Splashes, splashes, splashes, jumping up and down then running all around, shouts and laughter, and more splashes. That’s a small snippet of the splash pad scene…a drenching one that kids love to experience. Trips to these amazing H2O decks allow littles ones to frolic around under constant streams coming from different directions and enjoy themselves without a care in the world.
We’ve searched far and wide to help their summertime dreams come true with a list of the best splash pads in Boston and beyond. With transportation and supervision arrangements, they could be well on their way to making exciting aquatic memories in no time.
The Best Splash Pads in Boston and Communities Nearby
1) Beaver Brook Reservation Spray Deck and Playground
Let’s splash off with one of the largest spray parks in the Boston area that delivers so much soaking happiness. With a multitude of water sprinkles and enough space to catch showers on the run, plus a fantastic playground for diversifying delight, children are sure to have a field day and make new friends at this popular summer spot. Plenty of benches and picnic tables offer a chance to take a break for a tasty treat before returning for more drenching good times.
2) Soule Recreation Center in Brookline
Conveniently located just a short walk from the “Chestnut Hill” stop on the Green Line (D branch), the splash pad at Soule Playground is a great option for kids to cool down on hot days while pushing the fun meter to the max. Quite a few streams shoot up from the ground while a rotating sunflower and swiveling bucket spray water from overhead. Interesting play structures and well-kept soccer fields add to the activities youngsters can enjoy on their trip to the park.
3) Jean B. Waldstein Playground in Brookline
Before we exit Brookline, let’s make another stop along the D Line to “Reservoir” station, where another wonderful splash pad awaits. We’ve already discussed the in-demand tennis courts at this much-loved neighborhood park in our “Great Tennis Courts in the Boston Area” article, but the drenching spray features might be more popular on sweltering days. With plenty of space to shuffle around and water sprinkles arriving right on time every step of the way, joyful shouting can be heard within a considerable distance of the wet deck.
4) Johnson Playground and Spray Deck in Jamaica Plain
Just steps away from the “Green Street” station along the Orange Line, this splash pad is a terrific choice for kids looking to interact with gentle jets of water coming from every which way. A highly active location during the dog days of summer, little ones will have much companionship to share in their mini aquatic adventures. With generous seating options available, parents can relax and potentially exchange numbers to coordinate future outings to promote their children’s newly formed friendships.
5) John T. Moynihan Spray Deck in Hyde Park
Supplying sprinkles on the south side of the city when heat warnings are in effect, this saturated setting goes above and beyond when it comes to helping youngsters cool off. The spacious surface provides more than enough room to run around with a spinning waterwheel and two buckets pouring H2O from above while numerous nozzles assist from below. A picnic pavilion right next to the spray deck offers a good way to recharge with a nutritious snack before more soaking silliness.
6) McDonald Playground in Waltham
Still maintaining its shiny new look after extensive upgrades a few years ago with plenty of sought-after features contained in a compact package, we’re thoroughly impressed with this community park. Built with rainbow rings and bollards of various heights each contributing hydro streams in their own way, the splash pad might be the most exciting amenity at the corner of Newton and Chestnut. A superb basketball court with futsal nets, workout equipment, and chess tables under an attractive gazebo are some of the other features we love here.
7) Monsignor McCabe Playground in Waltham
We don’t mean to pick on Waltham, but as experts in the field, we can confidently say this Boston suburb has the best selection of splash pads in the metro area. With a sizable blue colored spray zone equipped with water releasing flowers and pitchers that would make any young nautical wanderer proud, this summertime fun spot is worth paying a visit to from any part of town. Guardians can observe their children’s drenching joy from a series of shaded benches on the wet deck’s outer edge while considering going in for one or two splashes themselves.
8) Filippello Playground in Watertown
With BBQ grill on-site (our “Grilling Good Times: Park BBQs in Boston and the Burbs” blog can fill you in on more details) and a straightforward but very effective splash pad, this place checks off multiple warm temperature activity boxes. The wetness comes from 4 yellow arches emitting more gallons per minute than we can count, which deliver a perpetual flow of fun. Kids can splash around on a full belly while adults can tend to the grill for extra servings, because it might be a long day outdoors.
9) Center Recreation Complex in Lexington
A superb park by all accounts, this location comes complete with top-notch tennis courts, a beautiful track and field, outstanding basketball courts, and of course, our favorite feature of them all, a first-rate splash pad. The spray features include a trio of unique overhead pourers plus a tropical tree, all positioned inside of a wading pool for an even wetter experience. Although a seasonal membership is required to access the aquatic facilities, it’s probably well worth it given a capacious pool exists for added relief from the heat.
10) Artesani Playground in Brighton
Sitting right on the banks of the Charles River, this special spot is our favorite spray park in Boston with two wonderful and distinct splash pads. The first soaking zone has H2O spraying from a welcoming waterbird perched above a blue fish and more showers emitting from embedded canoes riding waves…two very cool ways of getting drenched. The second wet deck is a huge area that can accommodate loads of action with wavy poles topped with special shapes that deliver fountains of fun.
A Couple of Last Words
As we’re wrapping up, we hope you’re reading this as the days are getting longer with warm weather on the horizon. Or the hot days are already here, and you’re planning a trip to one of these highly recommended splash pads in the upcoming days…nothing would make us happier. Discover even more spray parks in the Boston area, plus other summertime fun like canoe rentals and nice beaches, with the Parkscape app – available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to download today.
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