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Why Splash Pads Are Worth a Spot on Your Summer Bucket List

Splash pads are a great budget-friendly summer activity for kids. And since most of the splash pads in our list are located in parks with other activities, it's easy to make a day of it. Plus, you can entertain kids of diverse ages from toddlers to grade school children. Note that the age range for nearly all these parks is about ages 3-8, unless otherwise noted.

Make the Most of Your Splash Pad Outing

• Pack dry towels, sunscreen, and dry clothing, preferably in a waterproof bag. Also, remember to bring a plastic or mesh bag for wet bathing suits and towels. Do yourself a favor and place important items like cell phones in Ziploc baggies.
• Consider having the kids wear non-slip waterproof shoes like pool shoes, since the flooring can be rough on the skin and will provide more secure footing than flip-flops. 
• Check ahead to see if there are changing facilities or restrooms available.
• Some water playgrounds advise swim diapers for the little ones.
• Figure out what the parking situation is ahead of time if you are traveling by car. Some require a parking pass or offer street-only parking.
• Don't forget to pack plenty of snacks and water, or check if the venue has a snack bar. 
• Hours: The time the water gets turned on and off can vary depending on the crowd, weather, and particular park, but hours usually run from 10am to dusk at most spots, with the water going on as long as it's hot out, even before Memorial Day in some cases. Daily hours typically start when school lets out; otherwise, it's weekends only.

Top Splash Pads at Westchester and Hudson Valley Pools and Beaches

1. Tibbets Brook Park – Yonkers

There's everything from mini golf to soccer fields and playgrounds at this 161-acre Yonkers park—and that includes a swimming complex, complete with a splash pad. 

Special features: The park has super tall jets and sprinklers, plus a lazy river. If you decide to hit the pool, kids can try their hand at in-pool basketball or volleyball.

Know before you go: You have to be a Westchester resident to visit this county pool—and parking and entrance fees vary.

2. Sprain Ridge Pool – Yonkers

This pool complex is located in the sprawling, 278-acre Sprain Ridge Park, which also features wooded areas with picnic benches and hiking and biking trails.

Special features: This swimming pool complex boasts many family-friendly features, including a sprinkler park for kids. When the kids are done running through the splash pad, you can check out the zero-entry pool and the concession stand.

Know before you go: You have to be a Westchester resident to use the facilities.

RELATED: 25 Things To Do in Yonkers With Kids

3. Harbor Island Park – Mamaroneck

Kids want a beach day and time at the splash pad? Head to Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck, where the sprinkler park is at the beach, making it easy for kids to run through the sprinkler jets and frolic in the splash pad, then get back to building their sandcastles.

Special features: The sprinkler park includes features like a 12-foot-tall, wavy palm tree. There’s a parking fee and a fee to enter the beach, which varies depending on the day. Done with water activities? There’s a great playground at the park, too.

Know before you go: A beach parking pass must be purchased at the parking booth at the entrance to Harbor Island Park. Rates are $8 Monday through Thursday and $12 on weekends and holidays. Season passes are also available, with a discount given to Mamaroneck residents. 

4. Willson’s Waves – Mount Vernon

Water-loving kids will be thrilled with all the things they can do at Willson’s Waves, housed in Willson’s Woods Park in Mount Vernon.

Special features: The complex includes water slides, a wave pool—with waves up to 3 feet high—and, of course, a sprinkler park and splash pad with 57 jets!

Know before you go: You need to be a Westchester resident to visit this pool, and parking and entrance fees vary.

5. Rockland Lake State Park – Valley Cottage

The pool at Rockland Lake State Park boasts tons of great features, including a state-of-the-art splash pad.

Special features: With water slides, sprinklers, and more, there are tons of things to keep kids happy. There’s also a 25,000-square-foot pool with zero-depth entry, a playground, a picnic area, and a lakeside trail that’s great for bike riding.

Know before you go: There’s a fee to park, and entry to the pool is $5 per person.

6. Delano-Hitch Aquatic Center – Newburgh

A new aquatic center with a pool and splash pad is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025 in Newburgh's Delano-Hitch Recreation Park.

Special features: The splash pad includes water jets, animal-shaped fountains, and a large dumping bucket. The 27-acre park also features a baseball stadium, a skate park, an outdoor fitness park, one Little League baseball/softball diamond, bocce courts, three basketball courts, two playgrounds, horseshoe pitches, a soccer/football field, the Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame, and a multipurpose activity center.

Know before you go: More details tbd when the center opens.

RELATED: Top Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Take a break from swinging and climbing to cool off in the splash pad at Bowdoin Park.

Free Splash Pads in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

7. Bowdoin Park – Wappingers Falls

With water cannons that actually move, a circular spray area to run through, and lots of other fun features, the colorful splash pad at Bowdoin Park is a blast for little ones.

Special features: The 301-acre park also boasts a playground and picnic areas, scenic river views, and more. It's earned its "destination playground" reputation.

Know before you go: Parking is free.

8. Louis Engel Waterfront Park – Ossining

Want to ditch the car for the day? This Ossining park is close to the Metro-North station, making it a quick walk from there to enjoy the splash pad as well as the playground.

Special features: The park also features a sunning beach, fishing, playground, picnic area, and restrooms.

9. Barnhardt Park – Sleepy Hollow

Head to this Sleepy Hollow park, where you’ll find lots to do for kids—including a splash pad. After the kids have had their fill of running through the water, they can continue the fun at one of two playgrounds, depending on their age. 

Special features: Barnhardt Park has two large playground equipment areas, one for small children and the other for larger kids. It also has a water park area with sprinklers. Barnhardt has popular volleyball courts, a soccer field, and a basketball court. This park has a pavilion available for private rentals and a large grassy area with scenic views of the Hudson.

Know before you go: There are bathroom facilities open from approximately April through November, as weather permits.

10. Pierson Park – Tarrytown

You’ll find various jets and sprinklers at this fun splash pad in Tarrytown.

Special features: There’s a playground right next to it, as well as room to have a picnic lunch or snack under the pavilion (when it’s not in use). If the kids still haven’t gotten all their energy out, there’s a huge grassy field perfect for running and other outdoor games.

Know before you go: Parking is metered. 

11. Memorial Park - Nyack

Memorial Park is located on the Hudson River right in downtown Nyack.

Special features: The 11-acre park features a splash pad, a children’s playground, a skateboard park, and a basketball court. Live music events, such as the Great Nyack Get Together and the Mostly Music Summer Program, are held there on select evenings in the summer. 

Know before you go: The park has restrooms, but parking is on-street only.

Playing in the Legoland New York's Water Playground feels like being on vacation! Photo courtesy of Legoland

Splash Pads Located in Theme Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

12. Legoland New York's Water Playground – Goshen

This water playground is included in the admission ticket to Legoland New York and is definitely worth a day trip.

Special features: The water playground features water slides of various sizes, a colorful structure with palm trees and Lego characters, and a giant bucket that dumps 318 gallons of water on the whole area. When kids are done splashing, they can enjoy all the Legoland activities, including Build-a-Boat and Pirate World.  

Know before you go: Reservations are required for the water playground, so when you purchase your Legoland ticket, make sure to make a reservation for the water playground as well. As it is located inside the Legoland park, there are accessible bathrooms, parking, and lots of food options. 

13. Splashdown Beach – Fishkill

We all know Splashdown Beach for its massive waterslides, but it also has a top-notch splash pad and waterslide area just for little kids.

Special features: The toddler area features water jets, water cannons, and even swings for babies that splash in the water. For bigger kids, the Pelican Bay area is New York's largest water playground, featuring a 500-gallon dumping bucket as well as waterslides and lots of interactive waterplay features. 

Know before you go: Tickets to the waterpark are required to visit this splash pad. Parking is free and there is plenty of space, but it gets crowded on hot days, so plan to arrive as early as possible. Swim diapers are required for kids who are not yet potty trained, but they can be purchased at the park if needed.

14. Zume Flume Waterpark – East Durham

Zume Flume Waterpark is a favorite among families visiting the Catskills, but it is doable as a day trip from the Hudson Valley. Adults and bigger kids can enjoy the many waterslides, while the littles enjoy the splash pad area.

Special Features: The Lagoon Activity Pool is designed for little kids and features a large, gently sloping pool with a maximum depth of 3 feet. The area also has a waterfall, pop jets, and water activities to keep them engaged all day.

Know before you go: Tickets to the waterpark are required, but it is generally low-key and less crowded than waterparks closer to the city. Bathrooms and multiple dining options are available. 

This post is updated annually. Photos courtesy of the parks