Why Splash Pads Are a Summer Outing for Kids

Splashing in the summer sun is about as novel as LA summer camp, melty popsicles, and beach days. It's a core kid-friendly summer activity in Los Angeles. Colorful fountains spraying refreshing water, what's not to love? Parents love splash pads, because they are one of the free summer activities in LA, and don't require a lot of parent involvement.

While pools, beaches, and lakes come with many water safety cautions, splash pads are generally safe. Usually, the water only rises a few inches, so kids can stomp in the puddles and feel the spray without needing a parent right by their side. Oftentimes, these splash pads have shady benches for watching parents, so bring a book and a fruity summer Poppi, and enjoy supervising while working on your trademark California suntan. 

Read on to learn about our favorite splash pads in LA, which ones are free, and what ages each splash pad is geared toward. We also have insider tips on what to bring to a splash park, where to park, and more.

Make the Most of Your Splash Pad Outing

Splash pads vary in size, cost, and accessibility, but there are a few general rules that apply to pretty much all of them. First, splash pads are wet. Yes, this should be obvious, but make sure to bring a swimsuit, towel, and an extra change of clothes.

I also suggest investing in some water shoes for the kids. They will reduce the risk of slipping. Many of these spots have concrete flooring, and a slip could be serious. Caution kids not to run as much as possible, to avoid injury. Make sure to coat the kids in sunscreen, as most spots for free water play are in direct sunlight.

It never hurts to add a waterproof hat and some sunglasses to the ensemble, as well! We always travel around with a stocked Bogg bag of snacks and icy cold waters. All that splashing sure works up a thirst and an appetite!

Parking is generally right next to LA parks with splash pads, though I specify below where special parking instructions apply. Make sure to check the website links provided below for specific instructions, varying hours, weather-related closures, and more. 

Best Splash Pads on the Westside

1. Stoner Park — West LA

Stoner Park is technically a pool, but yet so much more than that. A gradual entry the length of the pool makes it feel more like a shore than a pool. It's spacious and varied, and allows plenty of fun for kids of all ages. 

Price: $1 kids and $4 for adults. Individuals over 50, and persons with disabilities, can both access the pool for $1. 
Hours: Open from June to September; the hours can be inconsistent. Always call 310.575.8286 or check online before heading out. 
Age range: 2 and up (water slide reserved for children 7 and over)
Special Features: The giant sprinkling mushroom, walls of water, and other spraying features in the shallows are non-stop fun. There is a formidable water slide, too, for kids who are old enough to indulge (48” and seven years old).
Insider Tips: Note that rules at Stoner are strict: adults must wear bathing suits whether or not they intend to swim, or wait outside the gate; kids under seven must have an adult in the water. Children under the age of 4 are required to wear a swim diaper, regardless of whether or not they are potty-trained. All swimmers must take a soap shower before entering the pool. Also, the water is pretty cold, so save this one for a sunny day. It only costs $10 to purchase a youth summer swim pass with unlimited to access Stoner Park Pool for the entire season. 

 
Water comes from every direction, and there's shade, too, at Virginia Avenue Park. Photo courtesy of santamonica.gov

2. Virginia Avenue Park — Santa Monica

In action from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this splash patio is a big favorite. The water splashes up, across, and around in all sorts of ways, alternating between features to keep things lively. There is shade, and the park is a very manageable size for watching multiple kids, both in and out of the water. 

Price: The splash pad at Virgina Avenue Park is free
Hours: 9am - 8pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day 
Age range: 2 and up 
Special features: This flat cement splash pad has water cannons for a lively h2o battle, and rainbow spouts that create tunnels for kids to duck under and run through. 
Insider Tips: This pleasant splash pad is at a park with a dedicated parking lot, picnic tables, a playground, and a walking path. The water features are in direct sunlight, so make sure to have a hat and some sunscreen handy. 

3. Annenberg Beach House — Santa Monica

It might sound too obvious to point out a water feature at the beach, but Santa Monica’s public beach house has a free, inviting splash patio. Although there’s no shade here, the patio does have several tables and chairs that make it a good spot for a picnic lunch.

Price: The splash pad at the Annenberg Beach House is free. Be warned, though, that there is a pool on the other side of the fence that costs $10 for adults and $4 for kids–or a beach, of course, that’s free! Parking at the beach house is monitored by the city and is "pay and display" (prices vary). 
Hours: The Annenberg Beach House is open from 8am - 9pm April - October, and the splash pad is generally open from 9am - 7pm. Access to the splash pad can change on short notice (due to events being held at the beach house), so I suggest calling (310) 458-4904 to confirm that the splash pad is running before heading out. 
Age range: 2 and up 
Special features: This is a "classic" splash pad with ground fountains, but it has the benefit of a seaside view, direct access to nice bathrooms, and plenty of other beach house fun just steps away. 
Insider tips: Incorporate a trip to the Annenberg Beach House splash pad into a day at Santa Monica and maximize your time. I would even suggest parking further down the PCH, bringing scooters, roller blades or bikes, and rolling down The Strand to arrive at the Beach House. This splash pad is also very close to the Back on the Beach Cafe, the perfect place to grab a bite before or after your splash session. 

4. Tongva Park — Santa Monica

Santa Monica parks have more water than most, and the beach city's park by the beach has fast become one of its most popular. The splash/spray pad is part of the small but well-designed play area, with padded ground, some shade, and tables. The rest of the park has inviting fountains not for playing, and a man-made paddling stream for cooling little feet. And all an easy walk from the Santa Monica Pier and the Promenade.

Price: The splash pad at Tongva Park is free! 
Hours: Park hours are 6am to 11pm daily, though splash pad operations may vary. 
Age range: 6 months and up 
Special features: This splash pad is set on spongy turf (always appreciated if you're a mom with crawling babies). The water features are gentle, making this an idea spot for babes and toddlers. The water features are set in a protected square, near the slides. 
Insider tips: Parking at Tongva Park can get a bit tricky, try to choose "off hours" (such as lunch time or early afternoon) if you want to ensure you'll snag a parking spot. While kids are encouraged to splash in the playground, make sure that they don't climb in the decorative fountains. This park is steps away from the pier and the promenade, so it's the perfect place to go before or after a meal, or before hitting up Pacific Park for some rides and carnival games. 

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Kids can splash for hours while parents relax with a coffee. Photo courtesy of Grand Park, Facebook

The Best Splash Pads in Los Angeles (Mid-City & DTLA)

5. Grand Park – DTLA

The free interactive splash pad in the heart of the park in downtown LA is open all year round. Kids who find public fountains irresistible can kick off their shoes at this one with no cause to resist. With the Music Center and City Hall among your surroundings, it's a splash pad with a definite sense of place and a refreshing oasis in the middle of the concrete city. Nearby, Starbucks is open for caffeine breaks.
Price: This splash pad is free! Parking in Lot 10 is $3.50 per 15 minutes with a $20 max. 
Hours: The park is open from 5:30am - 10pm. This splash pad is available for year-round play. 
Age range: 18 months and up
Special features: Gloria Molina Grand Park is DTLA's premier city park. Hungry guests can ride the famous Angels Flight Railway down and take a quick walk to Grand Central Market for a delicious (and uniquely LA) bite, then ride the "world's shortest railway" back up to the park. The splash pad is spacious, beautiful, and set amongst some of LA's most iconic buildings. There is a great playground for when the kids are ready to dry off, and accessible restrooms. 
Inside tips: Parking in Lot 10 is only available on weekends. This splash pad sure is tempting, I suggest packing a second outfit for the kids any time you visit Gloria Molina's Grand Park, even if you weren't planning to splash. It is in direct sunlight, so apply that sunscreen! The upper fountains are not for splashing. 

6. City Terrace Park — DTLA

The partially covered splash pad is great for cooling off. It's open from May to September, seven days a week. City Terrace is a popular park among DTLA families for birthday parties. Other amenities include two baseball diamonds, a tennis court, and a playground.

Price: This splash pad is free! 
Hours: The splash pad is open from May 1st - September 30th, 7 days a week from 11am - 5pm. There is no supervising staff on Sundays. 
Age range: 3 and up 
Special features: The splash pad has some shade- a rare treat on hot summer days. It is located directly next to a spacious playground. 
Insider tips: It's easy to bring a stroller to this spacious park, and there is a community center right next to the splash pad with restrooms and air conditioning if little tykes need to cool off. 

The Best Splash Pads in South LA

7. Los Robles Park — Hacienda Heights

This pretty little neighborhood park is a popular spot in the summer due to the splash pad as well as the playgrounds, swings, and grassy area that's perfect for picnics. 

Price: This splash pad is run by LA County and is free! 
Hours: The Los Robles Park splash pad is open from May 1st - September 30th from 11am - 7pm daily. 
Age range: 18 months and up 
Special features: This fun little splash pad is small but mighty, plus it has some great shade! 
Insider tips: The splash pad is right next to a beautiful, grassy area with picnic tables and plenty of space to spread out a quilt under the tall and shady trees. 

RELATED: Baby Swim Classes for Tots and Toddlers in Los Angeles

 
Amelia Mayberry Park has shaded seats for parents, making it a favorite. Photo by Teresa S. via Yelp

8. Amelia Mayberry Park — Whittier

The partly shaded summertime splash pad is a major kid-pleaser on hot days at this 14-acre park with a basketball court, softball field, fitness zone, playground, and skate park. 

Price: The LA County-run splash pad is free! 
Hours: The splash pad is open from May 1 - September 30th from 11am - 7pm, daily. 
Age range: 18 months and up 
Special features: This smaller splash pad is partly surrounded by a small wall to keep kiddos contained. 
Insider tips: Come early in the day to grab a spot on a bench where you can read a book or do a little scrolling while the kids stomp and splash. This park is relatively popular and seating is limited. 

9. Allen J. Martin Park — La Puente 

A spacious, shaded splash pad? Sign us up! You won't have to lather on the sunscreen multiple times at this fun spot at a public park in the San Gabriel Valley. 

Price: This splash pad is operated by LA County and is free to the public. 
Hours: The splash pad is open May 1st - September 30th from 11am - 7pm daily. 
Age range: 12 months and up 
Special features: This amazing splash pad looks like a circus at first glance, as it is fully under a multi-colored canopy that looks a lot like a big top! It is one of LA's bigger splash pads with water cannons, sprayers, and buckets. The circular splash pad is surrounded by a grassy space perfect for an after-splash picnic. 
Insider tips: The water is recirculated, so make sure to warn your kids not to drink it. Water shoes are recommended at this one, as there is plenty of space to run around, but also opportunities to trip if you are not careful. Babies and toddlers are required to wear swim diapers when splashing around. 

RELATED: Splash Pads and Water Features at Orange County Playgrounds

Babies love a good splash pad, too!  Photo by Misty O'Dell/CC BY 2.0

The Best Splash Pads in the Valleys

10. North Hollywood Recreation Center — North Hollywood

The splash pad here is adjacent to the swimming pool, which means adults and children alike need to don bathing suits. Because the splash pad requires admission to the pool, kids are $1, and adults are $4. On the upside, the plentiful fountains are worth the visit. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Price: Access to this splash pad requires pool admission, so it costs $1 per child and $4 per adult. 
Hours: For the first week of June, the pool operates on limited hours from 3pm - 7pm Monday - Friday and from 1pm - 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Once full hours begin in mid-June, The pool will be open from 12pm - 2pm and 3pm - 7pm on weekdays and 1pm - 5pm on weekends, but hours are subject to change. I suggest calling (818) 755-7654 before arriving for updated information. 
Age range: All ages 
Special features: This splash park is at a pool, which means that kiddos can swim and splash in the same location. 
Insider tips: The North Hollywood pool has some pretty strict rules. Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult on a one-to-one ratio, meaning that if you have a bunch of small children and are hoping to visit alone, we suggest choosing another spot. Children must be within one arm's length of their children at all times. Kids under four years of age are required to wear a swim diaper in the pool area. The pool does not allow white t-shirts or rash guards, and kids may not wear a cotton shirt in the pool. Kids who want to swim in the deep end of the pool must pass a swim test. 

11. Mason Park — Chatsworth

This splash pad has recycled water, so tell kids to pay attention to the many signs telling them not to drink (and keep an eye on little ones). There are two parking lots and a playground right next to the pad for kids who want to mix it up. Admittedly, the time I went to check this one out in person, the splash pad was closed. Locals told me it is often closed, so call (818) 998-6377 before you head out to confirm that the fountains are running. 

Price: This LA-City run splash pad is free to the public. 
Hours: Park hours are generally 9am - 9pm, though splash pad hours may vary. 
Age range: 2 and up 
Special features: Parking is easy at this location, and there are two fun playgrounds. 
Insider tips: My biggest insider tip for this one is just to make sure it is open. Nothing like getting the kids all excited for a fun day of splashing, only to bake in the hot sun with no water in sight. 

12. La Pintoresca Park — Pasadena

The colorful splash pad in the center of La Pintoresca Park is surrounded by benches where adults can relax just outside the reach of the spray. If the water isn’t flowing, try hitting the start button on the east side of the spouts. The patio itself has no shade, but shady trees are nearby. 

Price: This splash pad is run by the City of Pasadena and is free to the public. 
Hours: 9am - 7:30pm daily 
Age range: 18 months and up 
Special features: This splash pad is close to restrooms and a fun playground. There is some seating on a small wall near the splash area. 
Insider tips: When we visited this splash pad, we found it extremely crowded. There was limited parking in the lot, so we parked on the street just outside of the park and walked in. The atmosphere was a bit tense with lots of conflict between different kids at the splash pad. My guess is we just went on an off day, but try to time your visit for naptime or lunch time, so that there are less people in a relatively small area. 

13. Sylmar Park — Sylmar

Sylmar’s free splash pad, adjacent to the recreation center and pool (the pool is $1 for kids and $4 for adults), lures kids on a hot day with tree-shaped sprinklers, a spraying whale, and a variety of fountains that drench and delight.

Price: The nearby pool costs $1 per child and $4 per adult, but the splash pad is free. 
Hours: The splash pad is open from 12pm - 2pm and 3pm - 7pm on weekdays, and 1pm - 5pm on weekends, during the season. We made the mistake of arriving at 10am once, only to find we had hours to kill before it opened. 
Age range: 5 and up 
Special features: This splash pad is fully enclosed. It's wonderful for big kids, who can go in themselves and enjoy splashing while you watch through the fence from outside, but can be tricky for moms with little toddlers and babies who may need to be closely followed. The splash pad features many fun, unique features that aren't seen at many of the other spots around town. 
Insider tips: There is no seating inside the splash pad, and if you have to follow little ones inside (like I did), rest assured that you will get wet. There is also very limited seating outside the fence, so many parents brought quilts or camping chairs to sit on while the kids played. Restrooms and changing rooms are located inside the pool area, but staff allowed us to use them without charging us pool admission. 

14. Cerritos Park — Glendale

Part of the Pacific Community Park, there are 32 acres of sports fields, picnic shelters, trails, wading pools, and more, so leave time to explore after your little one gets their fill of splashing around. 

Price: This park is run by the City of Glendale and is free to the public. 
Hours: From May 24 to September 14, 2025, the splash pad is open from 11am - 7pm daily. After the 4th, the splashing fun continues on weekends only from 11am - 7pm through October 12. 
Age range: 18 months and up 
Special features: This small splash park is walled in and right next to a fun playground. 
Insider tips: This is the only splash park open in Glendale as of right now (Pan Pacific Park and Freemont Park are both under construction), so expect bigger crowds than in previous years. 

15. Verdugo Aquatic Facility — Burbank

I drove by the Verdugo Aquatic Facility the other day and did a double take, thinking "I haven't noticed that one before!" I pulled out my notes app and quickly wrote down the name, specifically, so I could add it into this article for you all. 

Price: Prices are tiered. Toddlers under 2 are free, kids 3 - 17 are $3 for Burbank residents and $6 for non-residents, adults are $5 for residents and $11 for non-residents, and guests 55 and over are $4 for residents and $11 for non-residents. 

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Ready ... aim ... stay cool! Dalton Park Splash Pad. Photo by Victor Cejeda

16. Dalton Park — Azusa

Dalton Park is a small neighborhood park with a splash pad that gets crowded in the summer and also includes a playground, fitness zone, picnic shelters, and a variety of programs for families.

Price: This splash pad is run by LA County and it is free. 
Hours: Like other LA County splash pads, the Dalton Park splash pad is open from May 1 - September 30, from 11am - 7pm, daily. 
Age range: 12 months and up 
Special features: This splash park is partially shaded, and great for photos. 
Insider tips: This park has limited seating, so make sure to get there early (or bring a camping chair along and set up your own home base). 

17. Valleydale Park — Azusa

This park may not be expansive, but it packs in the activities. Sports fields, horseshoe pits, fitness zones, and a playground draw families all year round, and the water play splash pad is a summertime favorite, in no small part because it’s shaded! 

Price: This splash pad is free.
Hours: Valleydale Park is open from May 1st - September 30th, 2025 from 11am - 7pm daily. 
Age range: 12 months and up 
Special features: This splash pad is on a spongy turf, which makes it an ideal choice for littler splashers who might be at risk of a fall. It is also fully shaded. No need to slather on the sunscreen at this one. 
Insider tips: This splash pad is right next to a sandy playground, so you can use the water to wash the sand off. However, if the kids get wet and then run to the sandy space, they may be in for a pretty sandy car ride home. Make sure to bring towels along. 

18. Rancho Tapo Community Park — Simi Valley 

This large splash pad comes complete with water buckets, colorful fountains, and lots of water. Rancho Tapo Park is spacious, and there are covered areas available for rent for a birthday party. 

Price: This splash pad is free. 
Hours: This park opens May 24 and will remain open until September 1st. Hours are 11am - 7pm, though the splash park closes for scheduled maintenance every afternoon from 2pm - 3pm. 
Age range: 2 and up 
Special features: My kids adored this circular splash pad. We brought buckets to add to the fun, and some reusable water balloons. See our reel on our adventure on the MommyPoppins LA Instagram. 
Insider tips: Parking is easy, but make sure to bring a blanket to spread out in the grass as a "home base" for all the fun. There are bathrooms close to the splash pad, as well as two playgrounds. This one is in direct sunlight, so bring along hats and plenty of sun protection for the kiddos. 

19. Santa Clarita Aquatic Center — Santa Clarita 

I'm always amazed how many people don't know about this valley gem! While not free, this "splash pool" is worth the price of admission. Santa Clarita's Aquatic Center hosts recreational swim and special "toddler time" swims throughout the summer. It is one of our favorite summer activities. 

Price: Admission is $7 per person, though kids are only $5 during toddler time. 
Hours: Swim season is June 14 - September 1, 2025 with swim sessions from 12:30pm to 4:30pm daily. Toddler time is from 10am - 12pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until August 15. 
Age range: Toddler time is best for age 2-5. Recreational swim is best for age for kids 5 and up (the water slide is on during this time, with a height requirement of 48"). 
Special features: The Santa Clarita Aquatic Center has a "water house" with plenty of splashy fun, additional water features, and even a giant yellow waterslide that is open during recreational swim hours. The high dives at the other on-campus pool are also open to the public during recreational swim, provided that kids pass a swim test first. 
Insider tips: We love toddler time, in part because after two hours of play, the water shuts off and everyone is required to get out. This makes leaving easy, and kids sleep well for naptime after a few hours of splashy play. There are bathrooms on-site. Lifeguards patrol the pools. Keep in mind that this is more of a pool than a splash pad. Little ones will need a US Coast Guard approved vest. There is a small snack shack on site that serves chips, drinks, and slurpees. Watch our reel on all the fun on the Mommy Poppins LA Instagram. 

20. The Splash Fountain at NOHO West — North Hollywood

Every summer, my kids beg to eat at "the splash fountain place" and have a post-lunch run through the fountains. And every summer, I'm happy to oblige as I sip my Starbucks or enjoy a salad from The Stand while they have the time of their lives. 

Price: This splash fountain is free, as is the parking structure. 
Hours: The fountain is generally on from 9am - 9pm daily, but weather and maintenance may affect those hours. 
Age range: 3 and up. This one is on concerte and would be an easy place for little feet to slip. 
Special features: This splash area is in the center of a great shopping center with a wide variety of casual dining restaurants. There is also a ton of seating. 
Insider tips: The parking garage attached to the shopping center is free. We love to grab a cone at the Creamistry after splashing around, or time this splash pad around a meal. Bring a change of clothes, these ground fountains will have your kiddos sopping wet. Purchase food or a beverage from a nearby eatery in order to use their bathroom facilities. Check out an Instagram reel on all the fun here. 

RELATED: The Best Swimming Pools in Los Angeles with Day Passes

Splash parks take the temperature down. Photo by Ian D. Keating/CC BY 2.0

The Best Splash Pads in the South Bay

21. Wilson Park — Torrance

Kids will love a run through the sprayers, and when they're ready to dry off, the park has a wide variety of other features to enjoy — a handicapped-accessible treehouse, a large playground, and picnic areas. There's also a farmers market, with produce and restaurant vendors, every Tuesday and Saturday.

Price: This splash pad run by the City of Torrance and is free. 
Hours: The pad will be open starting May 23, 2025 and will remain open until September. Daily hours are 10am to 6pm daily. 
Age range: 18 months and up 
Special features: This circular splash pad has "ground" fountains which sprout upwards and in arcs throughout the space. A grassy knoll near the splash zone is the perfect place for parents to relax and wach the fun. 
Insider tips: If the water isn't on during operating hours, tap the button on the top of the stainless steel poles to start the fountains. Babies and toddlers must wear swim diapers in the splash pad zone. Regular diapers are not allowed. Street shoes aren't permitted- kids need to either be barefoot or wear water shoes. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a supervised adult. The water is chlorinated but also recirculated. 

22. Alondra Park — Lawndale

This free splash pad features sprayers, mushrooms, and pop-ups and might be the only place of its kind in the South Bay. There is a nearby skate park that is quite popular. 

Price: This LA County splash pad is free to the public.
Hours: The splash pad opens on May 1, 2025 and closes September 30, 2025. During operating months, the splash pad will be on from 11am - 7pm daily.
Age: 12 months and up
Special features: The water sprayers are set into a spongy turf, which minimizes slipping. Alondra Park also features a beautiful lake with a stunning view.
Insider tips: There is a low wall bordering the splash pad for adults to use as a seat, but if you really want to get comfortable go ahead and grab a camping chair. 

23. Clarkdale Park — Hawaiian Gardens

If the kids need to cool down but you don't want to deal with crowds at some of the more spacious splash pads on the list, this little neighborhood park has a small splash pad, and it's right near Long Beach. 

Price: This splash pad is run by the City of Hawaiian Gardens and is free.
Hours: The splash pad starts spraying June 3, 2025 and continues through September 6, from 11am - 6pm daily.
Age: 2 and up
Special features: There are benches nearby for easy viewing.
Insider tips: There is a strict no running rule at this splash pad, as surfaces are very slippery. Kids are also not allowed to spit the water, or roughhouse in the splash pad area. 

​Originally published August 13, 2011 and updated annually since