SPLISH SPLASH PAD TIME
Once you have your kiddo covered in sun screen, swimming gear, hats and more it is time to find out where to go to splash the day away!
In Guelph we are so lucky as we have lots of splash pads and wadding pools. Rumour has it that wading pools are slowly going to be closed down as wear down but as for now they are good to go.
As of June 26th to September 4th, 2017 the Guelph splashpads are open daily and are FREE!
Here is a list of the local splashpads: and hours:
Southend Splash pad Dragonfly Park - 25 Poppy Dr W 10am -7pm
(On the city site is says closed for maintenance for now - check back before you go) http://guelph.ca/living/recreation/recreation-programs/swimming/outdoor-pools-and-splash-pads/
This was the newest splashpad that opened last year. There is lots of parking at the back of the high school, but very little sun cover and places to sit on grass around the structure. The splash pad has lots of water features to run through. There is a nice change room and bathroom area.
It is also one of my favourite parks and you can go back and forth to both. There is a covered picnic table area on the other side of the park as well.
Hanlon Creek Park – 505 Kortright RD West 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
One of the bigger splashpads with lots of room to put down blankets and have a picnic. It has a separate park that is attached to the splashpad. There are change rooms and washrooms. (picture from Guelph.ca) My favourite splash pad since there is lots of trees and shade and space to relax on the grass while kiddos play. The bathrooms and changerooms are very handy as well.
Norm Jary Park – 22 Shelldale Cres 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
This is a great splash pad as well, at the back of the Shelldale community centre. It has lots of fun water features to play with, large trees for shade and cover and grass to sit and picnic. There are bathrooms and a park close by
Waverly Park – 76 Balmoral Drive 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
There is a smaller splash pad with one or two water features. It is also close to two parks so can keep kids entertained for a while. There are no change rooms or bath rooms near by so plan ahead.
West End Community Centre - 21 Imperial Rd South Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m..
I am not so sure if I would call this a splashpad or a fancy fountain, but still does the trick if it is hot outside. It is a little difficult to find, It is in behind the firehouse at the West End community centre, but once again does the trick when it is hot outside.
Market Square
The Market square water area is great for the smaller kids. It is a large wading pool with some water that sprays out. There are change rooms and bathrooms, but there is not tons of room for sitting and eating. There are a few tables and chairs but are usually being used. Sometimes parking can be a bit of a challenge as well, but the kids seem to love it. I find since the water is being hit by the sun it is usually pretty warm but you should bring a hat for your little one. (pictures from the Attractions Canada)
There are also a few wading pools that are located at some fun parks. Pre-warning the water is usually pretty cold and they are not very large.
Open daily June 30 – September 4, 2017.
Exhibition Park - 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Mico Valeriote Park - 12 – 4 p.m
Sunny Acres Park - 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m
Lyon Leisure Pool. Lyon Park. 258 York Road
I believe there is a small fee but this is a chance to swim in a beautiful outdoor pool in summertime.
Open weekends starting June 26, 2017
Open daily June 30 – September 4, 2017.
10 a.m. – noon, 1 – 4 p.m., 5 – 8 p.m.
If you do not mind the drive to Rockwood, they have an amazing splash pad
Rockwood Splash pad - Rockmosa Park 74 Christie St, Guelph/Eramosa 9:30-7:30pm
What I love about this splash pad as there is lots of areas that shoot out water and then the water stops and the kids have to press a button to start it again (they just love that). It is attached to a park and the park has nice spongy ground for wet, bare feet. There is area with tables and shelters to hide from the heat and the library is close by if you want to get in for a little break as well.
