A guide to some of the top-rated splash spots around the metro area that will help keep your kids cool all summer long.

As temperatures finally begin to increase in Colorado, we can start to believe that summer is just a few weeks away despite the recent chilly weather. With schools starting to let out for summer vacation, it’s a good time to start thinking about how to keep those kids cool and the Denver metro area has a lot to offer in the way of splishy-splashy fun.

One alternative to the pool or community center (of which there are many amazing ones to visit here in Denver) is the spray ground. Also referred to as the spray park or splash pad, these areas are play spaces with water features that don't have much standing water, yet still offer plenty of ways to splash around. Sprinklers, fountains, buckets that dump water, and flowers and rainbows that spray water in your face, these mini water parks make any dull summer day exciting and are sure to keep a smile on those little faces.

A fantastic and mellow alternative to the pool for the little ones, these (often) free or very low-priced spots are an awesome option for hours of water shenanigans.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

We went ahead and did the legwork to find some of the top spots with water play options around the Denver area. While not an inclusive list, these include old and new favorites and are a great start on your list of must-do summer activities.

9 spray grounds to visit this summer in and around Denver:

1. The H2Odyssey interactive fountain at City Park is a classic summer watering hole located right by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Completely free of charge, this interactive splash pad has a huge playground and paddleboat rentals nearby. The fountain is closed on Mondays.

2. Wynkoop Plaza at Union Station turns its south end into a fountain for the entirety of the summer. Free of charge and open for all ages to enjoy, this 18,000-square-foot space is a perfect place for a pitstop and to cool off.

3. Southlands Mall in Aurora (6155 S. Main Street) has a seasonal space that turns into a splash park for the summer months with pop-jet fountains. Easy to access and open all week, this free splash pad is conveniently located near plenty of stores so you can get your shopping done once playtime is over.

4. Surfside Spray Park over in Lakewood (5330 W. 9th Ave.) has two splash areas, one for younger kiddos and another larger one for the big kids. Water features and fountains are spread around with lots of room for water play! This spray park officially opened on May 25 and will be open through Labor Day. Please note that there is an entrance fee of $1 per person.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

5. Clement Park Splash Park in Littleton (7306 W. Bowles Ave.) has an interactive water feature to play in, plenty of shade, bathrooms, and a snack bar. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. every day and free of charge!

6. Westminster Center’s “Peter Pan Park” in Westminster (4801 W. 92nd Ave.) is a hidden gem in the city. The playground here is themed to the classic tale and even includes a pirate ship! A small stream and splash pad make this a treasure trove of whimsy and summertime fun. One more thing, this one is totally free because it’s a city park!

7. Carpenter Park located in Thornton (3498 E. 112th Ave.) has a spray ground that operates on a sporadic timer. The spray ground is now open until September 30, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Carpenter Park also has a carousel, boathouse, skatepark, playground, and amphitheater so you can make a day of it here.

8. Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines (7005 Mira Vista Ln.) is operational Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Elk Ridge also has a maze, a climbing wall, a playground, and an educational art feature that teaches some of the early history of Colorado. A neat neighborhood find!

9. Discovery Park Play Fountain in Parker (20115 E. Mainstreet) is a bit different with programmable water jets and color changing LED lights, which allow it to stay open until 10 p.m., making this a light-up water play experience to remember! A really unique place for a summertime evening, or a perfect spot for a low-cost birthday party!

A few things to remember when visiting a spray park, splash pad, or spray ground; most of them do not have lifeguards so parents and caregivers need to be keeping tabs on their kiddos. Lots of fun but very slippery, so go over the basics of safety and courtesy before going in so that everyone can safely have fun and avoid collisions or falls.  

Do you have a favorite spray park that you want to share? Is there a hidden gem somewhere that we missed? Let us know what you think in the comments below.