It’s a secret to absolutely no one that Arizona is HOT. With summer temperatures often in the 100’s (...and sometimes Spring and Fall will join in on the 100 fun), it’s crucial to have somewhere to take the kids to cool off. I mean… you can only hide away in the air conditioning for so long before you and the kids start going stir-crazy. This post will show you the best splash pads in and near Gilbert, Arizona! See if you can check them all off to pick a favorite. Sounds like a fun summer bucket list idea to me!
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Best Splash Pads IN Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert Regional Park
The Gilbert Regional Park has a wonderful 4,000 sq ft. splash pad with over 50 interactive water features guaranteed to keep the kids busy for hours! The splash pad is open 365 days a year from 8:30-9:30 and is well-lit so the fun doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down!
Gilbert Regional Park Quick Facts:
- Hours: 8:30 am- 9:30 pm (year-round)
- Physical Address: 3005 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85298
Water Tower Plaza
Nestled right in the heart of downtown, you’ll find a fun no-frills splash pad in Water Tower Plaza. Kids will love playing and running through the ground fountains and parents will like the convenience of being right downtown!
There are even sometimes concerts at the park so you can let the kids splash while you listen to some great live music! Be sure to check the concert website for upcoming events!
Once you are done playing and cooled off, you can walk downtown to grab some delicious BBQ or check out the other local shops.
Water Tower Splash Pad Quick Facts:
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM, with some weather-based and seasonal variations (It turns off when too windy).
- Physical Address: 45 W Page Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85296
Best Splash Pads NEAR Gilbert, AZ
Espee Park
Distance from Gilbert: 4 miles
At less than 10 miles from Gilbert’s town center, you’ll find Espee Park in Chandler. Espee Park is home to a bike park, baseball field, a walking trail, playground, and of course the splash pad.
It may not look all that exciting from afar, but rest assured the kiddos will have a blast running through the spray rings and ground spray and hiding under the water tower. The playground is also situated right next to the splash pad so it’s perfect for going back and forth!
Be sure to bring your bikes along, because after you are cooled off, the kids will surely ask to test out the fancy bike ramps!
Espee Park Splash Pad Quick Facts:
- Hours: 6:00 am- 10:30 pm
- Physical Address: 450 E. Knox Road Chandler, AZ 85225
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park has an epic playground that looks like something right from my childhood dreams! With over 9,000 sq feet of play space, your kids will be busy for hours. Although I will admit, the splash pad is a bit underwhelming compared to the playground equipment. It’s still great to be able to cool off in between playground time.
Pioneer Park Splash Pad Quick Facts:
- Hours: 10:00 am- 10:00 pm
- Physical Address: 526 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203
Riverview Park
Distance from Gilbert: 12 miles
Riverview Park, in Mesa, Arizona, is actually home to Cubs Spring Training facility. If that’s not exciting enough, there’s also a massive playground (with a 50-ft climbing structure!!), a fishing lake, and a large splash pad that is open year-round. There are picnic tables, restrooms, and ramadas nearby that are available for rent.
Riverview Park Splash Pad Quick Facts:
- Hours: 8:00 am- 10:00 pm
- Physical Address: 2100 W Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, AZ, 85201
Mansel Carter Oasis Park
Distance from Gilbert: 15 miles
Mansel Carter Oasis Park is a beautiful park jammed packed with so many fun things to do. There are two playgrounds, four baseball fields, a sand discovery dig zone, two sand volleyball courts, a 5-acre fishing lake, and a super cool shipwrecked-themed splash pad.
The kids will love exploring the shipwrecked-themed splash pads as they will discover a pirate ship slide, treasure chests, ground sprinklers, and a giant fill-and-dump bucket.
Mansel Carter Oasis Park Splash Pad Quick Facts:
- Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m (March 1 - October 31)
- Physical Address: 19535 E. Appleby Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Splash Pad at Founder’s Park
Distance from Gilbert: 17 miles
Pack a picnic lunch and get ready to spend the day splashing around at Founder’s Park. In addition to the 4,000 sq foot splash pad. You’ll find a softball field, basketball court, and skate park.
The splash pad itself features a water tower, water guns, ground sprinklers, buckets (that pour when full), and tunnels. There are picnic tables and shaded areas to sit and watch the kids play. These can be reserved, otherwise are on a first-come-first-served basis and should be shared.
Founder’s Park Splash Pad Quick Facts:
- Hours: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm (March-April), 9:00 am- 7:00 pm (May- August), 10:00 am-6:00 pm (September- October) CLOSED November-February
- Physical Address: 22407 S. Ellsworth Road
Things to remember BEFORE visiting a Gilbert Splash Pad
- The ground in Arizona can get above 120 degrees F, make sure to pack water shoes!
- Bring a lot of water to drink (+ snacks are always a good idea)
- Apply sunscreen before arriving (and bring some with for during!).
- If you have a baby or young toddler that is not yet walking, make sure to pack a walker that you don't mind getting wet! I've always used the Joovy Spoon Walker at splash pads!
Are you ready for a Splash Pad Summer?!
So there you have it…Seven epic and uniquely different splash pads in and near Gilbert to add to your summer bucket list. Grab the cooler (with a lot of water), sunscreen, snacks, and your suits, and get ready to make those summer memories! As always, save this post and follow me over on Instagram as I hope to explore more splash pads this summer!
Happy Splashing!
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