Splash pads are a great way for kids to cool off on a hot day. They’re also a lot of fun! Here on the Seacoast, there are some great spots to get wet and cool down during the heat of summer. Why not make a summer bucket list to hit them all? Here are 6 Seacoast splash pads to visit this summer!
What is a splash pad?
A splash pad is a water playground that is designed for kids of all ages. They usually have a variety of features, such as fountains, geysers, and water cannons. Some splash pads even have slides and other interactive elements. Seacoast splash pads tend to “open” in early June and run through August.
What to Know Before You Go
Splash pads are usually open to all ages, with babies and young elementary age kids the most frequent fliers. Bring a towel, wear sunscreen, water, and coach older kids to be on the look out for little ones as they run, splash, and play. As for furry friends, leave the pup at home. Most splash pads do not allow dogs for sanitary reasons. In addition, these public spaces are crowded on hot summer days and not everyone feels comfortable around a dog. If your dog loves the water, consider taking them on a dog-friendly Seacoast hike or get them their own doggie pool!
6 Seacoast Splash Pads in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts
Dover Adventure Playground at Henry Law Park
Address: 50 Henry Law Ave, Dover, NH 03820
Cost: Park and splash pad are free, metered parking lot and street parking
The Dover splash pad runs in the summer (the start time varies, so check before you go) and offers a circular cement pad with pop up water jets. While this splash pad isn’t very innovative, the location can’t be beat! The Dover Adventure Playground at Henry Law Park is a fantastic summer destination. There is a great playground with a climbing tower, range of swings, slide, sandbox, music makers, rope structure, and model gundalow boat. In addition, it’s in the same location as the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire as well as the Dover pool. In summer, the park is open 7 am to 9:30 pm, with the splash pad running from 9 am to 8 pm. Check this one out for a central location and all-age water fun.
Aqua Land Splash Pad at Newmarket Rec
Address: 1 Terrace Drive, Newmarket, NH 03857
Cost: Free
Newmarket Rec opens their splash pad on June 1 2024. Hours vary throughout the summer and are posted on Newmarket Rec’s website as well as on their Facebook page. This is a top notch splash pad complete with bucket dumpers, spray nozzles, and sprayers. Another benefit is that it’s enclosed and has bathrooms. While it’s an awesome visit, it’s worth bearing in mind that entry is prioritized to camp and rec programs. In general, they are open to the public on weekends all summer long, from 10 am to 8 pm. There’s also plenty of public time during the week, but check the Facebook page ahead of time to make sure a camp isn’t there that day.
Splash Pad Spray Park – Amesbury Town Park
Address: 140 Friend Street, Amesbury, MA
Cost: Free
This splash pad opened for the season on May 21 2024! Just over the New Hampshire border in Massachusetts is the Amesbury Spray Park. This popular splash pad has multiple features including a spray tunnel, animal squirters, and dumping buckets. In addition to the splash pad, there is a basketball court, baseball fields, disc golf course, picnic area, bathrooms, and playground.
Noble Pines Park
Address: One Government Way, Somersworth, NH
Cost: Free
The splash pad at Noble Pines Park has four water features scattered over a cement circle. It generally opens mid June and runs through the end of August. Visitors can expect it will be running on fair-weather days form 10 am to 7 pm. In addition to the splash pad, Noble Pines Park has two age appropriate playground areas, basketball court and covered picnic pavilion. This park gets a lot of direct sun so playground equipment can get hot on those warm, sunny days. Check out Somersworth Rec for more details.
Derry Splash Pad
Address: Don Ball Park, 14 Humphrey Road, Derry, NH
Cost: Free
This year, the splash pad at Don Ball Park in Derry is scheduled to open Saturday, June 15, 2024. This sizable splash pad has multiple features including spray tunnels, bucket dumpers, and jets. In addition to the splash pad, there is a playground, concession stand, restroom, and picnic area. Hours and more info can be found on Derry’s Parks website.
Jamaica Island Spray Park
Address: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine
Cost: Free (but only open to Shipyarders and their guests)
Sorry folks – this splash pad is only available to shipyarders and their guests. This includes Active Duty service members, Retirees, NAF or DoD civilians and sponsored guests. Open July and August, this splash pad has a large water area with multiple pop up jets and sprinklers. In the center of it all is a large, decorative tree sculpture. In addition to the splash pad, Jamaica Island Park has bathrooms, picnic areas, ball courts, and a playground. The Spray Park is on a push button timer – push the button and the spray park will remain on for 25 minutes. Push again to reactivate!
Beat the Heat on the Seacoast
If Seacoast splash pads aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get in the water this summer. Here are a few recommendations:
- Visit a New England indoor waterpark
- Hit up a Seacoast hike where you can dip your feet in the water
- Go tide pooling at the coast
- Explore beginner kayak spots on the Seacoast
- Take the boat out on these Seacoast boating spots
Whether you’re looking to cool down on a hot day or simply spend time out of the house, a Seacoast splash pad is a great choice.
