Everyone in Phoenix with kids knows summer means it’s crucial to have a swim suit and towel in your car at all times. You know, just in case you decide to wander into a luxury resort and dip your toes in their pool and order a margarita! Or, for the times when your friends invite you over for an impromptu play date. And of course, most realistically, when you run to the mall to pick up a new outfit for a bbq or that upcoming summer vacation and your kids spot water shooting our of the ground. Well, whatever the reason is for getting you out of your air conditioned house and into the three digit temps, you’ve gotta keep the kids cool, and the splash pads in Phoenix are my best reward system…
Oh, you ate all your breakfast? Splash pad.
You want to play at the splash pad? Better clean your room.
And most relevant: Mommy really needs just 5 minutes to try these yoga pants on; I promise to let you play at the splash pad.
CityScape
This splash pad is located downtown next to the Palomar Hotel {if you know me, you know I love a local staycation with a rooftop pool and a good bath tub- check back for an upcoming post}. Make sure to park in the CityScape parking garage, go up the elevator and across the street. This splash pad is less crowded, has some shade from tables and umbrellas, along with a solar charging station under a covered seating area. My daughters love this splash pad because the water doesn’t go above their faces, it is oval shaped so they could run in circles, and there were ‘rainbows’ in the water sources {I think this means it was reflective or maybe lights at night}.
Phoenix Zoo
Leapin’ Lagoon is one of the best ways to spend your day at the zoo. It’s hot and the animals are taking naps. So, while they’re resting, the littles can run around and cool off. When doing my research on splash pads, this was one that was unanimously suggested to me. If you have a zoo membership, I’m sure you’ve been!
Luci’s at the Orchard
Nestled in a former citrus orchard, this small but comfy North-Central Phoenix splash pad is found amidst Luic’s at the Orchard. It is the perfect neighborhood watering hole, with a small circle of water features nestled into a cozy courtyard. Splurge, located inside Luci’s at the Orchard is even offering a daily 2 for 1 ice cream special from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.you can enjoy ice cream “water side” on a bar stool outside of the parlor. Get a sugar rush, then splash around!
Andie’s Coffee
Andie’s Coffee is a hidden little gem nestled in the Chaparral Christian Church. It is definitely a place you want to check out. It has a very quaint and welcoming little coffee shop with delicious drinks, some great food options, and kids’ snacks too (individual food pouches, Annie’s snacks, goldfish, etc.). There’s a small splash pad right outside in the courtyard. You’ll find great seating, shade offered by umbrellas, and a wide open space which is great for get-togethers. Check it out this summer!
Scottsdale Quarter
Mama’s favorite splash pad. It’s got great seating if you get there early enough, faux grass on both sides for kids to picnic in, a Lululemon within eye site, and two restaurants with call ahead ordering in the same courtyard. Heeyyyy, True Food and Zinburger!!! Oh, and there is a juice bar {Juby True} and coffee shop {Press} on site. So, it’s pretty much the best outing for a foodie mama like myself. We also walk around to the nearby shops including L’Occitane, Kendra Scott Jewelry, Free People and Lululemon (did I say that already?). The splash pad is open during shopping center hours. Sometimes, they also have afternoon and evening movies, so you can bring some lawn chairs, order dinner, and enjoy some splashing. What better way to spend the summer?
Desert Ridge Marketplace
Newly revamped following a $15 million renovation, the splash pad at Desert Ridge Marketplace is a scenic way to experience free fun with the kids. Slip-free turf ensures a safe play experience for young kids. After the splashy fun, go for a snack, lunch or dinner in the area with options like Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, Smashburger, Rubio’s and more. The splash pad is located near AMC Theatres.
Altadena Park
This splash pad is available from the last Saturday of May through October 1. It’s located near PV Mall. So, you can knock out a Costco Run and grab some In-n-Out burger after your kids are tuckered out. Just keep in mind as far as amenities go there is a playground, but NO Restrooms.
Are there any splash pads in Phoenix you love and frequent regularly that I left off of my list? Please comment below with your go-to spots!
We LIVE at the splashpads all summer here in AZ. My kids LOVE Pioneer Park and Rio Vista especially. We try to pick a “new one” a week to go to:)