Why Splash Pads are a Great Summer Outing for Kids

Families need a way to beat the summer heat, and Boston splash pads are a FREE summer activity! Not only can you stretch your 2025 summer budget, but you don't have to venture far to find Boston parks with splash pads.

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Be sure to check the hours of operation before you venture out to these Boston parks with splash pads. It's always a great idea to bring a change of clothing (and some waterproof sunscreen, too). And non-slip water shoes are a great way to avoid scrapes. And tight-fitting swim diapers are required for the majority of these Greater Boston splash pads.

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The Canal Fountains are perfect for little kids who just want to get their feet wet. Photo courtesy of Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

1. Rose Kennedy Greenway Fountains—Chinatown, Wharf District, and North End

The Rose Kennedy Greenway runs through the city, featuring multiple fountains. The Greenway fountains, listed below from north to south, are available for splashing through early October; the park is open from 9 am to 11 pm. 

• Rings Fountain—Greenway at Central Street
  64 nozzles shoot up in the air and create circles of vertical water.

• Canal Fountains—Greenway at Salem Street (North Canal Fountain) and Greenway at North Street (South Canal Fountain)
  The Canal fountains run along the North and South lawns of the Parks. These fountains are perfect for smaller children, who just want to get their feet wet.

• Chinatown Stream Fountain—Surface Road and Beach Street
  The bamboo-lined, rocky stream in Chinatown is best for older kids.

• Harbor Fog Sculpture
  The contemporary, interactive sculpture takes cool to the next level. Movement activates and cool, foggy mist. Perfect for kids who don't want to get soaked but need a refreshing escape from the summer sun.

2. Dorothy Curran Playground — South Boston

This nautically-themed playground has some of the coolest water features in town: several large seaweed sculptures that spray kids down when the weather heats up. It's the perfect spot to keep the kiddos nice and cool. The park is open from 10 am to 7 pm and maintains public restrooms.

3. Artesani Playground Spray Deck and Wading Pool—Brighton

​The small, nicely maintained DCR playground has a spray deck and wading pool for cooling off. The spray deck is open through early September, while the wading pool is open Saturday and Sunday through August. The spray deck is open from 8 am to 8 pm, while the wading pool is open from 10:15 am to 5:45 pm. The park has a picnic area and restrooms.

 
Mattapan's Ryan wading pool and splash pad are perfect for summer fun! Photo courtesy of Ryan Wading Pool and Playground 

4. Ryan Wading Pool and Playground—Mattapan

The water features at this next one are extensive. Not only is there a substantial wading pool, but there are several spray features in the shapes of animals. Ryan Wading Pool is open daily from mid-June to late August, from 10:15 am to 5:45 pm with (historically) extended hours on Thursdays in July and August. This park has shaded benches and restrooms as well.

5. Stony Brook Spray Deck—Jamaica Plain

This small neighborhood spray deck is part of the Stony Brook Playground. It's open daily from late May to early September, from 8 am to 8 pm.

6. Johnson Playground Spray Deck—Jamaica Plain

Like Stony Brook, this is small neighborhood spray deck is part of the Johnson Playground. It's open daily from late May to early September, from 8 am to 8 pm.

7. Alfond Memorial Spray Deck—West End

You may not be able to dive into the Charles River, but you can cool down on its shores at the Alfond Memorial Spray Deck. The park is open from 8 am to 8 pm, and the park has a playground and picnic tables.

8. Olsen Swimming Pool and Spray Deck—Hyde Park

With brightly colored spray features, this splash pad is big enough for everyone who needs to cool down on hot days. The spray deck is open from mid-June to mid-August, from 11:15am to 6:45 pm.

9. Frog Pond, Boston Common—Beacon Hill

Cooling off at Frog Pond is a Boston tradition. From late June through Labor Day weekend, children ages 12 and under can cool off in the Frog Pond Spray Pool, open daily at 11 am. 

10. Splash Fountain, Christian Science Plaza—Back Bay

This splash pool and fountain area that includes evening lighting is open daily, 9 am to 9 pm, weather permitting. The fountain is on the Belvidere Street side of the plaza.

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11. Coolidge Playground—Brookline

At Coolidge Playground, water shoots out of what looks like a volcano, which is a big hit with the little ones. Nestled into a quiet residential neighborhood, the park also has walking paths and a dog park.

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Cambridge has some of Greater Boston's most creative splash pads. Kemp Park in Cambridge, photo by Frankie D., courtesy of Yelp

13. Alexander W. Kemp Playground—Cambridge

This super unique playground Cambridge Common (it’s built of natural materials) has a splash pad and water wheel with attached water tables.

14. Danehy Park—Cambridge

In addition to playgrounds, open green space, and paths, Danehy Park has a large spray deck that’s perfect for cooling off on hot days.

16. Foss Park/Latta Brothers Memorial Pool—Somerville

A large, colorful splash pad with inviting vertical jets of various sizes opened last summer in Foss Park, near the popular Latta Brothers Memorial Pool. The spray deck is open from 8 am to 8 pm, and the pool is open from 11:15 to 6:45; restrooms are on site.

17. Chuckie Harris Park—Somerville

The innovative water feature at Chuckie Harris Park isn't the only cool thing about this park; there's also a multi-person slide and plenty of green space. 

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The rock features make Beaver Brook feel a little like a natural spring. Photo by aslava via Instagram.

18. Beaver Brook Spray Deck and Playground—Belmont

There are a lot of fun water features in the Beaver Brook Spray Deck as well as a playground and lots of green space to explore in the Beaver Brook Reservation (a favorite for dogs and their humans). Tip: The rocks in the water area get slippery, so have your little ones wear water shoes with tread. The spray deck is open from 8 am to 8 pm.

19. North Union Spray Park–Arlington

This multi-use park has a baseball field, basketball court, playground, and a huge splash pad. Parking is available, and the park provides portable restrooms in the summer.

20. Petersen Splash Pad at Watson Park–Braintree

This 4,000-square-foot splash pad provides big relief for hot days on the South Shore. Kids will love the brightly colored water features. The surrounding park has a playground and athletic fields as well as trails and views of the Monatiquot River.

21. McDonald Playground–Waltham

This splash park features run-through water arches and sprinkling snakes. Kids will also love the adjoining playground where they can run around and dry off. 

22. Lazazzero Playground –Waltham

The playground and splash pad are fully-fenced which is great for little wanderers. 

Originally published 2016, updated annually