Triple-digit heat returns: Where Sacramento families can cool off for free
Families are turning to city pools and neighborhood splash pads for ways to cool off during high temperatures
Updated: 7:28 PM PDT Jul 14, 2026
As triple-digit temperatures return to the Sacramento region, families are looking for ways to cool off.The city of Sacramento is offering free admission at select neighborhood pools this week through Family Nights sponsored by Mayor Kevin McCarty in partnership with the city’s Department of Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment.All free Family Nights run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The schedule includes:Tuesday, July 14: Johnston Pool and McClatchy Pool Wednesday, July 15: Doyle Pool Thursday, July 16: Mangan Pool Friday, July 17: Sim Pool, Cabrillo Pool and Southside Pool “We didn’t schedule it as such, but the weather was definitely on our side,” said Anna Koch, an aquatics recreation supervisor with the city. The city aquatics supervisor also told KCRA that Sacramento’s 17 aquatic facilities see more than 100,000 recreational swim visits during the roughly 10-week summer season. In Del Paso Heights, Gregory Jefferson, president of the Del Paso Heights Community Association, said free neighborhood options can make a difference for families during the summer.”It’s not as big as other pools that we’ve seen in the other areas, but it’s ours, and it’s right in our neighborhood, and we just love it,” Jefferson said of the Mama Marks Park splash pad. Jefferson also pointed families to the Grant Union High School pool. A summer aquatics flyer shared by Twin Rivers Unified School District board President Christine Jefferson advertises free public swimming from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The pool is closed Sundays.Families can also cool off at Sacramento spray parks, splash pads and free wading pools. Spray parks and splash pads operate through Oct. 1, according to the city’s July 14 pool admission announcement. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
As triple-digit temperatures return to the Sacramento region, families are looking for ways to cool off.
The city of Sacramento is offering free admission at select neighborhood pools this week through Family Nights sponsored by Mayor Kevin McCarty in partnership with the city’s Department of Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment.
All free Family Nights run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The schedule includes:
Tuesday, July 14: Johnston Pool and McClatchy Pool Wednesday, July 15: Doyle Pool Thursday, July 16: Mangan Pool Friday, July 17: Sim Pool, Cabrillo Pool and Southside Pool
“We didn’t schedule it as such, but the weather was definitely on our side,” said Anna Koch, an aquatics recreation supervisor with the city.
The city aquatics supervisor also told KCRA that Sacramento’s 17 aquatic facilities see more than 100,000 recreational swim visits during the roughly 10-week summer season.
In Del Paso Heights, Gregory Jefferson, president of the Del Paso Heights Community Association, said free neighborhood options can make a difference for families during the summer.
“It’s not as big as other pools that we’ve seen in the other areas, but it’s ours, and it’s right in our neighborhood, and we just love it,” Jefferson said of the Mama Marks Park splash pad.
Jefferson also pointed families to the Grant Union High School pool. A summer aquatics flyer shared by Twin Rivers Unified School District board President Christine Jefferson advertises free public swimming from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The pool is closed Sundays.
Families can also cool off at Sacramento spray parks, splash pads and free wading pools. Spray parks and splash pads operate through Oct. 1, according to the city’s July 14 pool admission announcement.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel.