Cool off at Free Splash Pads in Columbus

Stay up-to-date with which splash pads are open in Columbus! There are 15 splash pads and water play areas in the city where you can cool off during hot weather!

Splash pads are the perfect place to visit during the hottest part of the day when you don’t want to commit to the hassle (and expense) of going to a public pool!

Most splash pads in Columbus are free! Splash pads are an easier way to cool off than going to a swimming pool, and are perfect for younger children and kids of various swimming abilities.

Don’t forget to pack a bag with sunscreen, towels, and snacks (don’t forget drinks!). The kids will play so hard that they’ll be hungry and thirsty once they finally stop!

Check the links below for opening dates unless listed. Occasionally, splash parks will be closed for maintenance, weather-events, or events at the parks, so check the links below before you go.

Splash pads open in Columbus 2022

Most splash pads open around Memorial Weekend (check links!), and remain open through Labor Day. Some remain open through September.

Gahanna Splash Pad at the Pool

This new amenity to the pool includes over 3,100 square feet of spray area and 41 different features designed for toddlers to teens, as well as shaded picnic areas, additional benches and a year-round restroom that is also accessible to the Big Walnut Trail.

The splash pad is an amenity of the pool and will be available to pool members and those who purchase a day pass during operating hours. It will be open and free to the public in the mornings from 8am-12pm, before the pool opens each day, as well as days on which the pool might not open. Additionally, it will be open daily outside of the pool season, as weather permits.

Where: Gahanna Swimming Pool, 148 Parkland Dr 
When: Grand opening May 20, 3:30 pm. Open and free to the public in the mornings from 8am-12pm, before the pool opens each day, as well as days on which the pool might not open. Additionally, it will be open daily outside of the pool season, as weather permits. 
Details: 3,100 square feet of spray area and 41 different features designed for toddlers to teens, as well as shaded picnic areas, additional benches and a year-round restroom that is also accessible to the Big Walnut Trail.
Aquatics website

Scioto Mile Fountains

Where: Civic Center Dr Columbus, Ohio, OH 43215
When: Opening date May 27, 2022. Schedule changes are usually posted on the Facebook page. Open daily from 11:00am – 6:00pm, May 27th – September 5th, 2022. Fountains will close for severe weather.
Details: Limited food options (occasional vendors and Milestone 229). Plenty of grassy area for a blanket and picnic. Meter parking and parking lots nearby, including RiverSouth Garage, 232 S Front Street.
Extras: Special activities will also be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 15 – August 10. Fountains are illuminated with colored lights and fog effects in the evening.
Website

Hilliard Station Park

Where: Hilliard Station Park, 4021 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026
When: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily 
Details: Pack a picnic or head to a nearby restaurant
Website

Hilliard Station Park

Partners Park Splash Pad

Where: 125 E. Sixth St., Marysville
When: Open daily starting May 28 from 10 am – 9 pm
Details: Every day unless maintenance is required.
Website

Spray and Play at Veterans Park Delaware

Where: 1121 S. Houk Rd, Delaware
When: 10 am to 8 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day
Details: Fun dinosaur-themed splash pad with playground nearby
City of Delaware Facebook page or website

Dublin Ballantrae Community Park Spray Fountains

Where: Ballantrae Community Park, 6350 Woerner Temple Rd
When: Open from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Details: Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the day.
Extras: Known as the Dancing Bunnies Fountains, you’ll find the sculpture of the 3 bunnies up on the hill.
Website

Easton Town Square Fountain

Where: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
When: 10AM – 5PM Monday-Saturday and 12-5PM on Sunday. Fountain may be turned off in the case of special events or inclement weather. Please call Guest Services at (614) 337-2200 to confirm if the fountain is on before your arrival.
Details: Tons of food options nearby, park in Easton garages or surface lot near Barnes and Noble/NorthStar Cafe. 
Website

Westerville Hanby Park Spray Ground

Where: 115 E Park St, Westerville, OH 43081
When: Open starting May 28 (expected date)
Details: In addition to the spray ground, you’ll find a play tower, playground equipment, accessible swings, shaded swinging benches, plus close parking and restrooms.
Website | Facebook

Hanby Park

Powell Splash Pad

Where: 47 Hall St., Powell
When: Open now! Open Memorial Day 9 am – 9 pm through Labor Day Weekend
Details: Bring a picnic to enjoy in the shaded solar picnic pavilion or on a blanket in the grass. Plenty of parking in the lot for Village Green Park.
Extras: Nearby playground when the kids have enough of the water.
Website

Barnett Community Center Sprayground

Where: 1184 Barnett Rd, Columbus 43227
When: tba from 12 pm – 7 pm daily. Sprayground may be monitored for capacity and you may have to wait in a queue before entering. In order to take advantage of the great programs and facilities we offer, you must obtain a Columbus Recreation and Parks Leisure Card
Website

Blackburn Community Center Sprayground

Where: 263 Carpenter St, Columbus 43205
When: tba from 12 pm – 7 pm daily. Sprayground may be monitored for capacity and you may have to wait in a queue before entering. In order to take advantage of the great programs and facilities we offer, you must obtain a Columbus Recreation and Parks Leisure Card
Website

Scioto Southland Community Center Sprayground

Where: 3901 Parsons Ave
When: tba from 12 pm – 7 pm daily. Sprayground may be monitored for capacity and you may have to wait in a queue before entering. In order to take advantage of the great programs and facilities we offer, you must obtain a Columbus Recreation and Parks Leisure Card
Details: Bring a picnic – the park has lots of shade, outdoor fitness center, basketball and tennis courts, and more.
Website

Linden Center for Opportunity Sprayground

Where: 1350 Briarwoord Ave. Columbus, OH 43211
When: tba from 12 pm – 7 pm daily. Sprayground may be monitored for capacity and you may have to wait in a queue before entering. In order to take advantage of the great programs and facilities we offer, you must obtain a Columbus Recreation and Parks Leisure Card
Website

Splash Pad at Plain City Aquatic Center

Where: 213 S Chillicothe St, Plain City, Ohio 43064
When: Follow along on Facebook. Typically open and free to the public before and after pool hours from 8am-10:45am and then from 8pm-10pm, 7days per week. 
Details: The Pool is open (registration required) and splashpad will be a part of pool admission during pool hours. 
Website

North Bank Park

Where: 311 W Long St, Columbus, OH 43215
When: No specific hours as it’s closed to the public during special events (weddings are held there frequently).
Details: Small fountain is great for small children.  No nearby food options, but plenty of seating and shade
Extras: Beautiful view of the Scioto River and Downtown Columbus
Website

Splash Pad at Fryer Park

Where: Fryer Park, 3600 Discovery Dr., outside the Grove City YMCA
When: May 28 through Labor Day.
Monday through Thursday: noon to 8 p.m.
Friday: noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: The bright, colorful interactive water play structures follow Discovery Frontier’s space theme and include a rocket slide and a variety of whimsical spray effects with accessibility for all. There’s lots of other fun in Fryer Park.
Website 

Splashpad at Whitehall John Bishop Park

Where: 4815 Etna Road
When: Open starting Sunday, May 28, 2022
Details: The person making the reservation must be a Whitehall resident, must show proof of address at arrival, and must be present during the reservation. Each household will be assigned one (1) table and one (1) restroom for use during their stay.
Website

Obetz Splash Pad

Where: 4390 Lancaster Avenue 43207 Obetz, OH
When: Memorial Day – Labor Day; Monday – Sunday from 11 AM – 7 PM
Details: Splashpad is only open to kids 12 and under. Individuals under the age of 12 must be accompanied by someone who is 16 years of age or older. Individuals that are 13 years of age or older may enter the Splash Pad if supervising children 6 years of age and under or an individual with special needs. Call 614-409-4409 with any questions.
COST: The Splash Pad is free to residents and non-residents
Additional safety: Household groups limited to 10. Bring your own chair; picnic tables have been removed. Everyone should maintain distance from others.
Website

photo via Obetz website

Worthington Pools Lagoon Splashpad

Where: 400 W Dublin Granville Rd, Worthington OH
When: TBA for 2022; check website for details
Website

Fountain Plaza at Dorrian Green (behind COSI)

50 South Belle St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
website

Polaris Fashion Place

Where: 1500 Polaris Parkway ,Columbus, OH 43240. In the Polaris Lifestyle Center open mall area near Cheesecake Factory and Cantina Laredo
When: tba for 2022
Details: Tons of food options nearby, easy mall parking
Extras: KidX Club hosts events on Fridays during the summer from 10:30 am – noon with characters, crafts, Sunny 95 and more.
Website

Looking to swim instead? There are a few pools open to the public in Columbus and Central Ohio.

Outdoor Public Pools in Columbus