Off Hours: Wet summer fun with kids

No doubt about it, some things just go together. Peanut butter and jelly, milk and cookies, spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, bees and honey — you get the picture.
And on hot summer days, kids and water are most assuredly on that list. When the weather is warm, kids can have more fun at a water hole than just about any other recreation or entertainment outlet on the planet, and they are happy to do it day after day after day.
Even though the historic Ben Lomond Dam swimming hole is unavailable to the community again this year, we still have a few great areas where parents can bring younger kids to get wet.
Like Ben Lomond Dam, the Trout Farm also has nearly 100 years of history, and it is back with a vengeance. Located at 7701 E. Zayante Road, new owners and management have cleaned the place up nicely, and the pool is big enough and shallow enough to make it just right for family outings.
A major plus is that it also has a great kitchen — JT, behind the grill, offers special service to all comers — and both adult and children’s beverages. Get more particulars at 335-4317.
The Elks Lodge, 150 Jewel St., at the bottom of Graham Hill Road in Santa Cruz, is another spot with a great pool and relatively small crowds. There’s a special children’s area attached to the shallow end, plenty of room with shaded benches and recliners to hang out in between dips, and a poolside snack shack. Call 423-8240 for information about public access.
Just south of Ben Lomond is the SLV Swim Center, and all one needs do is cruise by on any summer afternoon to see the happy kids there offering their personal recommendations. It’s at 9050 Highway 9, and the phone number is 336-3455.
A little further south on Highway 9 is Highlands Park, probably the best option for toddlers and younger kids. It’s a nicely maintained county park on 26 acres, much of it covered with lawn and shade. The park offers playground equipment, fields for running and trails to explore.
But the best part is on the back end, where a portion of the San Lorenzo River passes at a depth of just an inch or so. The banks are gently sloped and the beach is sandy — the cool, shallow water is perfect for kids to sit and splash in. Take it from me, this is toddler heaven on a hot day. They’ll definitely want to come back, and it’s a place mom and dad can tolerate day after day. Highlands Park is at 8500 Highway 9.
Now here’s the caveat, and it’s an extremely important one. Teaching your children to swim at an early age is one of the most valuable protections, safety skills and recreational activities you can impart.
But you must watch kids constantly when they are around water, whatever their age or swimming experience and regardless of how shallow the water is. Don’t doze off, and don’t get distracted. Most of these spots will schedule water-oriented parties for kids, but never include too many for parents to monitor.
With that in mind, these are great resources to keep you and your children cool, refreshed and entertained throughout the dog days of summer.
Steve Bailey of Boulder Creek has spent plenty of time in recreational activities. Contact him at [email protected].