30 BEST Splash Pads in Michigan to Beat the Summer Heat
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Summer is a great time to get out and explore all the Mitten State has to offer. But Michigan summers can also get hot and if you’re looking for a way to cool off, there are numerous splash pads in Michigan that can provide the perfect remedy.
If you’re looking for splash pads in Michigan, you don’t have to go far to find one. There are splash pads and water parks all around the state. They can be the perfect spot for a day trip or a refreshing addition to a summer vacation in Michigan.
Great Splash Pads in the Upper Peninsula
Wawatam Lighthouse — St. Ignace
Located right on the St. Ignace waterfront, Chief Wawatam Park is right next to the Wawatam Lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy the splash pad at the park and check out the lighthouse and a cool human sundial.
The Best Splash Pads in Northern Michigan
Clinch Park
111 E. Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City
This cool Traverse City splash pad has multiple fun features and even a rope climb area. It’s perfect for kids who may be feeling a little uneasy about exploring the big lake.
It operates daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is open from the end of May through Labor Day.
Starlite Beach
1302 S State Ave. Alpena
Located right along Lake Huron, the splash park at Mich-e-ke-wis Park has been going strong since 2018 and is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. It’s got several features, including a giant bucket that fills and douses children playing there.
There’s also a pavilion area, beach access, and restrooms, so you have all you need for a beach day.
The splash park is open seasonally from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Oscoda Beach Park
201 E. River Rd, Oscoda
Oscoda Beach Park sits just a few blocks from downtown and is the go-to spot for summer fun.
There’s a small splash pad there as well as a playground, a basketball court, and a skate park, so there are lots of opportunities for kids to have fun and burn off some energy.
Park at Water’s Edge
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville
Crystal Mountain‘s Park at Water’s Edge is an outdoor water park paradise.
This water playground offers something for kids of all ages to enjoy. There’s a 4,200-square-foot pool, an aquatic playground, water basketball, and so much more.
If you’re visiting for the day, passes are available for a price and are limited in quantity. If you’re staying at Crystal Mountain as a guest, the outdoor pool is complimentary.
Great Splash Pads and Water Parks in West Michigan
Richmond Park
963 Richmond St. NW, Grand Rapids
Located on Grand Rapids’ northwest side, this is definitely a water park worth visiting.
The large pool here features a really cool waterslide, no depth entry, and even has a lift. Kids can get it on the fun too at a mushroom fountain located near the pool.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Splash and Spray Park
1000 E. Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s also a great spot to cool off from the summer heat.
The Great Lakes Garden here features a water play area where kids can cool off on a hot day or float boats on the water. There’s also a small nearby fountain that younger kids can splash around in.
There is a fee required for admission and the park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days during the summer months.
Millennium Park
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker
If you’re looking for a splash park in Michigan on the west side of the state, the splash pad at Millennium Park is one you don’t want to miss.
The splash pad is completed enclosed and there are multiple chances for kids to get wet. They can run through a ring tunnel or get splashed by a dump bucket, among many other features.
Admission prices vary depending on age and season passes are available too. It’s open seasonally from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Highland Park
700 College NE, Grand Rapids
This is a different sort of splash pad that’s packed full of fun. Rather than dump buckets and usually features, all the features here come directly out of the ground.
That means water bends in the air, creating all kinds of arches for kids to run through.
Admission is free and the splash pad is open from June through September.
Michigan’s Adventure
4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon
Michigan’s favorite outdoor waterpark near Lake Michigan shoreline truly offers something for everyone.
Name an outdoor water activity and you’ll find it at Michigan’s Adventure WildWater Adventure Park: a lazy river, a lagoon, water slides for kids of all ages, Boogie Beach with its wave pool, and so much more.
The park opens on Memorial Day and is open until Labor Day. Information on tickets and passes can be found here.
Pinewood Park
2000 Wolfbro Dr SE, Kentwood
The splash pad here is great for kids of all ages to cool off. Toddlers can play on rotating frogs that gently spray water. Older kids can play in the taller features and fountains.
Admission is free and the splash pad is open from May through October.
Awesome Splash Pads and Water Parks in Mid Michigan
Hawk Island Splash Pad
1601 E. Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing
The splash pad here has more than a dozen different features, so kids can dump, splash and spray to their heart’s content. There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day.
The splash pad is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. The splash pad is free, but you’ll have to pay a fee to enter the park.
Hunter Park Pool and Splash Pad
1400 Kalamazoo St., Lansing
This park and splash pad is very kid-friendly. The pool is big and is a zero-depth entry pool, which is perfect if you’re trying to get your youngsters comfortable with swimming.
The splash pad is located right off the pool and there’s even a rock climbing wall at the deep end of the pool.
The pool and splash pad are open during the summer only, from 1-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. from June 13-August 21, as well as August 27-29.
East Lansing Family Aquatic Center
6400 Abbot Rd #422, East Lansing
This recently reopened outdoor water park is a youngster’s dream.
There are water slides, a splash pad, a toddler slide, a diving board and so much more. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, this is the perfect spot in East Lansing.
The center is open from July 15 to September 5 and is open Monday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is an admission that can vary if you’re a resident or non-resident of East Lansing.
St. Johns Spray Park
805 W. Park Street, St. Johns
Located inside St. Johns City Park, this spray park was built to replace a pool that was closed due to aging and low attendance.
The splash park has several features for kids to enjoy and admission is free.
Splash Pad at The Cascades
1400 S. Brown St., Jackson
With more than a dozen water features, this is a splash pad paradise for youngsters looking for water fun. The highlight of the splash pad is its giant dumping bucket.
The splash pad is located in a fenced-in area and there are lounge chairs and concessions nearby.
The normal splash pad hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Additionally, Wednesdays have extended hours.
Admissions vary and season passes and group rates are also offered.
Refreshing Pads and Parks to Explore in East Michigan
Lakeside Park
3870 Gratiot Ave, Port Huron
This splash pad on the Lake Huron shore is very cool and features water features that pay homage to Port Huron and local sites such as the Blue Water Bridge and Fort Gratiot.
The splash pad is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a beach pass is required to park at the beach.
Bird Creek Park
8746-8774, Lake St, Port Austin
This new addition to the park opened in 2021 and already seems to be a hit. There’s a dump bucket and many other features to appeal to kids of all ages.
Once you’re done splashing around, check out the park’s wooden boardwalk, playground, and of course, beach access.
Spray by the Bay
3582 State Park Dr, Bay City
Youngsters will delight in this spray park, which is located inside Bay City State Park. There are multiple features to have fun with and there are lots of other fun activities to do at the park as well.
This spray park opened on Memorial Day and will stay open until Labor Day. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. A recreation pass is required to enter the park.
Celebration Park
1830 Fordney St., Saginaw
There’s a lot to enjoy here and three different sections tailored to different activity levels and age levels.
Discovery Bay offers features like misters and fountains for toddlers for first water play fun. Adventure Bay is catered to young kids with water fountains showers, dumping buckets, and more. Action Bay is for older kids and has adjustable water soakers, spray cannons, and bigger features.
The splash park is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer.
Haithco Park
2121 Schust Rd., Saginaw Township
This recently opened park features a splash pad and playground with a nature theme, featuring animals native to Michigan and water-spouting trees.
The pad is also close to a 40-acre man-made lake and is open during the summer from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Splash Pads and Water Parks to Visit in Southwest Michigan
Florence Street Splash Pad
534 Florence St, Kalamazoo
If you’re looking for a splash pad for kids in Southwest Michigan, this is a fun one.
The pad was recently updated with a rubberized surface and new water features. The water starts flowing with the push of a button.
Admission is free and the pad is open from 10 a.m. until dusk.
Perrigo Splash Pad
189 Riverfront Plz, Allegan
This is a fun addition to the Allegan Riverfront Boardwalk and features a long pad with fountains and plenty of squirting water. Rainbow-colored chairs are spread along the side of the pad when it’s time to rest.
The pad is open manually from Memorial Day through Labor Day, admission is free and operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
River Oaks County Park
9202 E. Michigan Ave. (M-96), Galesburg
There are separate pads here for tots and bigger kids. There are all the features and buckets kids know and love plus multiple play structures.
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and a county park fee is required for admission.
City of Zeeland Splash Park
S Elm St, Zeeland
This pad’s got multiple tunnels to run through and is barrier-free, so everyone can enjoy it. There are features for kids of all ages and an observation deck where parents can keep an eye on their youngsters.
The pad is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Awesome Splash Pads and Water Parks in Metro Detroit/Southeast Michigan
Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center
40151 E. Huron River Dr, Belleville
If you’re looking for a splash park in Michigan that’s easy to get to in Metro Detroit, this is a great place to spend an afternoon.
The park has something that everyone in the family can enjoy. There’s a lazy river
Heritage Park Splash Pad
24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
Heritage Park just may be one of the best-kept secrets in Metro Detroit. The splash zone features spray fountains and sprayers, and there’s a snack area located nearby.
Flodin Park
43399 Saltz Rd, Canton
This is a cute little splash pad with features designed to appeal to younger and older children during the hot summer months.
The splash pad area is close to a playground and is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Riverside Park
3311 Squirrel Ct., Auburn Hills
Kiddos can feel the summer vibes here with plenty of ground sprays and colorful beach ball features.
The splash pad is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and admission is free. It’s open from 2-6 p.m. daily.
Kensington Metropark
4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford
If you’re sitting at home wondering, where is there a splash pad near me, Kensington Metropark has you covered.
Kensington is one of the area’s most well-known attractions and the Splash ‘n’ Blast area features a spray ground, two 240-foot waterslides, cannons, and much more.
It’s open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Start Having Fun at a Michigan Splash Pad or Outdoor Water Park
In Michigan, you never have to ask yourself, where are the splash playgrounds near me? The answer is simple: they’re all around you.
No matter if you go north, south, east, or west, you’ll find a splash pad or outdoor water park that’s perfect for a day of family fun. Summer weather in the Mitten State can be very enjoyable, but when you need relief from the heat, a water park or splash pad is the perfect remedy.
So grab your trunks and bathing suits, pack up your towels and sunscreen, and hit the road to find a Michigan splash park today!