Splash pads are great. They’re fun! No two are ever quite the same. Most of all, they’re safe for kids of any age. Babies can play at a splash pad as easily as tweens. The Orlando area is full of both private and public splash pads. Some are large and ornate, and others are small and simple. Some are free, and some require a small fee. Here are some of my family’s favorite splash pads around town(ish)!
1.) Dr. Phillips Community Park (Orlando)
I’ll start with the best. This is not only a large, clean, beautiful splash pad, but it’s located in proximity to the theme parks. This makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, and it also gives the park an amazing view! Across the nearby lake, you can spot both the SeaWorld tower and the Orlando Eye. Depending on the day of the week and season, you may need to pay $1 per person to enter the splash pad area. The play area is huge, and it’s divided into a smaller, more tame area for younger children and a larger, more intense area for the older kids. There’s plenty of seating and shade, and there’s a playground right next door if your kids get tired of the water. There’s also a picnic pavilion located in the same park.
Address:
8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd Orlando, FL 32836
Hours (as of August 2019):
March – October 10am-2pm; 3pm-7pm
November – February 10am-2pm; 3pm-5pm
Cost: $1 or free depending on the day of the week and holiday schedule
2.) Children’s Splash Park (Tavares)
Two things separate Children’s Splash Park from the other venues listed here. With its seaplane decor, it’s the only themed splash pad on the list. (Appropriate, since you can also watch the seaplanes take off and land within view of the park.) Additionally, it’s the most expensive at $2 per person. It’s definitely smaller than some of the other splash pads, and there isn’t as much available seating. However, this is the only splash park on the list with a real (although small) slide. There’s a large playground in the same area. The park is located near many local restaurants and attractions, so it’s easy to make the splash park part of an afternoon excursion!
Address:
100 E Ruby St Tavares, FL 32778
Hours:
Varies with the year and season
Cost: $2/person
3.) Downey Park (Orlando)
This splash pad is located towards the east side (UCF area) of Orlando. It costs $1 per person, depending on the season. It’s not huge, and it doesn’t have a smaller area for toddlers It’s also not located near a downtown area like the Tavares splash park. However, it’s still an awesome play area with varied water features for kids to explore. There’s plenty of shade and seating for the adults, and there’s a large playground in the same park. Because it is a less convenient location in terms of the attractions and other entertainment, it can also be one of the less crowded splash pad options.
Address:
10107 Flowers Ave Orlando, FL 32825
Hours (as of August 2019):
March – October 10am-2pm; 3pm-7pm
Cost: $1/person
November -February 10am-2pm; 3pm-5pm
Cost: Free
4.) Downtown Winter Garden Splash Park (Winter Garden)
The only free splash pad on this list, the Downtown Winter Garden Splash Park is not as intricate as the others mentioned. There are no structures to run through or slides to enjoy, but kids seem to enjoy the dancing water just the same. This splash pad is located in the heart of downtown Winter Garden, so again there are plenty of restaurants and other ways to fill out an afternoon. Because of its location, the splash pad is also convenient to several annual festivals and the weekly farmer’s market. However, because it less controlled than the other locations, it can get a little dirty. There’s no playground in the immediate vicinity. There also isn’t as much seating as you’ll find at the other splash pads, but it’s still a great addition to a Winter Garden day!
Address:
119 S Lakeview Ave Winter Garden, FL 34787
Hours (as of August 2019):
Daily from 9am-9pm
Cost: Free
