Summer days in Florida means finding ways to cool off from the heat and humidity. I thought it would be a great idea to take my boys on a tour of all the best splash pads in Tampa Bay. They had so much fun exploring new areas and playing in the water. This is a great affordable activity because all of the splash pads included are FREE for guests. Check out my guide to get all the details for summer fun!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Most splash pads are open from sunset to sunrise and are usually closed during the colder months of the year. Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, snacks and water in a refillable bottle. Arrive early or later in the day to avoid the extreme heat.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Location: 1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
This splash pad is gated and there’s bathrooms nearby. There are also covered tables for parents to watch their kids or enjoy a snack in between playing in the water. The main feature of the splash pad is a large bucket that pours water on the children. There’s also a playground nearby for children of all ages. Thankfully there’s plenty of seating for parents and caregivers.
Kate Jackson Community Center Fountain
Location: 821 S Rome Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
There’s a small splash pad at this park. It’s located in the historic district of Hyde Park Village. You will find life-size lion statues and fountains that shoot water up from the ground. This sprinkler park has seating nearby for parents or caregivers. There’s also a playground and basketball court nearby if kids are looking for a break from the water. They have bathrooms available for visitors.
The Lake at Coachman Park
Location: 301 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
The splash pad is the perfect solution to beating the heat in Tampa Bay. There are 68 nozzles and four vertical fountains. You can rent one of the two covered picnic pavilions for a birthday party and take advantage of the nearby restrooms. There’s also a pirate-themed playground nearby, which features two towering climbing structures, slides and a catwalk.
St. Pete Pier
Location: 600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The Majeed Foundation splash pad will keep the kids cool in the Florida heat. It is located at the Pier Plaza and features big and small vertical water jets.
Ballast Point Park
Location: 5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
My boys had a lot of fun at this splash pad. It’s a great spot to cool off from the summer heat with the family. There are different water features to create a fun environment for children. We love to walk the pier after enjoying a fun day at this splash pad. There’s also a playground nearby as well as picnic tables.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Location: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
There are two interactive fountains that will keep the kids running around for a long time.
Park Square Splash Pad at Fishhawk Ranch
Location: 6015 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd, Lithia, FL 33547
Beat the Florida heat and let the kids enjoy running around the fountains.
Carrollwood Village Park
Location: 4680 W Village Dr, Tampa, FL 33624
This splash pad is fenced in, which is perfect for safety. There are interactive water features that the kids will love. My boys really enjoyed spending time at this splash pad. There’s plenty of seating for parents and caregivers to watch the kids. The parking lot is nearby so you don’t have to walk far. Restrooms are available for visitors. There’s also a playground nearby and skate park.
Perry Harvey, Sr Park
Location: 1201 N Orange Street, Tampa, FL 33602
This park is located in downtown Tampa. It features bright colorful sculptures as well as a nice splash pad to keep the kids cool.
Springhill Park
Location: 1000 E Eskimo Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
This splash pad is a fenced area for the kids to run around. There are colorful arches for the kids to run through and have fun.
Kiwanis Sprayground Highlander Park
Location: 1940 Ed Eckert Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698
This is one of the best splash pads in the Tampa Bay area! My boys had a great time and didn’t want to leave. It’s a fun interactive splash pad filled with awesome water features to keep the kids cool. Children can slide down the pirate ship or dodge water shooters. There are tumble buckets and flower water showers throughout this splash pad. A lifeguard was on duty at the time of our visit. Not sure if they are always available. The splash pad area is ADA accessible and has a non-slip surface. There’s also a shaded area with plenty of seating for parents. If your child is not potty trained, they must wear a swim diaper and plastic pants.
Check out the video below from our trip to this splash pad!
Northdale Park and Recreation Center
Location: 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33624
The splash pad is smaller than most but it’s perfect for little children. There’s bathrooms nearby as well as a playground. Plenty of seating for parents and caregivers.
Water Works Park
Location: 1710 N Highland Ave, 33602
This is a popular splash pad in Tampa. There’s a huge yellow bucket that dumps a load of water on the kids. Children will enjoy other water features that create an awesome experience for them. There’s also a playground nearby if the kids need a break from the water. Plenty of covered seating for parents and caregivers. There are also bathrooms available for visitors.
Water Cycle Splash Pad at Veterans Memorial Park
Location: 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson, FL 34669
This is one of the newest splash pad in the area. Lots of room for kids to run around and there are different sprinklers. There’s also a large water bucket that pours over the kids when full.
Sims Park
Location: Grand Blvd. & Bank St., New Port Richey, FL
The splash pad is open daily from 9:00 am until 30 minutes before sunset. There are some water features for the kids to have fun. Kids can take a break at the playground nearby.
Tarpon Springs Splash Park
Location: 508 Live Oak St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
My boys thought this splash park was amazing! It’s definitely one of the best splash pads in Tampa Bay. There are several types of spray features that will keep all the children happy. It’s gated which is perfect for the safety of the children. There are mini slides that all kids will enjoy. My boys spent most of their time on the slides. There’s also covered areas for parents to relax while supervising their children.
Check out the video below of my boys having the best time at Tarpon Springs Splash Park.
Want to create summer crafts with the kids? Check out these adorable art projects and fun activities:
Colorful Cardboard Popsicle Craft
