Water Feature: 10 Free Water Playgrounds and Parks with Splash Pads in LA

 

Stoner Park – West LA

1835 Stoner Avenue

Although technically a pool, this facility offers a whole lot more fun than that word encompasses. A gradual entry the length of the pool that makes it feel more like a shore than a pool, and the giant sprinkling mushroom, walls of water, and other spraying features in the shallows are non-stop fun. There is a formidable waterslide, too, for kids old enough to indulge (48” and 7 years old). Hours can be persnickety; always check before heading out. Kids are free; adults pay $2.50 (or $2 with an LA library card).

 

Note that rules at Stoner are strict: adults must wear bathing suits whether or not they intend to swim, or else wait outside the gate; kids under 7 must have an adult in the water.

 

Aidan’s Place – West LA

1350 Sepulveda Boulevard 

One of LA’s high-profile universally accessible playgrounds, Aidan’s Place was created by the same foundation that gave us Shane’s Inspiration. The water feature here is a series of misters connected to the play equipment, unique in that it is fully accessible for kids with disabilities. Note that there is very little shade at this playground, and it can get pretty hot. Free.

 

Virginia Avenue Park – Santa Monica

2200 Virginia Avenue

Usually in action from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this splash patio is a big favorite. The water splashes up, across, and around in all sorts of ways, alternating between features to keep things lively. There is shade, and the park is a very manageable size for watching multiple kids, both in and out of the water. Free.

 

Annenberg Beach House – Santa Monica

415 Pacific Coast Highway

It might sound too obvious to point out a water feature at the beach, but Santa Monica’s public beach house has a free and inviting splash patio. Although there’s no shade here, the patio does have several tables and chairs that make it a good spot for a picnic lunch. Be warned, though, that there is a pool on the other side of the fence that costs $10 – or a beach, of course, that’s free!

 

Coldwater Canyon Park – Beverly Hills

1100 North Beverly Drive

Not to be confused with the larger Coldwater Canyon Park up on Mulholland, this park is in Beverly Hills proper, across from the fire station where Beverly Drive merges with Coldwater. The water feature here is a little creek for kids to paddle and splash in – gentle and low-key, but very popular on a summer day. Free.

 

Holmby Park – Westwood

601 Club View Dr

Tucked between UCLA and Beverly Glen, Holmby Park is a shady spot to head on a hot summer day. Kids can splash and play in a small waterfall and stream that run during the summer months.

 

La Pintoresca Park – Pasadena

45 E. Washington Blvd.

The colorful splash pad in the center of La Pintoresca Park is surrounded by benches where adults can relax just outside the reach of the spray, which is turned on from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If the water isn’t flowing, try hitting the start button on the east side of the spouts. The patio itself has no shade, but shady trees are within reach. Free.

 

Pacific Park – Glendale

501 S. Pacific Avenue

Glendale’s downtown Pacific Park does its bit to keep kids cool on hot Valley days with its splash pad and water play area. Shade is a bit scarce, bit the air-conditioned library is adjacent in case of need. Free.

 

Panorama Recreation Center – Panorama City

8600 Hazeltine Avenue

The seasonal splash pad here is full-on, with water spraying in every direction and a floor which is more wading pool than patio. Bathing suits are required, and diapers are not allowed. Shade is pretty limited. Free.

 

Sylmar Park – Sylmar

13109 Borden Ave.

Sylmar’s free splash pad, adjacent to the recreation center and pool (free for kids, $2.50 for adults), lures kids on a hot day with tree-shaped sprinklers, a spraying whale, and a variety of fountains that drench and delight. Free.

 

North Hollywood Recreation Center – North Hollywood

5301 Tujunga Ave.

The splash pad here is adjacent to the swimming pool, which means adults and children alike need to don bathing suits, and adults pay $2.50 to be present as kids dowse themselves. On the up side, the plentiful fountains are worth the visit, and kids are always free.