Cathy MerrittToronto mostly has a cool or cold climate, but its summer seasons have gotten more and more brutal in the past years (thanks, climate change!). As such, I have to find creative ways to cool down with my kids, and one of our faves is going to a splash pad.
Splash pads are so underrated, yet so much fun. Getting hit by water jets that randomly spout is exhilarating, and my kids and I can play games like tag without sweating like crazy.
If the Toronto heat is starting to get to you and you’re not in the mood to jump into a swimming pool, you might want to try any of these splash pads instead.
Centreville Amusement Park
From: webbmelanie
Address: 9 Queens Quay W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10:30 am to 7 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14162030405
Centreville Amusement Park is one of the most popular amusement parks in Toronto, and it definitely has many highlights—from a teacup ride that twirls to thrilling rollercoasters. But it also has a splash pad, and it’s the perfect break from all the crazy rides.
The splash pad takes on the appearance of a forest with tree-like structures that rain down water. There are also jets on the ground, so you’re truly getting drenched here. Just make sure you bring extra clothes with you!
| Pro Tips: Another attraction that’s just as fun and might get you wet is the Log Flume. You can host a special event here, and the package already includes catering. |
High Park
From: drlynnwilson
Address: 1873 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163380338
Located in Bloor West Village, High Park is a sprawling public park with lots of attractions. I mean, this place has its own zoo! Recently, I discovered that there’s also a splash pad here, and now it’s one of my go-to summer spots for my children and me.
I love that the splash pad boasts an explosion of bright colours; that really screams “summer.” Many of the structures are also playful in design, like the giant flowers and leaves that shower water.
The splash pad is also surrounded by trees, so there’s a lot of shade, cooling you even further.
| Pro Tip: Other amenities within the park that can cool you down include a wading pool and a large community pool. |
Corktown Common
From: canarydistrict
Address: 155 Bayview Ave
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163922489
Most people know Corktown Common as one of the sites for the annual Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS), but aside from its expansive green spaces, this park also has its own splash pad!
Located on the park’s west side, the splash pad has many features. My favourites are the water cannons because it’s so fun getting blasted by water. There are also spray rings and a large bucket that dumps water, which my kids love.
| Pro Tip: This park also has a natural playground with a sandy area. This is another great spot for your child to have fun during your visit. |
Wychwood Barns Park
From: playatthebarns
Address: 76 Wychwood Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14163384386
The splash pad at Wychwood Barns Park may not seem like much, especially if you compare it to the others on this list. It simply features water sprinklers on the ground with a tunnel made of giant rings that also spout water.
But my goodness, my kids always have a blast every time we come here. It helps that the splash pad is pretty spacious, giving them a lot of room to run around with wild abandon.
I do love to join them in their games, but sometimes, my joints argue. Fortunately, there are benches for me to sit on nearby.
| Pro Tip: Do take note that this splash pad doesn’t have many trees, so there’s hardly any shade. Make sure you apply sunscreen to your kid before they play here. |
Kidstown Water Park
From: manaf.alharbi
Address: 3159 Birchmount Rd, L’Amoreaux Sports Complex, Scarborough
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +14163968326
Located in Scarborough, Kidstown is the only water park that’s actually run and operated by the City of Toronto. And since it’s a water park, you can best believe that the splash pad here absolutely slaps.
I love that the splash pad here looks like your typical playground. The only difference is that there are water spouts and a large bucket hanging overhead the main structure.
Your kids better be quick because otherwise, they’d get dunked on with one big splash of water!
| Pro Tip: This park also has a picnic area, so feel free to bring some snacks and drinks for you and your kids. |
Barbara Hall Park
From: danforthdad
Address: 519 Church St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14163922489
If you’re in downtown Toronto, Barbara Hall Park is a great spot for a splashy respite.
This park is tucked away in a wooded corner, which means it’s pretty cool and shady—perfect for a splash pad. While there are rain showers here, the main highlights are the water jets on the ground because they spout in periodic increments, which makes my kids squeal in delight.
It’s also roomy enough, allowing you and your kids to play games and run around.
| Pro Tip: This park also has an off-leash dog area, so feel free to bring your furry friend with you. |
Maple Claire Park
From: danforthdad
Address: 20 Viella St
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163384386
If I could pick my favourite off this list, it would have to be the splash pad at Maple Claire Park. And my reason is simply that it looks so pretty! The structures are all designed to look like flowers (some remind me of daisies, while others resemble tulips), so it feels like you’re exploring a giant garden.
The water jets here are also exciting. Some only give off mists of water, while others send up arching jets that look aesthetic when captured in a photo. Here, my kids love to pretend that they’re in a floral fantasy land that’s constantly raining.
| Pro Tip: Dogs are allowed here, so feel free to bring your pet. Just make sure that they’re well-behaved and don’t leave any mess. |
Marie Curtis Park
From: torontopfr
Address: 2 Forty Second St, Etobicoke
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163922489
Marie Curtis Park has been one of my go-to places for a family trip simply because it has all the things my kids love: a playground, a splash pad, and its very own sandy beach!
The splash pad, in particular, is so adorable; it has a pelican structure that spews water! My kids love to pretend that they’re fighting the pelican, and whoever gets drenched from the water spewing means they’re “dead.”
In addition to its fun design elements, I like that the splash pad has a gentler side, and by that I mean that the water jets aren’t too aggressive. This side is perfect for toddlers who want to join in the fun.
| Pro Tips: There’s a free parking lot here, so you don’t have to worry about where to park. Sometimes, an ice cream truck passes by this park, so treat yourself and your kids to this sweet, icy snack. |
Oriole Park
From: cariocaintoronto
Address: 201 Oriole Pkwy
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14163384386
Oriole Park, also known as Neshama Playground, is far from a hidden gem, but somehow, it feels like it. The whole park is dotted with trees, so you’ll feel like you’re in the countryside instead of the city.
The splash pad here is actually small, but it’s fun all the same. It has some cool features like a water table and spitting frogs, and the main fountain is pretty powerful. Every time the fountain spews water, we get jump-scared because the pressure is surprisingly aggressive.
This splash pad also has a tiny “river” where the water drains, and the little toddlers love playing in that spot.
| Pro Tip: Other fun elements in the park that you might want to check out include the wading pool and the picnic area. |
Moorevale Park
From: greenwoodpreschoolto
Address: 175 Moore Ave
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +13102010
My kids and I discovered the splash pad at Moorevale pretty recently, but now it’s one of our favourites.
First things first, the splash pad is located in a shaded area, so it feels pretty cool here, even in the dead of summer. I also really like the showers and jets are painted in green and blue; that colour combo evokes a feeling of peace for me.
Another thing that my kids love about this splash pad is that it’s situated right by the playground. So, they can switch between swinging, climbing, and running around on the playground and then cooling off at the splash pad.
| Pro Tip:Dogs are allowed here, so you can bring your pet. Just make sure they don’t leave too much mess. |
Grange Park
From: theberlinfour
Address: Beverley St & McCaul Street
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163928188
The main thing I love about Grange Park is that it looks and feels like a tranquil pastoral setting in the middle of the city. The second thing I love about it is that it has some pretty cool attractions within its premises, such as a splash pad area.
The splash pad here is pretty simple; it just has jets on the ground that you and your children can play with. But it’s set against the backdrop of the city, so you’ll get a nice view. Plus, it’s pretty spacious, so your kids will have a blast running around.
| Pro Tip:If you’re feeling tired, there are rest areas and benches nearby. |
