This Summer is forecasted to be one of the hottest we have seen in a long time. You know what’s great on a hot day? Water play. The best part? Spray parks are free, and the kids can usually find lots of new friends to play with, as they can get pretty busy.
Pro tip: Bring bottles of water, snacks, hats, and towels, and something for yourself to sit on, as picnic benches tend to get full pretty fast, especially on hot days.
Here are some of our favorite spray parks in and around Edmonton:
Broadmoor Lake Playground, Sherwood Park
This is by far one of our favorites. Located in Sherwood Park, it is well worth the drive. This park is enormous, with areas to play in the water, and huge structures for dry play as well, that includes slides and climbing areas. Endless imaginative play, and lots of space all around the play area for parents to sit or create a picnic area. Gorgeous view of the nearby lake & walking paths as well. Bathrooms are on site.
Castle Downs Skate & Spray Park, North Edmonton
Another one of our favorites is the Castle Downs spray park, located behind the YMCA on the North End of Edmonton. This play are is huge, has an adjacent outdoor skate park. There are quite a few picnic tables all around, and it is a popular place to spend the whole day, with many people barbequing their lunch or dinner right at the park. Lots of trees makes for many shaded areas to set up, and the hill behind the park is the perfect place to enjoy the warm sun, or to try off from the splash park! Bathrooms on site here as well.
Woodlands Water Park, St. Albert
This spray park in St. Albert is amazing. Another one well worth the drive. This park is huge, with three different sections that cater to three different age groups. Change rooms and washrooms are on site, as well as a multi-age playground with a non slip, rubbery surface, so kids can go back and forth. Lots of room for picnics in the area, with adjacent beach volleyball areas and a skate park. It is a trek from the parking lot, and gets pretty busy on hot days, but I did not find it uncomfortably crowded.
Kinsmen Spray Park
This gorgeous family park is located in the heart of the river valley. Not only does the splash park have manipulative features on some of its play equipment for water aiming fun, but the park itself is breathtaking. Among many other things, Kinsmen Park also has a playground, walking trails, picnic benches and sports fields. Bathrooms are located inside of the Kinsmen field house.
Jackie Parker Spray Park
Be prepared. This is a spray park that the kids get SOAKED playing in! Which is the whole point, of course, but this one has so many fun ways to play in the water, and includes an area for water play for younger kids that doesn’t have the spraying features. Throw in the enormous play park right next to it, and this is another gorgeous place to spend a nice, sunny day.
Hudson Spray Park
A hidden gem on the North end of Edmonton, Hudson Park. Hidden well within the residential area of Hudson, this area has a smaller spray park section that is attached to a play park, fun for younger kids. Quiet area, and another great place for a family picnic.
Note: The City of Edmonton wading pool is under construction for the Summer, so will not be open for the public! Next year, it will be a lot shallower than it used to be, too! More info on all water play within Edmonton can be found on the city’s website, here.
Looking for a spray park/water play near you? Check out this ULTIMATE spray park map with locations, photos and hours!
You are going to want to bookmark this one for sure! Which one is your favorite??