These local splash pads are the perfect places to cool off between town tours!
Kids want to splash around but you don’t want to commit to an entire day at the beach? Check out these Long Island splash pads, perfect for a quick cool-down as you’re exploring the suburbs. Located in some of the most sought-after communities on the island, these hotspots are close to everything, from (often-adjacent) parks and playgrounds to cute downtowns and great places to grab a bite. Here’s where to start:
Blumenfeld Family Park (Port Washington)
Always popular with the local preK and elementary school crowd, Blumenfeld Park has it all, including an almost-constant ice cream rotation. Our advice? Let kids run around the massive playground onsite, which includes slides for big and little kids, then hit the splash pad to cool off and clean up.
The splash pad is open from Fathers Day to Labor Day so you’ve got plenty of time to swing by. And as you’re watching the kids, hunker down on one of the benches or bring your own chair on weekends — the perimeter of the splash pad is well-shaded.
If you’re looking for more to do with the kids, the public library is just a short walk from the park. They even host storytime in the park throughout the week.
Children’s Park (Rockville Centre)
Rockville Centre’s newly-renovated spray park features multiple fountains that spray at the push of a button. The spray park is part of the Recreation Center in Veteran’s Park and is close to the Smart Playground. Scan QR codes around the playground to unlock different stories and games tied to the fairytale-themed equipment.
Cantiague Park (Hicksville)
This huge park in Hicksville is the place to go for tons of different outdoor activities including mini-golf and baseball. The park is also home to a pool complex including two Olympic-sized pools, diving boards, and water slides. The kids can also play at the splash pad area, which has a jungle gym and water features.
Eisenhower Park (East Meadow)
Did you know Long Island has a park that’s even bigger than Central Park? Eisenhower Park in East Meadow is a massive outdoor space where you do just about anything from hitting the golf courses (there are two 18-hole courses onsite) to tackling the biking, jogging, and walking trails that criss-cross the park, to mini-golf, batting cages, tennis, ice skating, swimming, cricket, and endless summer events — movies, music, live performances, and more.
And if the kids want to cool off? From Memorial Day to Labor Day the splash pad is open, with tons of fun spray and sprinkler features. Head to the playground areas at Field 2 — access is free all season long.
Phelps Lane Pool (Babylon)
This spray park is always a hit. In a shallow pool, they’ll find a colorful climbing structure with a bridge, slide, and multiple sprinkles shooting water in different directions. And the longer they stand around splashing, the more likely they are to be underneath a big bucket of water as it pours down on splash pad-goers.
Part of Babylon’s public pool, visitors can pay a small fee to access the entire facility — and with that, get access to chairs, umbrellas, and an onsite concession stand.
Clark Street Playground (Long Beach)
Long Beach’s waterfront playground is a favorite all year long — but it’s even more popular when the splash park is open. From fountains that spray from the ground and from above to rings that spray kids as they dive through, there are endless ways to make a splash. And if you really want to dive in? Long Beach is home to one of the best beaches and boardwalks (with an amazing food truck scene) on Long Island. Grab a day pass and head over.
Need a pick-me-up post-splash pad? Stop by one of the local cafes, like Gentle Brew or Coffee Nut, on your way. Their iced coffee and cold brew are some of the best around.
Grant Park (Hewlett)
Grant Park offers a playground, jogging path, and tennis courts — but during the hot summer days, the splash pad is the big draw. Kids can run through fountains and other spray features while parents kick back and relax — the perimeter of the splash pad is lined with lots of well-shaded benches. And when you’re done? Stop by Hewlett Station Yogurt for a cone.
Wantagh Park (Wantagh)
Locals love to beat the heat at Wantagh Park. There’s an Olympic-sized pool with a diving board plus a baby pool for the youngest in your crew.
The interactive splash pad area is especially popular. Kids can slide down the two water slides or climb on the play structure set in a shallow wading pool. And with plenty of sprinklers, fountains, and water buckets, they’ll no doubt find their favorite features fast.
But the water area is just one great feature. Wantagh Park also has a fishing pier, boat launch, dog park, and mini-golf course.
Make the most of the summer by exploring the suburbs. Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in! Reach out today and we’ll help you map out the towns — and splash pads — to add to your list.