When do splash pads open?

Every city and parks department sets its own splash pad schedule, but most follow a similar pattern.

Typical season

• Most of the US: outdoor splash pads usually open around Memorial Day weekend and close around Labor Day. Some open in early May or stay on through September if the weather holds.
• Warm states (Texas, Florida, Arizona, Southern California, the Gulf Coast): many open in March or April and some run into October. A handful run all year.
• Indoor splash pads at community and aquatic centers are often open year-round, usually with an admission fee.

Daily hours

Common hours are roughly 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. Many pads run on push-button or motion sensors with a timer, so they may look off until someone presses the activator. Some cities close pads one weekday morning for cleaning.

Why a splash pad might be off

• Lightning or storms nearby (most reopen about 30 minutes after the last thunder)
• Water quality testing or maintenance
• Cool weather, often below about 70°F, at pads with temperature sensors
• Drought rules in some western cities

Check your local pad

Find the pad on Splash Pad Maps, then check the park's website or social media for this year's opening date. Saw new hours posted at the park? Send us an update and we'll add it for other parents.