"Staycation" summer fun in Menlo Park
Published on June 14, 2025
Summer is here in beautiful Menlo Park, California! Here's just a small sampling of the many fun ways to spend a great summer in Menlo Park.
- Enjoy free concerts in the park
- Go swimming!
- Visit all the Little Free Libraries
- Take a fitness class
- Enjoy a picnic in the park
- Go birdwatching by the Bay
- Stay informed, get involved!
#1: Enjoy free concerts in the park
Get ready for an incredible summer of music and fun at Fremont Park and Karl E. Clark Park with the City of Menlo Park Summer Concert Series! Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and pack all your favorite picnic essentials as you enjoy music at twilight with your family and friends. All concerts start at 6 p.m. Series begins July 9 and runs weekly through Aug. 13. See specific dates, locations, and bands
#2: Go swimming!
Menlo Park's two swim centers, Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool are open to the public seven days per week, all summer long! Bring your friends for a great time, and make new friends at our high-quality pools. There's something for everyone, including:
- Family/ drop-in swim
- Lap swim
- Water exercise classes
- Swim lessons
- Summer swim camps
- Youth swim teams
- and more!
Take a dip in the refreshing waters with family drop-in swim every day from 12 noon to closing time. Enhance your long-term health and wellness with lap swim, every day from opening to closing time. Menlo Park residents receive discounted admission, all summer long! Youth swim lesson scholarships are available.
The City of Menlo Park’s swim centers, Belle Haven Pool and Burgess Pool are operated by local partner Menlo Swim and Sport under contract with the City. Visit menloswim.com to learn more about aquatic programs, schedules, recreational swim, lap swim, masters, swim lessons, youth teams, swim camps, and entry fees: menloswim.com
#3: Visit all the Little Free Libraries
Menlo Park is home to a robust community network of dozens of Little Free Libraries. These "take a book, leave a book" free book exchanges are located in every neighborhood in Menlo Park. Some of them are works of art in their own right, filled with books for the taking. Join the community by sharing a book or two from your collection for others to enjoy. No library card required. To find a Little Free Library in your neighborhood, check out our Little Free Libraries map
#4: Take a fitness class
Did you know that the City of Menlo Park offers a wide range of classes for fitness, health and wellness? We offer yoga, strength training, swimming, martial arts, boxing, Zumba, ballroom dance, stress management, handcrafts, sports and more. Don’t miss the brand new drop-in fitness center and weight room at Belle Haven Community Campus, conveniently located next to the Belle Haven Pool and the running track at Kelly Park. Classes for every age and skill level are taught by seasoned instructors in a welcoming and supportive environment. Want to take your fitness game to the next level in the new year? More challenging options are available, too. Check out the activity guide to learn more and sign up.
#5: Enjoy a picnic in the park
Looking for the perfect picnic area for your next outdoor celebration or gathering? The City of Menlo Park has several picnic areas in beautiful park settings throughout the city. Perfect for all kinds of springtime fun in the sun. Check availability and reserve the picnic area of your choice online, or by contacting us by email, phone, or in person at City recreation facilities. Learn more and reserve a picnic area
#6: Go birdwatching by the Bay
Bedwell Bayfront Park is Menlo Park's window to San Francisco Bay. This beautiful open space park and preserve is a great way to take in some sun, catch some views, and revel in the natural world around us. With 160 acres of open space nestled within the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the park offers a wide range of daytime outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, running, bicycling, dog walking, bird watching, kite flying, photography and hilltop views. Don't miss the new Flyway Trail along the bay shore for a close-up view of the recent salt pond restoration project -- and keep your eye out for nesting Snowy Plovers! Learn more
#7: Stay informed, get involved!
The City of Menlo Park provides numerous ways for residents to get information, stay informed, and participate in decision-making about City services and programs.
- The City produces multiple weekly email newsletters with timely updates and information on a wide range of topics straight to your inbox.
- Our social media channels regularly post important updates and information to help you stay informed and join the conversation in real time.
- The City produces and distributes a wide array of printed postcards, flyers, notices, banners and signs to help keep you informed about activities and topics of interest.
- Dozens of community meetings, workshops, surveys and focus groups are conducted each year to hear directly from residents about issues you care about.
- The City Council holds regular public meetings where resident participation is highly encouraged through in-person comments, virtual participation, and via email, among other touchpoints.
- The City welcomes residents' active participation through submitting feedback and by serving on a city commission or committee.
Your city government is here to serve you, and we want to hear from you. This summer, resolve to take advantage of the many ways to stay informed about your city government, and make time, if you can, to get involved!