Written by:
The Play District
When the summer heat hits Southern Arizona, there’s no better way to cool off and have fun than visiting a splash pad. These family-friendly waterplaygrounds offer a refreshing escape for children and adults alike. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the top splash pads in Southern Arizona,sectioned by different areas of town, and highlight their unique features. Get ready for a splashing good time!
Crossroads at Silverbell District Park Splash Pad
7548 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743
This spacious splash pad features various interactive water features, including dumping buckets, water cannons,and spray arches. It also has shaded seating areas for parents and caregivers to relax while keeping an eye on their little ones.
Oro Valley Aquatic Center Splash Pad (Pictured below)
23 W Calle Concordia, Oro Valley, AZ 85704
Located within the Oro Valley Aquatic Center,this splash pad offers a vibrant and colorful water play area. Kids can enjoy water tunnels, spray features, and ground jets. The Aquatic Center also includes a lap pool and diving area for older swimmers. *There is an entrance fee.
Marana Heritage River Park Splash Pad
12375 N Heritage Park Dr, Marana, AZ85653
Located in Marana, the Heritage River Park splash pad is a popular destination for families seeking water fun. It offers an interactive water play area with spray features, fountains, and waterjets. The park also includes picnic areas, a walking path, and access to the Santa Cruz River.
NEW! Naranja Park Splash Pad
810 W Naranja Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
This spash pad, which just opened in May 2024 includes many water features including a small slide and ample shade.
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (pictured below)
3482 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park boasts a fantastic splash pad with an array of water features, such as water cannons, geysers, and a giant water bucket that pours down on delighted children. The park itself also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths.
Catalina Park
900 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
Catalina Park’s splash pad provides a refreshing oasis in the heart of Tucson. The splash pad includes water sprayers,jets, and misting features to keep everyone cool. The park itself offers shaded areas, picnic spots, and a playground.
Tucson Jewish Community Center
3800 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718
When the heat can’t be beat, it’s time to hit the splash pad! Lots of colorful spraying apparatuses plus a mini slide make this a fun and popular destination for children of all ages! The splash pad is open most of the year, but does have a brief period of closure during the colder months. It can be rented out for birthday parties by members and non-members alike. There is even a kiddie pool near by. Open to members or with a Day Pass.
Palo Verde Park Spash Pad
300 S Mann Ave, Tucson, AZ 85710
The splash pad includes various water features such as spray jets, fountains, and water cannons, making it a fun and refreshing activity for children.
CSM Martin R. "Gunny" Barreras Memorial Park
5890 S Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706
Just opened in 2023, this splash pad is quickly becoming a favorite among the locals. This splash pad features multiple water features, seating and shade all within a gated area.
Clements Splash Pad
8155 E Poinciana Dr, Tucson, AZ 85730
The Clements Splash Pad is open seasonally from the third Saturday in April through October 31st. Hours are 8:00am to sunset daily. Admission to the splash pad is free. Included are a bunch of fun water features. This play area is shaded with some seating nearby. Located adjacent to Clements pool.
Zion City Splash Pad (pictured below)
2561 West Ruthrauff Road, Tucson, AZ 85705
Located inside the Zion City Church,this splash pad is FREE and open to the public. Though not shaded there is shaded seating near by and changing tables in both of the restrooms. This splash pad is open early April to late September. Hours are: Monday thru Saturday, 11:00am-4:00pm; Sundays, 1:00pm-3:00pm.
Warden Family Splash Pad
5110 S San Joaquin Ave, Tucson, AZ 85746
Warden Family Splash Pad is a popular destination in West Tucson. The splash pad offers a variety of water features, including spray arches, dumping buckets, and ground sprayers. The park also provides shaded seating areas, picnic tables, and a basketball court for families to enjoy. It is adjacent to Manzanita Pool.
Purple Heart Park
10050 E Rita Rd, Tucson, AZ 85747
The Purple Heart Park splash pad is known for its vibrant and engaging water features. Children can enjoy watersprayers, fountains, and ground-level jets. The park itself has ample grassy areas, picnic tables, and a playground.
Morris K Udall Park
7200 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ
This is a relatively new splash pad that opened a little over a year ago. This splash pad boasts many water features, water shooter, and has benches for seating and is covered. There is a near by play ground, sports fields, and ramadas for rent. It is also close to the Udall Recreation Center.
TUCSON SPLASH PADS UPCOMING:
1. Fort Lowell Park, 2900 N. Craycroft Rd, Tucson[Projected opening date: 2024]
2. Freedom Park, 5000 E. 29th St, Tucson [Projected opening date: 2024]
3. Jesse Owens Park, 400 S. Sarnoff Dr,Tucson [Projected opening date: 2024]
4. Gene C. Reid Park, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson[Projected opening date: 2025 or later]
Southern Arizona offers an abundance of splash pads, ensuring that families have plenty of options to beat the scorching summer heat. Whether you’re in North Tucson, Central Tucson, Marana, or South Tucson, there’s a splash pad waiting to provide hours of water-filled excitement for kids of all ages. So grab your towels, sunscreen, and swimsuits,and get ready to make lasting summer memories at these fantastic splash pads in Southern Arizona!
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