The summer is in full swing and the sun is beating down strong and hot. But don't let that keep you indoors. Run, play, and splash your way into happiness with these cool splash pads in and around Greenville. Their irresistible spray jets create the perfect setting to celebrate the simple joys of summer. So grab your swimsuits and sunblock, invite your friends, and hurry over to one or all of the splash pads on this list.
1. Unity Park, Greenville
Experience a world of fun and frolic in the heart of Greenville at Unity Park Splash Pad, where the boundaries of play are pushed to new heights! This one-of-a-kind destination offers a state-of-the-art playground and a splash pad with surprise sprinklers. Kids love running around and catching jets of water that shoot up from the ground to different heights.
Pros
- Spacious and very well-maintained area with plenty of room for little ones to run around
- A mini splash pad for younger kids
- Plenty of seating areas for parents to relax and supervise
- Easy parking and nearby restrooms
- Massive playground adjacent to the water area
Cons
- Can get crowded on hot summer days, but still manageable with a little patience
- Minimal shade structures or canopies for those seeking relief from the sun
2. Tyger River Park, Duncan
Tyger River Park in Duncan is another great spot to create lasting memories in summer! It features a fantastic brand-new playground, shaded sand pit and a splash pad. Dozens of in-ground water columns shoot gently into the air in this miniature water park. The area is divided into three separate sections, each with its own sprinklers and buttons to start the water running. There are several benches in the shade of trees around the water area.
Pros
- This is a secluded and very well-maintained in-fenced area.
- Parents can supervise from shaded benches.
- The brand new adjacent playground is a fantastic bonus, providing kids
with a state-of-the-art play space that's sure to delight and entertain
them.
- Parking is a breeze - no stress about finding a spot!
Cons
- Just keep in mind: it can get pretty crowded and chaotic, especially on weekends.
- During peak hours, there are many big kids around, and smaller children may be at risk of accidentally being bumped into!
3. Kids Planet Park, Greer
The water play area at Kids Planet Park is rather small, featuring only three misting arches. It’s a popular spot so it gets crowded more often than not. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun. Before you know it, it will be your turn to push the button. While this splash pad may not offer the same level of splashing fun as larger water play areas, the park more than makes up for it with its expansive and imaginative playground, offering a wealth of opportunities for kids to climb, crawl, and play to their heart's content.
Pros
- Great adjacent playground for kids of all ages
- Safe poured rubber surface
- Toddler-friendly
Cons
- There are only three spray arches (one of which was out of order during our last few visits)
4. Fountain Inn Splash Pad, Fountain Inn
Nestled in the heart of Fountain Inn, this splash pad is a fun stop to visit while exploring the local downtown with kids. It features sprinklers, several shaded benches, and parking in the back. It's small and geared toward younger kids, but could be a fun place to take a break from shopping and sightseeing if you're in the area. There are also several other attractions nearby that you can visit with kids to make the most of your visit. An amazing fully shaded Woodside Park (Emmanuel Sullivan Sports Complex) and a local library are just a few blocks away.
Pros
- Walkable downtown area
- Nearby kid-friendly attractions (Woodside Park and local library)
- Toddler-friendly
- Generally less busy than other splash pads in the area
Cons
- Small splash area
- Limited seating
5. Hyleman's Humble Playground, Gaffney
Hyleman's Humble Playground in Gaffney is a truly special place where kids of all abilities can come together and have fun. The playground features adaptive sensory-rich playground, accessible pathways, and a seasonal splash pad. The sports-themed splash pad includes fun water features such as dumping buckets, geysers and spray arches. But the real crowd pleaser here is the enormous tipping baseball that dumps water at regular intervals onto the cheering kids below. Kids love the element of surprise and the feeling of getting splashed by a sudden downpour and want to repeat it time and again.
Pros
- Well-maintained park
- Easy parking and access to restrooms
- A variety of water equipment
- Fully fenced playground and splash pad
- An inclusive playground for children of all abilities
Cons
- Minimal to no shade
- No picnic tables
- Limited seating
6. Kid Venture 2.0, Anderson
Kid Venture 2.0 in Anderson is the city's best-kept secret and an easy day-trip destination from Greenville. A 40-minute drive isn't exactly a road trip, but it's still a fun adventure! This splash pad is literally a blast! It's packed with water guns, sprinklers, and dumping buckets that'll keep kids (and adults too) laughing and having a splashing good time all day long. It managed to squeeze in a great selection of water features. And when you need a break from the water, the adjacent playground is the perfect spot to burn off some energy and make some unforgettable memories!
Pros
- This splash pad stands out from the rest in the area - it's got the most variety of equipment around!
- Easy parking and access to restrooms
- Fully fenced playground and splash pad
- There's an amazing playground nearby with inclusive play structures for kids of all abilities!
Cons
7. Splash Pad at City Park in York, SC
Road trip, anyone? While it's a bit of a drive from Greenville, downtown York is worth the trip this summer! The heart of the city offers a combo of park time and local exploration, with a bonus splash pad for kids to cool off at the City Park. The splash pad itself is a mini water wonderland, featuring a mushroom shower, water fire hydrant, dump buckets, shooting jets, and more. Your little ones will have a blast while you can rest from the sun on the benches or one of the covered picnic areas nearby.
Pros
- A variety of water equipment to keep children entertained
- Plenty of space to spread out and relax
Cons
- No shade over the splash pad, which may require additional precautions to protect from the sun.
- The drive from Greenville can be a bit long, so combine your trip with other attractions in the area.
8. Barnet Park, Spartanburg
The Barnet Park in downtown Spartanburg is the perfect place for a day of learning and play. Although the park itself doesn't have a playground, there are plenty of other attractions nearby to explore. Start your day by visiting the Science Center, located right across from the park. This interactive science museum may be small, but it offers plenty for visitors of all ages. With STEM hands-on exhibits and educational programs, you'll have a blast while learning something new. After a morning of science and discovery, head across the road to the Barnet Park for some splashy fun! Kids will love running through the shooting arcs and columns of water.
Don't forget to check out the Science Center's hours before your visit, so you can plan your day accordingly. With a morning of learning and an afternoon of splashing around, you'll make the most out of your visit to downtown Spartanburg.
Here are some more splash pads to consider:
9. McKinney Park, Woodruff
10. Airport Park, Spartanburg
11. Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park, Boiling Springs
12. Stewart Park, Spartanburg
Good to know before you go:
Don't forget to prep kids with those swim diapers and water shoes, just like you would for a pool day. And don't get caught off guard - always check the splash pad's website for any updates on hours, closures, or maintenance before you head out. Better safe than sorry!
Now you're all set for a splashing good time with the kiddos!
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