25 Top Splash Pads and Sprinkler Parks in NYC for Kids

The splash pad in Domino Park puts a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier

When we were growing up, New York City playgrounds had sprinklers. Now parks and playgrounds across the five boroughs have transformed into spraygrounds—entire playgrounds dedicated to water play with fountains, geysers, rivers, pumps, and beautiful spraying statues. Kids just love these splash pads in NYC, and parents prefer these newfangled sprinkler parks because they're pretty and cool and a great way to beat the heat.

Sprinkler season in NYC parks usually kicks into gear when temperatures hit 80 degrees, and there are hundreds of sprinkler parks and splash pads in NYC parks. Though we've highlighted some favorites by borough—calling out the best splash pads in Brooklyn, top sprinkler parks in Queens, and our favorite spraygrounds in the Bronx—the ones on this list are even cooler (literally and figuratively).

Read on for the 25 best splash pads in New York City. For more ideas to stay cool and keep busy, check out our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Memorial Day Weekend 2024 in NYC: Fleet Week and More To Do in NYC with Kids

 Catch a variety of patriotic concerts in the heart of Time Square as part of the Fleet Week festivities. Photo by US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Clay/courtesy of the US Navy

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this long holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend heralds the return of Fleet Week, and NYC is looking positively ship-shape. The Prospect Park Zoo reopens in Brooklyn, and 14 miles of NYC beaches are ready to welcome sandcastle builders, waders, and body surfers as the weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Come Monday, Memorial Day parades march through Brooklyn and Queens.

Best Orlando Pools with Day Passes That Are Open to the Public

Enjoy a day of fun at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. Photo courtesy of the hotel

There are many public pools near Orlando for families to cool off during the warmer months. Some of these Orlando pools have shallow wading areas and interactive play elements for kids, water slides, and even adjacent splash pads. For a true staycation (or daycation) experience, families can also book a pool day pass to swim at some incredible hotels with pools near Orlando, as well as many other awesome swimming pools in the area.

Door County With Kids: The Best Things to Do in Door County, Wisconsin

Jacksonport Farmers Market. Photo by Mike Tittel, courtesy of Destination Door County.

Door County, Wisconsin has five state parks, 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 19 county parks, and 14 charming towns and villages. If that's not enough reason to plan a summer getaway here, how about dozens of festivals, a thriving arts scene, countless restaurants, and so many outdoor activities you'll have to decide what to do first? 

The idyllic peninsula is a five-hour drive from Chicago—and worth every mile. This guide has everything from what to do, what to see, and where to eat to help you make the most of your family trip to Door County, Wisconsin.

Looking for other vacation spots near Chicago? Check out this guide to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, these fantastic weekend getaways, and this Midwest travel guide for more ideas. 

40 Best Things To Do in the Catskills with Kids

Romp through the woods in the beautiful Catskills. Photo by Deborah Dadlani

When you're up for a road trip, New York's Catskills offer a slew of great things to do for families. Whether you have young kids or tweens and teens—or all of the above!—you can enjoy hiking, camping, river rafting, and more.

Let’s start with the basics: Where are the Catskills? Covering 600,000 acres and encompassing most of Ulster, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene, and Schoharie counties, the Catskills are rich in natural beauty and historical significance. You'll find family-friendly skiing and picturesque resorts—including the sprawling Kartrite Resort—as well as charming small towns, like Saugerties, Woodstock, Phoenicia, Tannersville, and Delhi.

Most destinations are about a 2- to 3-hour drive from the New York metro area. Here’s a look at the 40 best things to do in the Catskills with the kids, no matter your family’s interests.

Looking for even more places to visit in your area and beyond? Check out our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Free Outdoor Movies in New Jersey this Summer

Jersey City hosts family-friendly movies under the stars throughout the city this summer.  Photo courtesy of Dreamworks Animation

Looking for FREE summer outdoor movies for New Jersey families? Here are some to add to your list.

See your favorite flicks under the stars this summer as beaches and parks throughout the state host FREE outdoor movies on supersized screens. Bring a blanket or beach chair (and maybe a little bug spray), and catch an old or new favorite.

Round out your summer plans with our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide!

Memorial Day Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things To Do

Runaway Rapids water park opens for the season this Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the park

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, ushering in the unofficial start of summer. Feel the summer vibes at the Jersey Shore's brilliant Wildwoods International Kite Festival. And spend Memorial Day Monday at commemorative events in Holmdel and Freehold, among others. 

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