Splashing required: 10 free and fun Columbus splashpads

Splashpads: Free and fun water spraygrounds without the worry of deep bottoms or high dives. We don’t know about you but to us, that seems like a home run, nay, grand slam.

This summer, diversify your cool down routine by hanging at one of Columbus’ many exciting splashpads.

Also, how old is too old to horseplay in one of these? ….asking for a friend.

Ballantrae Community Park

6350 Woerner Temple Road, Dublin

Are we in Colorado? Haha, no silly! That’s just the expert landscaping at Ballantrae Community Park! This outdoorsy themed splash pad will have your kids begging for a watery, mountainous vaca.

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. May 17 to Sept. 5.

Barnett Community Recreation Center Sprayground

1184 Barnett Road [Linwood], Columbus

Barnett Community Recreational Center Sprayground will have your kids jumping with joy!

Hours: noon-7 p.m. daily.

Bicentennial Park in the Scioto Mile

233 Civic Center Drive [Downtown], Columbus

Enjoy some sweet relief from the summer heat right in the heart of downtown. Parents, while your kids romp through the sprinklers, be sure to take in the beautiful Scioto Mile view!

Hours: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily, mid-April to mid-October. Special events may alter operating hours.

Blackburn Community Recreation Center Sprayground

263 Carpenter St. [Olde Towne East], Columbus

Turn your kid loose on this sprayground and you’ll be staring down at least two hours alone with the book you’ve been trying to read for years.

Hours: noon-7 p.m. daily.

Easton Town Center

3900 Easton Station, Columbus

In the South District’s Town Square, just south of Brio Tuscan Grille, sits a little agua oasis just begging to be played in. For ages 8 an under.

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday between June 5 and Aug. 28 but it closes at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays for the weekly Sounds on the Town Concert Series.

Hilliard’s Station Park

4021 Main St., Hilliard

Make sure to pack a lunch because this will definitely be an all-day affair. These super sonic water jets are so smart that they dance to the music. Lounging area available for parentals!

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily as of mid-May.

Indian Mound Community Recreation Center Sprayground

3901 Parsons Ave. [South Side], Columbus

Aren’t all those brightly colored shapes so inviting? How could your kid resist?!

Hours: noon-7 p.m. daily.

North Bank Park in the Scioto Mile

311 W. Long St. [Arena District], Columbus

While it may be smaller than the rest, don’t underestimate North Bank Park’s ability to cool you off on a smokin’ hot day.

Hours vary based on pavilion rental periods.

Polaris Fashion Place

8781 Lyra Drive, Columbus

You drug your kids through your shopping spree, they deserve a splish-splashy release. Unleash them on the water fountain near Benihana and Cantina Loredo on the east side of the mall to earn some mommy/daddy brownie points.

Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Village Green Park

47 Hall St., Powell

Colorful buckets that dump water on your head? Yeah, we’re sold and we’re sure your kids will be, too.

Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

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