There are plenty of places for older kids to cool down in the summer, but it can be hard for parents of toddlers and younger kids to find age-appropriate water parks and venues.
There’s no need to search anymore! We’ve created a list water parks, splash pads, and spraygrounds that are perfect for children ages three and up so that even your little ones can stay cool and have a blast—or a splash!—this summer.
Fairfield County
1. Chelsea Piers in Stamford
Located within the Aquatics Center is a 6,000-sq.-ft. Splash Zone for youths and young adults. The minimum age is 6 months old. The Splash Zone features 3 fun pools with water slides (with a height requirement of 42 inches). Non members must reserve a time slot due to high demand. A single session with slides is $20 per person and $15 without slides. Learn more about prices and reservations at this link.
2. Lake Mohegan in Fairfield
In addition to the beautiful and fresh man-made lake that is open to all swimmers, Lake Mohegan has a sprinkler park designed for young children. The fun zone features spouts, faucets, and misters that will keep toddlers cool all day long. There is also a playground and snack bar for families to enjoy. Parking is free but there is a fee charged at the gate to enter the swimming area from now until Labor Day. Click here for entrance fee information.
3. Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk
Besides cooling off at the splashground and taking a dip at the beach, there’s so much more to do here! Families can play basketball or volleyball on the sand, go to the skatepark, visit the sailing school, or take a nice walk on the scenic coast. For non-residents, day parking passes are $30/ car on weekdays before 5pm, $35 on weekends before 5pm, and $10 after 5pm. Download a parking pass online.
New Haven County
4. Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury
Quassy has a lot of options for families to cool off. In 2003, Quassy built The Saturation Station. Children of any height can splash away at the interactive play units or stand under the 300-gallon tipping bucket. Slide City is another water attraction that was made for youngsters that cannot participate on the larger water slides. The only requirement is that children must be able to sit comfortably in a seat. Are you only looking for a relaxing swim? Bring your children to the Quassy Beach. Click here to plan your visit.
5. Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven
Since the 20’s, residents have come to this park to enjoy swimming, ferry boat rides, nature trails, carousel rides, and now the splash pad. The splash pad, located near the beach, features fresh water fountains that are extremely refreshing! There is a $20 parking fee for non-residents.
New London County
6. The Dinosaur Place in Montville
The Dinosaur Place features the world’s largest splashpad. This water playground features more than 30 dinosaur-themed water cannons and dump buckets. In addition, there is a separate play area designed for children and toddlers to cool off at. Flip flops, sandals, or water shoes are required on the Splashpad. Children must be attended by an adult at all times. Click here to read more safety details, learn how to plan your visit here.
7. Colchester Recreational Complex in Colchester
This location features a wide variety of facilities and activities for children, including the Spray Park. The Spray Park is a proven hotspot for families in the summer. It’s free and open to all the public. Your little ones can splash around in the sprinklers while you supervise from the shaded areas. There is no food allowed in but there is a covered pavilion that’s within walking distance where you can eat when your little ones get hungry.
Windham County
8. Lauter Park Waterfront & Splash Pad in Willimantic
Windham Recreations has a Waterfront and Splash Pad in Lauter Park that is suited for families with young children. The waterfront is open 7 days a week from 12pm to 5pm during the summer. And best of all, it’s free!
Middlesex County
9. Kavanagh Park & Splash Pad in Old Saybrook
This location is fun and free. Bring the little ones down whenever you all need to cool off at the Splash Pad. Seasonal hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11am to 3pm, Wednesday 1pm to 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Throughout the summer, kids can also enjoy the tennis courts, playground, and other sports courts all day long.
10. Clinton Town Beach & Playground in Clinton
This enjoyable playground is located directly on the beach, perfect for any hot day. After your kiddos are done playing on the playscapes designed for toddlers and children, they can cool down in the sparkling water on the beach that’s only a few feet away. Parking is $25 for non-residents.
Splashy Fun for All!
No kid should have to stay inside to endure the heat this summer, and with so many options for water-based fun, they don’t have to. The best places for children to cool off and have splashy fun this summer are right here in Connecticut!
Looking for some outdoor fun for the kids that doesn’t involve water? Check out this post about the top playgrounds in Connecticut.
