Summer is fun, but it can also be scorchingly hot.
If you have time for a day trip, Ohio has plenty of waterparks that you can check out. But if you’re looking for a quicker trip that costs nothing, there are some awesome splash pads located all over Central Ohio that are free and open to the public.
Ready for a little fun in the sun? Don’t forget the sunscreen and probably some snacks, because let’s be real. No one wants to fight the kids back into the car to go home for lunch!
Ballantrae Community Park
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., from May 24 through September 1, 2025
Amenities: The Ballantrae Community Park is a massive splash pad. The park has a large grassy area perfect for summer picnics, as well as parking and restrooms.
Address: 6350 Woerner Temple Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
Website: Ballantrae Community Park
Hilliard’s Station Park
Hours: May-August from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., September from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Amenities: Hilliard’s Station Park is much more than just the splash pad. Ample seating and public restrooms make the trip easy and carefree for parents. A variety of summer programming is open to the public throughout the season. The splash pad closes for the season on October 1.
Address: 4021 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026
Website: Hilliard’s Station Park
The Scioto Mile Fountain
Hours: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Amenities: The Scioto Mile Fountain is the largest splash pad in Columbus. It’s 15,000 square feet and has water features that spray as high as 75 feet in the air. In addition to the play area, there are grassy areas for playing and plenty of seating.
Address: 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: The Scioto Mile Fountain
Scioto Southland Sprayground
Hours: Open daily from noon to 6 p.m. This splash pad is closed on certain holidays, so check the schedule here.
Amenities: There are plenty of shaded areas around the Scioto Southland Sprayground to relax while your kids play. The park also has tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, and an outdoor fitness center.
Address: 3901 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43207
Website: Scioto Southland Sprayground
Village Green Park
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day
Amenities: Village Green boasts plenty of shaded areas around the splash pad. There are also picnic tables available for public use. The restrooms are located a short distance away at Powell City Hall.
Address: 47 Hall St, Powell, OH 43065
Website: Village Green Park
North Bank Park
Hours: Hours vary due to venue rental
Amenities: North Bank Park has a small splash pad perfect for a quick trip with a nice view. The space can be rented for private functions, meaning it is not always a guarantee that the splash pad will be accessible to the public. In addition to walking and biking paths, other amenities include bathrooms, grassy areas, and plenty of shaded seating.
Address: 311 W Long St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: North Bank Park
Partners Park
Hours: 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. through Labor Day.
Amenities: Partners Park is located in Marysville. In addition to the splash pad area, the park has seating, public restrooms, and a totally Instagrammable gazebo.
Address:125 E 6th St, Marysville, OH 43040
Website: Partners Park
Blackburn Community Center
Hours: Open daily from noon to 6 p.m. This splash pad is closed on certain holidays, so check the schedule here.
Amenities: The splash pad is located adjacent to Blackburn Park, so if the kids get sick of the water, they can hit up the playground. In addition to ample parking, the park has lots of shaded areas, picnic tables, basketball courts and play areas.
Address: 263 Carpenter St, Columbus, OH 43205
Website: Blackburn Community Center
Veterans Park Splash Pad
Hours: Opens daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day
Amenities: This dinosaur-themed splash pad may be a bit of a drive, but the kids will definitely love it. Located at Veteran’s Park in Delaware, the area surrounding the splash pad has plenty of shade, green space, and public restrooms.
Address: 1121 S Houk Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Website: Veterans Park Splash Pad
Easton Town Center
Hours: Open during Easton hours
Amenities: After a morning of shopping, let the kids cool down in the splash fountains at Easton Town Square. Grab a bite to eat nearby and enjoy all of the amenities that Easton has to offer.
Address: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH, 43219
Website: Easton Town Center
