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These Are the Top 10 Splash Pads in Phoenix to Be Your Instant Babysitter When the Kids Are Bouncing Off the Walls
- Kiwanis Park Splash Pad
- Pioneer Park Splash Pad
- Desert Ridge Marketplace Splash Pad
- Civic Space Park Splash Pad
- Gilbert Regional Park Splash Pad
- Chandler Fashion Center Splash Pad
- Surprise Community Park Splash Pad
- The District at Arrowhead Towne Center Splash Pad
- Scottsdale Quarter Splash Pad
- Riverview Park Splash Pad
Okay, let me set the scene for you! It’s one of those scorching Phoenix days, and my kids are bouncing off the walls, ready to burst with energy. I’m desperately trying to keep my cool, but all I really want is a few minutes of peace.
Sound familiar? Well, that’s when I discovered the magic of splash pads in Phoenix. These places are lifesavers! The kids get to run around, cool off, and have a blast, while I get a much-needed breather (thank you, water jets!).
You may be after a quick escape or a whole afternoon of fun, these splash pads are the perfect “instant babysitter” . So, if you’re ready to keep the kids entertained and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation, read on to discover the top 10 splash pads in Phoenix!
1. Kiwanis Park Splash Pad
Location: 5233 S Ash Ave, Tempe, AZ 85283
Contact: +1 480-350-4311
Park Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The splash pad here is a total crowd-pleaser with its mix of water jets and fountains that keep the kids entertained for hours. The best part? After they’ve run themselves ragged, you can kick back in the shaded seating areas, while the kids are at the playground.
And if you’re up for a little adventure, renting a pedal boat on the lake is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the scenery. We love it here because there’s something for everyone, walking trails, picnic spots, and tons of space to spread out.
I also love how it’s easy to get around the park with its wide, paved walkways that make it stroller-friendly. After a day of fun, you can take a relaxing walk around the lake or enjoy a family picnic under the trees.
| Pro tip: Pack a few snacks and a book, you’ll appreciate the downtime while the kids burn off energy. The nearby picnic tables are a great spot for a little mid-play break. Don’t miss the scenic lake views, especially at sunset! It’s the perfect way to end the day. |
2. Pioneer Park Splash Pad
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Location: 8755 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345
Contact: +1 623-773-7137
Park Hours: Daily, 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. (some exceptions on Holidays)
Pioneer Park in Peoria is one of those places we always go back to. The splash pad is a blast with its interactive water jets, buckets, and fountains. It’s a water wonderland for kids, and that there’s some peace and quiet with the park’s lush green surroundings.
Once the kids have had their fill of water play, we head over to the shaded picnic areas to relax and refuel.The best part? There’s a playground and walking trails nearby, so if you’re in the mood for a little extra activity, you’ve got options.
The peaceful, tree-lined atmosphere here makes it feel like a little hidden gem, and we always leave feeling refreshed. It’s a great place to recharge with the family after some much-needed water play.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget water shoes for the kids! The ground can get warm on sunny days, and the extra grip will keep them safe during all the splashing fun. The nearby shaded walking trails are also great for a peaceful stroll after all the excitement. |
3. Desert Ridge Marketplace Splash Pad
Location: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050
Contact: +1 480-513-7586
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
If you’re like me and love a good combo of shopping and playtime, the Desert Ridge Marketplace splash pad is where it’s at. My kids can’t get enough of the colorful water features, and I love that I can enjoy a little retail therapy while they cool off.
You’ll always have something fun here, and the convenience of nearby cafes and restaurants makes it easy to turn your trip into a full afternoon out. After the splash pad fun, we’ll usually grab a bite at one of the restaurants or do a little window shopping.
What makes it even better is that it’s easy to pop in for a quick splash while running errands, so it’s perfect for a quick escape during the day. We’ve made a tradition of grabbing ice cream from a nearby spot after the kids have cooled off.
| Pro tip: Keep a foldable water-resistant bag handy to stash wet clothes and towels, makes transitioning to the shopping or dining area much smoother. Plus, the splash pad area is well-lit at night, so you can extend the fun into the evening. |
4. Civic Space Park Splash Pad
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Location: 424 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Contact: +1 602-262-7490
Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
I was blown away by Civic Space Park’s splash pad when I first visited, it’s such a cool urban oasis right in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The interactive water jets keep the kids happy, and I love that we can chill in the shaded picnic areas while they play.
The park also has cool public art installations nearby, so it’s like a little getaway without leaving the city.The vibe here is so refreshing, and it’s one of those spots where you can easily spend a whole day, especially with the cafes and cool places to check out nearby
This place has such a cool urban vibe, and it’s nice to get a break from the usual outdoor spots. It’s also right next to some of my favorite cafes, so I can grab a coffee while the kids cool off..
| Pro tip: Stop by the park’s shaded grassy areas early to claim a spot; they’re perfect for laying out a picnic blanket and enjoying the city vibe. If you’re into photography, this park offers some fantastic backdrops with its modern architecture and art installations. |
5. Gilbert Regional Park Splash Pad
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Location: 3005 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85298
Contact: +1 480-503-6200
Park Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Gilbert Regional Park’s splash pad is a total hit with our family! It’s one of the largest in the East Valley, and my kids love the towering fountains and spray features that keep them busy for hours. It’s also perfect for kid of all ages.
The park is huge, so there’s plenty of room to spread out, and the playground nearby is perfect for when the water fun winds down. I also love that there’s a lot of shaded seating for me to relax while the kids play.
We usually make it a full day, enjoying everything the park has to offer before we head home.If you’ve got a full day to spend outdoors, this park has everything you need, from splash pads to picnic areas to room to run around. It’s definitely worth the trip!
| Pro tip: Bring a few outdoor games like frisbees or a soccer ball to make use of the spacious grounds once the kids are done with the splash pad. If you’re an early riser, the park is particularly serene in the morning hours—perfect for a quiet family start to the day. |
6. Chandler Fashion Center Splash Pad
Location: 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
Contact: +1 480-812-8488
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Chandler Fashion Center’s splash pad is one of those spots that just makes family outings easy. It’s right in the middle of the mall, so while the kids are running around in the water, I can relax in the shaded seating areas or even sneak off for a little shopping.
The interactive fountains are perfect for keeping the kids entertained while I sip my coffee or grab a bite to eat. It’s a great place for a fun and laid-back family day. Whether you’re shopping or just playing, there’s always something to do here.
We love that it’s conveniently located near food and shopping, so you can easily make a day out of it. After the kids cool off, we often check out the mall and grab lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants.
| Pro tip: Keep sunscreen handy, even though there are shaded spots, kids tend to venture into the sun while playing, and you’ll want to keep them protected. For an extra treat, stop by the nearby ice cream shop to cool down even more. |
7. Surprise Community Park Splash Pad
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Location: 17894 W Westpark Blvd, Surprise, AZ 85388
Contact: +1 623-222-2000
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Surprise Community Park’s splash pad is one of my go-to spots for a chill day with the kids. The water features are a lot of fun, but it’s the shady seating areas and playgrounds that really make it special.
If we’re feeling extra adventurous, we’ll even bring along a fishing pole and head to the nearby lake after the kids are done splashing around. It’s the perfect place to relax and let the day unfold.
The lake adds a unique element to the park, and we always enjoy a peaceful moment fishing after the splash pad fun. It’s a great family outing that offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax or play.
| Pro tip: Swing by the park’s dog-friendly zones if you’ve got furry friends in tow! It’s a win for the whole family, including the four-legged members. The park’s open layout also makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids while relaxing under the shade. |
8. The District at Arrowhead Towne Center Splash Pad
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Location: 7700 W Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, AZ 85308
Contact: +1 623-979-7777
Hours: Daily, 8;00 AM – 10:00 PM
If you’re looking for a fun and convenient spot to cool off, The District at Arrowhead Towne Center has you covered. The splash pad here is perfect for a quick splash, and since it’s right in the middle of the shopping center, I can shop or grab a bite to eat.
It’s a great place to unwind and let the little ones burn off some energy before checking out more stores.We love coming here because it’s not just a splash pad, it’s a whole experience with dining, shopping, and more, all in one spot.
The best part is that after the kids get their energy out in the water, we’re right in the middle of a vibrant shopping and dining area. Whether you’re there for an hour or all day, it’s always a good time.
| Pro tip: Hit the splash pad in the early evening; the soft lighting and cooler temperatures make it a relaxing way to wind down your day. Grab a quick coffee or snack from one of the nearby kiosks to enjoy while the kids play. |
9. Scottsdale Quarter Splash Pad
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Location: 15323 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Contact: +1 480-270-8123
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Scottsdale Quarter’s splash pad is hands down one of the coolest spots for water play in the area. It’s so stylish, and the colorful water jets look even more amazing at night when they light up.The kids have a blast while I sip coffee or browse the shops nearby.
It’s a great spot for some family fun while indulging in a little retail therapy.I love visiting in the evening when the temperatures cool down, and the splash pad creates a beautiful light show that makes it feel like we’re in a little water wonderland.
With all the chic boutiques and restaurants around, it feels like a special day out, even for a family trip. The splash pad is fun, but I can’t resist checking out all the trendy stores while the kids splash around.
| Pro tip: Bring a camera or your phone to capture the stunning light display at night. It’s the perfect backdrop for some family photos. Don’t forget to explore the nearby boutique shops for unique finds while you’re there. |
10. Riverview Park Splash Pad
Media credit: @uptownjungle
Location: 2100 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201
Contact: +1 480-644-2352
Hours: Daily, 6: 00 AM – 10:00 PM
Riverview Park Splash Pad is one of our go-to spots for a fun family outing in Mesa, AZ. When you’re escaping the summer heat or just enjoy some time outdoors, this place never disappoints. The splash pad itself is awesome!
Kids can’t get enough of the interactive water features, and the soft ground makes it worry-free for parents.There’s a giant climbing tower, a zip line, and plenty of grassy areas where we’ve had impromptu picnics.
This spot is where you can easily spend the whole day, hopping between the splash pad and the playground, and still feel like there’s more to explore. Honestly, this is one of the best places around for a mix of adventure and relaxation. Also, it’s totally free!
| Pro tip: If you’re planning a visit, I recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, a towel, and maybe a change of clothes for the kids because once they get wet, they won’t want to leave anytime soon! |
