When the splash pads open, that means summer is near! After reviewing this list, you will be able to visit some pretty fantastic areas to splash and play this summer!
Splash Pads have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and easy access for various 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.
As a bonus, most splash pads are free to the public and make for a fun-filled summer day. So look at our list below and be sure to check them off the list as you visit each one this summer! As always, things can change, so confirm the information before heading out.
Columbus Splash Pads
1. GAHANNA’S SPLASH PAD – NEWEST SPLASH PAD
Address: Gahanna Pool, 148 Parkland Dr, Gahanna, OH 43230
Open as of May 10th, 2023.
The splash pad at Gahanna Swimming Pool is open daily May – October, weather permitting. During the pool season, the Splash Pad is open from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. for free use by the community. During pool open hours, visitors must access the splash pad through the GSP entry gate and pay regular admission or hold a pool membership.
Website: Gahanna Splash Pad
2. Westerville Splash Pad
This splash pad is located at Westerville’s Hanby Park. It has accessible swings, a colorful play tower and the city’s first splash pad. It will be sure to excite your kids and keep you cool and entertained this summer. Take a look at this resource for more ideas of things to do in Westerville: A Family Visitor’s Guide to Westerville. Expected to open on May 27, 2023.
Website: Westerville Splash Pad
3. Grove City Fryer Park Splash Pad
The splash pad is located at Fryer Park, so you can have fun on the playground before or after splashing in the water. The splash pad has bright, colorful, and interactive water play areas. The water fountains go along with the original theme of the park- Space! In addition, the splash pad has a rocket slide and other whimsical effects that you won’t want to miss. It is available for free use and is open to the public for regular business hours from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through Labor Day. For more to do in the area, check out: Adventure Guide to Grove City.
Website: Grove City Splash Pad
4. Ballantrae Park- Located in Dublin, Ohio
The Ballantrae Community Park spray fountains will open May 27, 2023- September 4, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day.
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 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 to cool off! 
All smiles at the Bunny Fountains!
Website: Ballantrae Spray Fountains
5. Hilliard’s Station Park
Opening day is May 8, 2023! This splash pad opened in the summer of 2016 and is definitely one to put on your list! It is conveniently located in the downtown Hilliard area and there is a coffee shop and several restaurants you can easily walk to before or after. This medium-sized splash pad has a decent amount of fountains for your kids to run through. The bathrooms are easily accessible and clean. There is a grassy area to sit and a great multi-functional building. The fountains are open from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., 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. The splash pad does close at 3:00 p.m. on special event days. While you are in the area, check out: Hilliard’s Favorite Spots for Play, Eats, and Treats.
Website: Hilliard’s Station Park
6. Scioto Mile Fountains: Closed for Summer 2023
They will be redoing the fountain area this summer!
Typically it is home to a one-of-a-kind fountain park! This Fountain Park shoots more than 1,000 jets of water and is excellent for all ages! If you are around in the evening, this fountain park has special lights and fog effects. This fountain park is more of an all-day event because of its large size and the 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, there will be special guests and activities going on at the fountains all summer long. Be sure to check their website for weekly events.
Website: Scioto Mile Fountains
7. 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 shopping!
Website: Easton Town Center
8. Veterans Park Splash Pad – Delaware, Ohio
The splash pad in Delaware is open on Memorial Day-Labor Day 2023. This unique park and splash pad features many new and fun dinosaur-themed toys, a mound for climbing walls, skeleton bars, and a dinosaur skull slide. There’s a picnic shelter that serves snacks and a three-season shelter. It is one that is worth the drive!
Website: Veterans Park Splash Pad
9. Powell Village Green Park Splash Pad
Opens Memorial Day (after the parade and ceremony) for 2023! This splash pad is open 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. through Labor Day. 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 solar pavilion that makes for a great shaded area for lunch. (There are lots of restaurants and things to walk to along the downtown area of Powell. So, bring a change of clothes for the kids or explore before getting wet.)
Website: Powell Splash Pad
10. North Bank Park
North Bank Park is located along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. Behind the pavilion on the upper-level plaza, an interactive fountain that will allow children to play and create memories. There are plenty of tables and chairs set up and 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!
Website: North Bank Park
11. Barnett Community Center Sprayground
Opens Memorial Day Weekend 2023! There are plenty of shaded areas around the Splash Pad to relax while your kids play. The park also has tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, and an outdoor fitness center. You must obtain a Columbus Recreation Card to attend. Other Spray Grounds in the area include Barnett Community Center and Blackburn Community Center.
Website: Barnett Community Center Splash Pad
12. Worthington Lagoon
Typically Memorial Day and after Labor Day, Worthington has a small splash pad that is open to the public. The hours when the weather is permitting are 10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and the cost is $1 for non-pool members. (We couldn’t find information on their website, so call before going.) This Guide to Worthington provides ideas on places to play, eat, enjoy sweet treats and shop.
Website: Worthington Lagoon
13. John Bishop Park Splash Pad
Open on May 25, 2023! Residents of Whitehall may use this facility and non-residents may pay $5 to enter the splash pad. The splash pad is open until September 2023.
Website: Whitehall Splash Pad
14. Creekside Gahanna
The Creekside Gahanna area has a lot to offer. Take a stroll along the creek to see ducks and swans, hop on a paddle boat for a $5 ride in season and the kids can splash in the fountain wall. Near the fountain area are clean restrooms. Also, be sure to check out the many great dining options within walking distance. This Visitor’s Guide to Gahanna will give you a good idea of restaurants, sweets, parks, shopping and more in the Gahanna area.
Website: Creekside Park & Plaza
15. Partners Park-Marysville
Located in downtown Marysville is Partners Park. A small splash pad is open daily from 10:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. during the warm season. Cool off with a stop at Rollies for some unique ice cream.
Website: Partners Park Splash Pad
16. Obetz Splash Pad
Opens Memorial Day weekend for 2023 and closes on Labor Day! This splash pad is in Lancaster Park in Obetz. It is free for residents of Obetz, but if you aren’t a resident you can purchase a day pass. The splash pad is open daily (weather dependent) in the summer from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. When school is in session, the weekday times change.
Website: Obetz Splash Pad
17. Franklin Park Conservatory
The Children’s Garden has a fountain area when you walk in and also an amazing water section within “The Ohio Woods” section. Bring your swimsuits because your kids will want to get wet!
Website: Franklin Park Conservatory
18. Splash Pad in Front of COSI
This area is free to play in but entering into COSI has a fee. In the splash pad area there are a few tables with umbrellas, bathrooms and a playground.
New this Summer: Dorrian Days, in partnership with Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, will take place 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟏𝟏 𝐚.𝐦. 𝐭𝐨 𝟐 𝐩.𝐦. and feature inflatables, performances, science experiments, and more family-friendly activities. {June 13 – Aug. 15} This event is FREE.
19. Barnett Park – Columbus
Address: 1184 Barnett Rd. Columbus, OH 43227
Hours: 12:00pm to 7:00pm (Daily)
TBD
Website
20. BLACKBURN RECREATION CENTER SPRAYGROUND – COLUMBUS
Address: 263 Carpenter St. Columbus, OH 43205
Hours: 12:00pm to 6:00pm (Daily- June 3-September 3)
Ohio Beaches:
If you are looking for another fun water activity, check out this post: Beaches in Ohio
Anything on the Southeast side? Canal Winchester, Lithopolis, Pickerington, or Reynoldsburg area? Are any of these spots more geared toward infants?
The ones listed are the ones we know of at this time, but it seems like new ones keeping popping up so perhaps one of those areas will get a splash pad. Would Grove City be the closest one to you? The Polaris and Easton one don’t seem to get as crowded as some of the others, so those might be good for an infant. Also, some pools have little splash pad areas within the kiddie pool section, so perhaps your local pool would have a great spot for your little one to splash around.
Franklin park conservatory just opened a kids garden that has a water area for children. It is not far from the Reynoldsburg area.
That’s a good point. That’s a great spot to explore!
How much is it to get into the kid garden area?
Hi! You do have to pay the normal admission to the Conservatory to visit the outdoor garden. They do offer a free Sunday for Frnaklin County residents on the first Sunday of each month so that may be a good time to check it out!
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