Denver hit some high temperatures so far this summer, and it seems as if a cool down is a long way off. So, what are sweaty, lethargic parents supposed to do with kids on days when the heat is too high for running around at the park? Find water…STAT.
Fortunately there is no shortage of places to let your children frolic happily through cool, creative water fountains called splash pads. Here are five of our favorites around the metro Denver area. Bonus: They’re all free!
Wynkoop Plaza Fountain
The fountain at Wynkoop Plaza is perfectly placed in the center of everything at Union Station. Families can enjoy a pastry and coffee from Pigtrain or a creamy scoop of hand-dipped ice cream from Milk Box, then grown-ups can sit outside and take in the downtown vibe while the kids run through the cool fountains. Wynkoop St. between 16th St. and 17th St.
H2Odyssey Splash Pad
Instead of spending all day on the playground at City Park, switch things up with a picnic outside near the H2Odyssey Splash Pad. The simple pad features a number of jets that spray intermittently. It runs all summer from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. so park-goers may enjoy a little cool-off with a great city view. Located near the Denver Museum of Nature & Science; walk to the right of the building when standing in the main lot.
Westminster Center Park
This Denver park was nicknamed Peter Pan park for its whimsical layout. There’s a “stream” and splash pad for children to play in—from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.—when they’re exhausted from climbing and running around. The park is fit with a castle and trees and several opportunities for children’s imaginations to run wild. 4801 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster.
Discovery Park
The splash pad at Discovery Park is up and running May through September, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Activate the fountains by stepping on the blue raised sensor pad. The park also has a large playground and small “river,” near a shaded picnic pavilion, for wading. 3701 Johnson St. (Kipling St. and W. 38th Ave.), Wheat Ridge.
Cornerstone Park
This Littleton park is not only home to an impressive double playground (one for the littlest kids and one for the bigger ones), but during the summer the splash pad brings all the kids out to play with curved arches and fountains splashing from the ground. If that wasn’t enough, just down the street there’s a train and petting zoo at Belleview Park. 5150 S. Windermere St., Littleton.
