Summertime is my favorite season in Colorado! There is so much to do and the weather is pretty much perfect. People move here to ski, but stay for the summer and all it has to offer. My kids and I go on adventures to explore museums, farmers markets, parks, and other outdoor attractions during the summer months, but our favorite thing to do is head to the splash pad. Fortunately, Denver has an abundance of splash pads. Here are some of our favorites:
The Splash at Fossil Trace
This splash pad is the closest to our house, so it’s become our favorite. There’s a little slide and wading area for babies. The zero entry pool puts moms’ minds at ease as toddlers waddle in, and with a separate splash area next to the sand pit, you can’t go wrong. Just rinse those kiddos off after the sand. We love the dump buckets, spray cannons, and all the shade. There is an entry fee, but you can bring your own food in to enjoy under all of the shaded covers.
Centennial Center Park
This is hands down one of the best splash pads and parks in Denver. It’s so big and has so much to offer kids and parents. There is a sand pit alongside the water area, and then if you’re up for going over to the park area, the kids can continue to wear themselves out by playing on all the equipment. My kids love the tree house and climbing to the top. With a great shaded area, we bring our own picnic and just chill with the kids on a hot summer day. Get there early! This place fills up fast.
Barnum Park
This is a hidden gem near the stadium downtown. The pool is completely separate from the splash area, which puts moms’ minds at ease. They have a splash pad for toddlers (baby-5) and then one for older kids (5-12). I love that I can sit on the hill in the shade and watch my little ones play. This park isn’t too busy, which is nice when you have younger kids. From dump buckets to spray guns, this park is sure to please.
Carpenter Park
This Thorton park is a hidden gem and one of our favorite splash pads. The water area is just fountains, but the park is so fun, it makes up for the fact that there are no fancy spray cannons or buckets. The kids love to run from one area to the next after running through the water. Besides the playground, there is a boathouse and a carousel! There are also various sports courts, which makes it easy to spend the whole day there wearing the kids out.
If you go down to the Sand Dunes this summer, you need to stop by Walsenburg Water Park. We love that part of Colorado and visit once a year. Their zero entry area with a play structure in the middle is so fun for the kids. It’s a great reprieve from the car ride, has a concession stand if you’ve run out of road trip snacks, and a lazy river. I am excited to go back so the kids finally slide with mom!
Some of our other favorite splash parks are Highlands Ranch Civic Green Park, Ralston Central Park and Splash Pad, Stapleton Central Park and Surfside Spray Park. This summer we’re also hoping to check out the new park in Colorado Springs, John Venezia Community Park. Water runs from 10 am – 6 pm, and you can’t go wrong with a spraying tractor! So bring some friends, pack a picnic, and visit some of the best splash pads Colorado has to offer!
What is your favorite splash pad to visit in Denver?
