Vallombrosa Way
Chico, CA

Summer in Butte County is never limited to three months - with water-perfect weather lasting well into fall, chances are you'll be on the lookout for a fun spot to cool off. If you are traveling in Butte County, there are many wonderful kid-friendly water spots to help you beat the heat.

South Park Drive
Chico, CA

Chico is home to a unique and popular swimming hole right in the heart of town: One Mile Recreation Area. This large, cemented swimming area is known as Sycamore Pool. It is not only located in Lower Bidwell Park, but is actually part of Big Chico Creek. Plus, there is ample grass for running around in, plenty of shade trees, picnic areas, and more.

South Park Drive
Chico, CA

If you are looking for something a little more private, but still easy to get to, look no further than Lower Bidwell Park. Big Chico Creek runs through the entire length of the park and many of the picnic areas along the drivable path are close to excellent swimming holes.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

The final and more remote options for enjoying Big Chico Creek are found in Upper Bidwell Park. If you have really young kids, try out Alligator Hole. If your children are strong swimmers and enjoy doing cannonballs, check out Bear Hole.

Butte County, CA

Looking for a little lake fun? Lake Oroville State Recreation Area is a really wonderful way to spend the day or an entire family vacation. There is a designated swimming area perfect for kids at Loafer Creek, campgrounds to extend your stay and fun, and opportunities for boating and fishing. Plus, there is a visitor center, the Oroville Dam, picnic areas, hiking trails, and much more.

Butte County, CA

A family-friendly local favorite, the Thermalito Forebay is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Not only are there several different locations to spend the day around the Forebay, but there are a variety of activities your family can enjoy as well. There are sandy beaches, picnic tables, some shade trees, and Forebay Aquatic Center offers boat rentals.

12105 River Rd
Chico, CA

Enjoy four day use areas to choose from as well as sandy beaches that are great for swimming with young kids, as well as hiking trails, boating and tubing launch points, fishing spots, picnic areas, and even the possibility of seeing wildlife

Butte County, CA

If you are looking for something a little (or a lot) more remote, Whiskey Flat is perfect for you! After a long gravel road, you are rewarded with a picturesque mountain setting along the Feather River. The rocky beaches are perfect for skipping rocks, or just throwing them as kids love to do, and the many spots with calm water are perfect for the whole family to sink their toes into.

930 Garden Dr
Oroville, CA

Spend the summer exploring these (and more) kid-favorite water spots in Nothern California.