Therapeutic & restorative | Great natural pools | Lounging + light swimming
If you want something simple but rewarding, a day at the lake or natural spring can be just the ticket. Many state and national parks have freshwater swimming areas with sandy or grassy shorelines, picnic table, and gentle sloping entrances perfect for little ones.
Natural springs stay cool all summer long—great for beating serious heat—while lake beaches offer space to spread out, float on inner tubes, and toss a frisbee between swims.
Pack wisely:
- Shade umbrellas or pop-up tent
- Towels, extra clothes, and swim shoes
- Plenty of snacks and drinks
Pro Tips—
Best Hot Springs & Natural Springs:
- Sierra Hot Springs (Sierraville, north of Truckee)
- a retreat center with multiple pools (hot, warm, cold plunge)
- Headwaters Spring (Mt. Shasta City Park)
- where the Sacramento River begins—a spring-fed creek and peaceful walking area
Best Lakes & Reservoirs:
- Lake Natoma (15 miles east of Sacramento)
- calm water ideal for swimming, kayaking or paddling; no wake zone and trails all around
- Rancho Seco Recreational Park
- a 160-acre reservoir with sandy beach, lifeguards in summer, and electric-only boating
- Donner Lake & Serene Lakes (higher Sierras)
- alpine lakes perfect for scenic swims
Best Rivers & Swimming Holes:
- American River (Sacramento/Folsom area)
- South Yuba River & Emerald Pools (Nevada County)
- clear emerald swimming holes, waterfalls, and bouldering around South Yuba—especially near the Bridgeport Covered Bridge and Emerald Pools
2. Explore by Kayak or Canoe
Serene & scenic | Accessible for all ages | Great solo or group fun
Kayaking and canoeing are perfect for those who want a quieter, nature-focused day on the water. Whether you’re gliding across a lake, winding down a lazy river, or paddling through coastal inlets, this activity offers a wonderful blend of relaxation and exercise.
It’s also incredibly beginner-friendly—many state parks and recreational lakes rent kayaks and canoes by the hour or day. Kids love the sense of independence, and you’ll often see wildlife up close: birds swooping overhead and fish darting beneath your boat.
Tips for families:
- Choose calm waters and short routes for younger kids or first-timers.
- Bring dry bags for phones and snacks, and always wear a properly fitted life jacket.
- For toddlers, look into tandem kayaks or wide canoes for better stability.
Pro Tips—rental options & details:
- Tahoe Adventure Company
- Tahoe Vista Recreation Area
- $30-$40/hr depending on type – kayaks, clear kayaks, and SUPs
- Tahoe Vista Recreation Area
- Sacramento State Aquatic Center (Lake Natoma)
- hourly rentals of single & tandem kayaks, canoes, and SUPs
- $10-$20/hr depending on type
- Lake Natoma Paddle Rentals (Black Miners Bar)
- located within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- $20/hr for kayaks, $30/hr for canoes
3. Rent a Boat for a Day
Relaxing & social | Great for groups | Covers more water in less time
Want to explore a lake or bay at your own pace? Renting a boat for the day gives you freedom to cruise, swim, fish, or just relax. Options range from simple fishing boats and pontoon cruisers to jet boats and deck boats built for tubing.
Many marinas offer half-day and full-day rentals, and some don’t require a boating license if the motor is under a certain horsepower. It’s a great option for family outings, birthday celebrations, or just a spontaneous sunny weekend.
Ideas to try:
- Anchor in a quiet cove for swimming and lunch.
- Tow a tube behind for a fun ride.
- Try watersports like waterskiing or wakeboarding for a little more thrill.
- Dock at a waterfront restaurant or marina and grab ice cream before heading back.
Pro Tip—where to rent a boat?
- Folsom Lake Marina Rentals (Folsom, CA)
- Pontoons
- NorCal Extreme Rentals (Dublin, CA)
- Jet skis, ski boats, byliner open-bow, double-deck pontoon with waterslide
4. Try Whitewater Rafting
High-energy, screen-free adventure | Great for families & teens | Unforgettable memories
Ready to up the adrenaline? Whitewater rafting is a thrilling, screen-free way to immerse your family in nature and teamwork. With professional guides at the helm, you can experience anything from gentle rapids suitable for kids to heart-pounding Class IV adventures.
One of the best things about rafting is how it blends excitement with bonding. You paddle together, navigate challenges, and share riverside meals and stories at night. Multi-day rafting trips are especially magical—imagine falling asleep under the stars beside a river canyon.
Top rivers for family rafting:
- South Fork of the American River (CA) — Great beginner whitewater
- Lower Klamath River (CA) — Gentle rapids and lots of wildlife
- Rogue River (OR) — Scenic, classic, and great for kids
- Snake River (ID/OR) — Deeper adventure in Hells Canyon
Safety note: Always choose licensed outfitters like Tributary Whitewater and ask about age and swimming requirements. Most trips accommodate kids as young as 4 or 7, depending on water class.
5. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Fun full-body workout | Great for lakes, bays, slow rivers | Beginner-friendly
Stand-up paddleboarding has exploded in popularity—and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, great for your core, and works in lakes, slow-moving rivers, and even protected ocean bays. It’s peaceful, yet still active, and allows you to get incredibly close to nature.
Inflatable SUPs are lightweight and family-friendly, and many models support multiple riders. Once kids are comfortable, they’ll love “surfing” small boat wakes or doing silly paddleboard games together.
What to bring:
- Life jackets (PFDs), a leash, and sunscreen
- A waterproof pouch for your phone or camera
- Snacks and water in a soft cooler on the board
Pro tip—where to rent SUPs:
- Folsom/Lake Natoma
- SUP California (Folsom)
- Lake Natoma Paddle Rentals (Black Miners Bar Beach)
- Gold River/Sacramento State Area
- Sacramento State Aquatic Center (Lake Natoma)
- Peak Adventures (at Sacramento State)
- Lake Tahoe
- Tahoe Adventure Company (Tahoe Vista)
- North Tahoe Paddle (Kings Beach)
6. Go Tubing on a River
Relaxed & buoyant fun | Perfect for groups or couples | No skills needed
For a more relaxing float, river tubing is the perfect choice. You sit in a big inflatable tube, lean back, and let the current carry you along. Add some snacks and a cooler tube full of drinks, and you’ve got the perfect lazy summer day.
Choose a safe, slow-flowing river with clear entry and exit points, and always wear water shoes to protect your feet. Many local outfitters offer shuttle services and rental tubes, so logistics are a breeze.
Bonus fun:
- Link tubes together with a rope so your group stays close
- Bring a waterproof bag for your phone a keys
- Stop along sandbars or shady bends to wade and relax
Pro tip—what river is best to float:
- Russian River (Sonoma County), ~1.5 hrs from SF
- Steelhead Beach –> Sunset Beach (4-4.5 hrs, ~2 miles)
- Stanislaus River (Caswell Memorial State Park), ~1.5 hrs east of SF
- camping available (~45 min-1 hr)
- Yuba River (Sierra Foothills), ~2.5 hrs from SF
- Hallwood –> Shad Pad Park (2-3 hours)
- Merced River (Yosemite region), ~3.5 hrs from SF
- beginner-friendly (2-4 hours)
7. Pedal Boating at the Park
Gentle, whimsical | Great for little kids | Sociable & nostalgic
Pedal boats (also known as paddle-boats) are a charming way to enjoy calm lakes and ponds, especially for families with small children. Kids can help pedal, steer, and spot ducks while parents enjoy the slow pace and scenery.
Many public parks rent paddle boats by the half hour, and you don’t need any experience to enjoy them.
Tips for a great ride:
- Go early or late to avoid mid-day heat
- Bring hats and a small bag with water and snacks
- Take turns pedaling—it’s more tiring than it looks!
Pro tip—best places to rent a boat:
- Lake Natoma – Sacramento State Aquatic Center (Folsom)
- non-motorized rentals including hydro bikes/pedal boats as well as kayaks, canoes, and SUPs
- calm, controlled waters with a 5 mph speed limit for motorboats
- Rancho Seco Recreational Park
- 160-acre lake allows only electric motor boats and non-motorized craft, including pedal boats
- a peaceful, family-friendly spot with nature trails and swimming areas
- North Tahoe Watersports (Kings Beach)
- offers 2-person pedal boats at $40/hr or 4-person pedal boats at &70/hr
- great for gentle cruising along Kings Beach or into Crystal Bay for serene views and easy glides through calm water
8. Snorkeling & Shallow Dive Spots
Fun full-body workout | Great for lakes, bays, slow rivers | Beginner-friendly
Snorkeling isn’t just for tropical vacations. Even shallow water can be full of life! If you live near a clear lake, freshwater spring, or shallow ocean bay, snorkeling can be a fun and surprisingly educational experience for kids.
You’ll spot fish, plants, and even the occasional frog or crayfish. Some state parks have designated snorkeling areas with calm, roped-off zones and sandy bottoms perfect for beginners.
What you need:
- A well-fitted mask and snorkel
- Water shoes or fins for mobility
- A mesh bag for treasures (like shells or pebbles)
Encourage kids to sketch what they see afterward—it’s a great way to build connection and memory.
Pro tip—best spots for snorkeling:
- Yuba River (Nevada City)
- calm flows, swimming holes, and clear pools perfect for snorkeling
- float or swim downstream through rocky canyons, past waterfalls and forested cliffs where fish and underwater caves awaits
- Lake Tahoe region
- Sand Harbor (East Shore)
- famous crystal-clear waters and large boulders
- Divers Cove area—boating is restricted
- Emerald Bay (West Shore)
- California’s first underwater heritage trail, where snorkelers can spot sunken barges and submerged pine trees from a historic landslide
- Fallen Leaf Lake (Just south of Tahoe)
- smaller alpine lake boasting colorful granite beds and submerged forest debris
- perfect for a quieter snorkel away from Tahoe’s busier beaches
- Sand Harbor (East Shore)
9. Splash at Local Water Parks
High-energy thrills | Great for families | Perfect heat hijackers
Water parks are a go-to summer classic for a reason. Giant wave pools, high-speed slides, lazing rivers, and splash zones for toddlers—there’s something for every member of the family.
Most water parks also offer shaded areas for picnics, cabana rentals, and kid-friendly zones with shallow pools and interactive fountains. Whether you want an adrenaline rush or a relaxing float under the sun, a day at a water park is a fun and easy way to beat the heat.
Pro tips:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and get a good spot.
- Pack waterproof sunscreen, water shoes, and plenty of snacks if the park allows outside food.
- Don’t forget to hydrate—being in the water can trick you into thinking you’re not thirsty.
Best places to go:
- Roseville Golfland Sunsplash
- combo of go-karts, mini-gold, arcade, and a full waterpark
- 8+ water slides, lazy river, wave pool, “Adventure Island” splash zone, and eve a water coaster
- Wake Island Waterpark (Pleasant Grove)
- 80-acre lake-based aqua park with floating obstacle courses, zip lines, cable wakeboarding, and sandy beach
- unique features include giant inflatable courses and “floating pickleball”—a lakeside twist
- Family-Friendly Aquatic Centers & Splash Pads
- Folsom Aquatic Center
- slides, obstacle courses, splash zones, packable pavillions
- Antelope & North Natomas Aquatics
- pools, slides, lazy rivers—ideal fro tots and workouts
- White Rock Splash Park (Rancho Cordova)
- giant spray pad with slide and picnic areas
- Folsom Aquatic Center
No matter where you live, there’s a fun way to get on the water this summer. Whether you’re gliding across a calm lake, splashing in a water park, or paddling down a wild river, water-based adventures offer the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and connection.
So grab your gear, load up the cooler, and head out for a summer splash you won’t forget!
