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The season of sun is upon us and that means water–and lots of it! We’ve pulled together the Denver-area’s best Splash Pads and Water Parks.
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Denver’s Best Splash Pads and Spray Fountains
Arvada
Ralston Central
Arvada now boasts two popular splash pads. One is located in Olde Town Arvada (57th and Olde Wadsworth) adjacent to the library so be sure to pop in for storytime or head over to Scrumptious for some ice cream and old-time candy. The Ralston Central Spray Park (5850 Garrison Street, Arvada) boasts two great playgrounds, pavilions, fields for playing in or you can splash around in Ralston Creek. Though not technically a spray fountain, Squiggles, an Interactive Sculpture Park at the Arvada Center, has a fun water feature.
Aurora
There are a handful of great spray parks in Aurora. Great Plains Spray Park (20100 E. Jewell Avenue) is a 50-acre park with a playground, 2 reservable shelters, outdoor water sprayground, large open field and basketball. Red-tailed Hawk Park (23701 E. Hinsdale Way) ha 35 acres with a large playground, open field and wetland boardwalk.The Del Mar Park and Family Aquatic Center is part of the 39.9-acre Del Mar Park (12000 E. Sixth Avenue) with an adjacent spray park playground. Southlands Spray Park (, 6155 S Main Street #260) is right in front of the theater, with benches and grassy areas for picnicking. A very popular spot, especially on “Free Movie” days.
Boulder
The Pop Jet Fountain Pearl Street Mall in Boulder is a fantastic place for famlies to play, shop or eat with plenty of street perfomers to keep you entertained. The free Tebo Train runs up and down the Pearl Street Mall most weekday mornings so All Aboard!
Great Plains
Brighton
Benedict Park not only has a great spray park but also disc golf, soccer fields, a playground and more. 1855 Southern Street, Brighton.
Centennial Center Park
Centennial
Named “Best Playground” in 5280’s Top of the Town issue, 11-acre Centennial Center Park (13050 E. Peakview Avenue) has some of the best features around with water fun, a rope jungle gym, massive multi-story fort, rock climbing wall and plenty of shade to bring that picnic lunch.
Denver
Denver has several spray fountains. Start with the Wynkoop Plaza ( 1701 Wynkoop Street) at Denver Union Station and grab an ice cream at Milkbox Ice Cream Creamery as you explore LoDo’s many delights. Stapleton Central Park (8801 M.L.K. Jr Blvd) is Denver’s third largest park and has a variety of fountains with a Dr. Seuss-inspired playground. Barnum Park (360 Hooker Street) is another option for summertime fun, as are the Stapleton Town Center Fountains (29th Avenue and Roslyn Street) with side-by-side fountains. The next time you go to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and City Park, cool off in the H2Odyssey Fountain (2001 Colorado Boulevard) and enjoy the sprawling playground and paddleboat rentals. There is something for everyone at Parkfield Lake Park located at 53rd and Chambers with shore-line and walking trails, sports fields, skate and wheels arena, playground climbing wall, water spray-ground. Tucked between the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton building and Mad Greens, dip you toe in the simple and super fun spray pad maintained by the DAM.
Cornerstone Park
Englewood
Cornerstone Park ( 5150 S. Windermere Street) is a great area that also has sports fields, mini-golf, an inline skating rink, batting cages, a 1-mile trail and playgrounds.
Erie
The Erie Community Center (450 Powers Street) doesn’t just do a splash pad, it does a Spray Garden. Overachievers.
Golden
With aquatic amusements like body and tube water slides, spray fountains, lap pool and beach-like sand area, you’ll be in H20 heaven at the Splash at Fossil Trace, 3151 Illinois Street. Insider tip: it’s not a spray fountain but we love dipping our toes in Clear Creek and watching the kayakers at the Clear Creek Whitewater Park.
Greenwood Village
Westlands Park
The award-winning Westlands Park includes three play areas sized for toddlers to teens. There are two large climbing structures that satisfy both the technical climber as well as the inexperienced child. In addition to the main play area, there are three multi-use playing fields, an in-line hockey rink, a natural water sculpture, a pond and a hike/bike trail. 5701 South Quebec Street.
Highlands Ranch
The tree-dotted grounds of Civic Green Park (9370 S Ridgeline Boulevard) is not only gorgeous but has awesome picnic areas, playground, gardens and more.
Lakewood
Surf’s up at Surfside Spray Park (5330 W 9th Avenue) where you’ll find one main splash pad and a second splash pad designed for smaller children, both of which offer plenty of fountains and water fun. Looking for a way to cool off in the summer? Look no further than the spray park at Ray Ross Park (680 S Harlan Street) designed to look like a baseball diamond. Another great option is Carmody Park at 2200 S Kipling Street.
Surfside Spray Park
Thornton
Carpenter Park, located at 3498 E. 112th Ave., directly behind the Carpenter Recreation Center has something for everyone with a spray park, amphitheater, carousel, boathouse, playground, trails and skate park.
Westminster
Carol Butts Park (4201 W. 94th Avenue) is an expansive 32-acre community park with an outdoor swimming pool, Slapshot Hockey Center, iIn-line skating and sports fields. A favorite free activity is running through the fountains at Westminster Promenade Fountains (10655 Westminster Boulevard ); cross the pedestrian bridge (near the Westin Hotel) and the Promenade Terrace Waterfalls for even more fun! The Orchard Shopping Center (14697 Delaware Street) has Splash Pad Fountains for cooldowns before and after shopping. Nottingham Park is a massive London-themed play structure. There aren’t any fountains but your kids will love exploring the stream. The 5.9-acre Irving Street Interactive Water Feature (7392 Irving Street) is adjacent to the library home so be sure to indulge in puzzles, games and books in the kid room prior to getting wet.
Wheat Ridge
Discovery Park (7500 W 29th Avenue) includes walking trails, a skate park, a large pavilion and several smaller shelters, age-appropriate playgrounds, a splash pad, youth climbing wall and slide, a wet sand play area, a play creek, “porch” swings, mountain views, sports practice field, permanent restroom, drinking fountain, and a public art sculpture.
Colorado Summer Vacation Guide Additional Resources
Denver Summer Activity Guide (200+ ideas)
Colorado Summer Family Vacation Guide 2021
Crested Butte’s Mountain Paradise for Families
Royal Gorge: The Ultimate Colorado Escape for Denver Families (with the coolest lodge in Colorado)
10 Best Places to Camp in Colorado
Kids Guide to Camping in Colorado’s Mountain Towns
Colorado Road Trip: 26 Scenic Byways and Small Towns to Visit This Summer!
Colorado’s Top Five Lodging Suggestions
25 great fishing ponds in Denver
Denver’s best biking trails for kids
15 Fun and Quirky Roadside Attractions in Colorado
Denver Mountain Parks: Family Fun for Denver Families
Best of Summer – Visit Leadville and Twin Lakes
Top 10 Summer Adventures for Colorado Families
2019 Summer Vacation in Colorado: 75+ ideas for families
Colorado Summer Vacation Guide
2019 Denver Summer Activity Guide (150+ ideas!)
Family travel: Top 8 Family Vacations
Guide to Denver’s Splash Parks and Spray Fountains
Best Hikes for Kids in the Denver area
Where to pull of I-70 when you’re stuck in traffic (fun activities and restaurants)
10 of Colorado’s most scenic waterfall hikes
10 Beautiful Places in Colorado You Didn’t Know About
Borrow a Colorado State Parks Pass from Your Library
Yurt Village at Snow Mountain Ranch is Star-lit Fun
Cool Off This Summer at Colorado’s Best Beaches
A Local’s Guide to Gunnison’s Magical Summers
Best Denver-area Parks for Beginner Trail Runners (and hikers)
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
