Guelph's Awesome Splash Pads

With this amazing heat always comes the question - How can I keep the kids cool? Where can I find a splash pad. In Guelph we are super lucky as we have a variety of amazing splash pads and this year they are opened even earlier than before!

As of June 9 to September 3, 2018 Splash pads are open daily and FREE!

Here is a list of the local splashpads: and hours:

Southend Splash pad Dragonfly Park - 25 Poppy Dr W 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

(On the city site is says closed for maintenance for now - check back before you go) https://guelph.ca/seasonal/outdoor-pools-splash-pads/

This splashed is one of the newer that opened in the last few years.. 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. to 8 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. 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. (picture is from the City of Guelph website)

Norm Jary Park – 22 Shelldale Cres 10 a.m. – 8 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. Fun water features for kids of all ages.

Waverly Park – 76 Balmoral Drive 10 a.m. – 8p.m.

There is a smaller splash pad with one or two water features. It is also close to two brand new parks so can keep kids entertained for a while. This one does not have a bathroom or change room so come prepared.

West End Community Centre - 21 Imperial Rd South - CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

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.

Jubilee Park - 11 Sweeney Drive - 10am - 8pm

One of the newer splash pads in town, I do not know this one as well. It has a number of tall water features and the soft ground perfect for little toddler or baby feet. Picnic tables and a park close by to keep everyone busy! Lots of green space and grass to hang out on as well.

Northview Park - The park is adjacent to Wildeman Boulevard, Mullin Drive, Norma Crescent and Bowen Drive. 10am - 8pm

This splash pad was brand new last year and a great place to cool down. It is one of the smaller splash pads but does have a park to play at. There is no change rooms or wash rooms so be prepared.

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. The only flaw right now is that parking down town is a bit of a pain so be prepared to walk. Picture form Attractions Canada.

Wading Pools

Open weekends only starting June 9, 2018. Open daily from June 28 to September 3, 2018.

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.

• Exhibition Park: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.

• Sunny Acres Park: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 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. It has a slide and a park close by. Change rooms and washrooms plus this year the city has a swim pass for the year that is very affordable.

• Open weekends now

• Open daily June 28 – September 4, 2017. Check out the full schedule here https://guelph.ca/living/recreation/recreation-programs/swimming/swim-schedules/

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.