Snacks, Sunscreen and Splash Pads sound like a perfect combination for your summer bucket list! After reviewing this list, you will be able to visit 8 fantastic areas to splash and play this summer!
Splash Pads have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and easy access for a variety of ages all around the city. It’s a great way to cool off with your little ones and takes swimming out of the equation if you are limited on time! It’s also an easier option if you have multiple children. Most splash pads are free to the public and make for a fun-filled summer day. Check out our list below and be sure to check them off as you visit each one this summer.
8 Columbus Splash Pads
1. Ballantrae Park- Located in Dublin, Ohio.
This is one of the largest splash pads in Central Ohio with waterfalls and fountain spouts in the large splash pad area. The splash pad is open from 10 AM to 8 PM and fills up quick. There is limited table seating but plenty of grassy areas to eat and pack a picnic lunch. However, the park does not have a lot of trees or shady spots so it can make for a long day if it’s a hot one! The bathrooms are located by the parking lot, so make a visit before you head over to the fountains or it is a long walk back. The “dancing bunnies” at the top of the hill are a great distraction when your kids need a break from the water. By the end of the day, they will be worn out from climbing up the hill to see the bunnies and then running back down! Find out more here: Ballantrae Spray Fountains
2. Hilliard’s Station Park
This splash pad just opened in the summer of 2016 and is definitely one to put on your list! This is a medium-sized splash pad and has a decent amount of fountains for your kids to run through. The bathrooms are located close and there is a grassy area to sit, as well as a great multi-functional building. The bathrooms are easily accessible and very clean. The fountains are open from 8 AM – 10 PM which helps to get there early and home for nap time after some fun-filled splashing! Check out their website for their concerts and events too. Find out more here: Hilliard’s Station Park
3. Scioto Mile Fountains
Home to a one of a kind fountain park! This Fountain Park shoots more than 1,000 jets of water and is great for all ages! If you are around in the evening, this fountain park has special lights and fog effects as well. This fountain park is more of an all day event because of it’s large size and parking situation. You can hop over to Milestone 229 for lunch after drying off if your kids have any energy left after all that water action. In addition, all summer long there will be special guests and activities going on at the fountains. Be sure to check their website for weekly events. Find out more here: Scioto Mile Fountains
4. Easton Town Center Fountains
The fountains are located in Easton’s Town Square along Townsfair Way and provide a great way to cool off after some serious shopping. There are many benches surrounding the fountains for parents to watch as their children soak up the water and fun! They also provide towels on the weekends for those that need to dry off before heading home. This splash pad is one to throw in the mix if your kids need a break from back to school shopping- Eek! Find out more here: Easton Town Center
5. Spray and Play at Veterans Park
The new splash pad in Delaware opened in June of 2016. This unique park and splash pad features many new and fun dinosaur themed toys, along with a mound for climbing walls, skeleton bars and a dinosaur skull slide. There’s a picnic shelter that serves snacks, as well as a three season shelter. Find our more here: Delaware Parks
6. Polaris Fashion Place Fountain
These fountains are located in the open mall area during mall hours. It is a small splash pad to visit if you are shopping or want to take your little ones too. It might be a good place to take your little one if it is their first experience with a splash pad or fountain park to get them accustomed to it! Find out more here: Polaris
7. Powell Village Green Park Splash Pad
This splash pad is open 9 AM to dusk. This pad has a variety of squirting toys as well as water arches for older kids who are there to play. There is a great playground nearby if you need a break from the water and also a new solar pavilion that makes for a great shaded area for lunch. Find out more here: City of Powell
8. North Bank Park
North Bank Park is located along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. Behind the pavilion on the upper-level plaza, there is an interactive fountain that will allow children to play and create memories. There are plenty of tables and chairs set up as well as lawn seating that faces the river which makes for a great spot for lunch. Parking can be an issue, but there are garages near the park. This is a smaller park and would make the perfect play date! Find out more here: North Bank Park