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Splash Pads, Spraygrounds and Fountains for Kids in Hartford County

Hyland Park Splash Pad has a clever baseball theme. Photo courtesy of MRC Recreation
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5/16/21 - By Tania Pesce

Just because Hartford isn't near a shoreline doesn't mean kids have to venture far to enjoy the water. Plenty of Hartford-area parks are outfitted with fun spraygrounds, splash pads, and fountains to beat the heat, no pool membership required. Here are some of our kids' very favorite water play areas, most of which are free—so there's no need to bring your wallet (just towels and sunscreen)!

Be sure and check out our guide to the Top 15 Swimming Pools for Families in Connecticut for more places to cool off the kids. Our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide includes more fun ideas for keeping kids active and busy in July and August.

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1. Colt Park Splash Pad, Hartford

This is a great place to go on a hot summer day: There are several overhead sprayers and even spinning controllers for the kids to man themselves. This is an all-ages splash area.

2. Pope Park North, Hartford

There's a splashy spray park in this northernmost corner of the popular park (a.k.a, Baby Pope), and a full swimming pool in Pope's main section.

3. Keney Park Splash Pad, Hartford

This is the largest park in Hartford at almost 600 acres. This splash pad opened in 2017 and is a mecca for local children wanting to cool off. It consists mainly of floor sprayers and a structure under which kids can stand in cool showers. Nobody can miss the big, yellow spraying spider!

4. Goodwin Park, Hartford

Home to a golf course, Goodwin has lots of open green space for running around, and a splashy playscape that's perfect for cooling off after.

5. Hyland Park, Hartford

​This baseball-themed little park near the popular ball fields offers a small, contained space with simple water features well-suited for little ones.

6. West Hartford Splash Pads, West Hartford

Conveniently located next to playgrounds, concession stands, and restrooms, you will find four splash pads featuring several water features, making for a fun day out. Spray Pads are located at Beachland, Fernridge, Kenney, and Wolcott Park, and are free for children ages 2-8. Open Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend, daily from 10am-7pm.

7. Rockwell Park, Bristol

In addition to its great playground and picnic areas, the park also features a splash pad, a pool, a basketball court, and walking trails. It is easy to spend a day here, especially considering other kid-friendly things to do in Bristol.

8. Cotton Hollow Preserve, Glastonbury

Enjoy 80 acres of outdoor adventure in a historic atmosphere. For a refreshing escape from the heat, visit the naturally formed swimming holes, the cascading and tumbling freshwater, and the roaring banks of the roaring brook. A beach area located at the bottom of the main falls features the best conditions for a relaxing dip in the water. Unfortunately, it is limited to Glastonbury residents and guests only.

Willow Street Park. Photo courtesy of TO Design

9. Willow Street Park, New Britain

Bring a towel and a cooler because the largest (and free!) splash pad in New England will keep the kids entertained for hours. 

10. Elizabeth Berner Pool, Plainville

Located at Norton Park, it features two water slides, a raindrop fountain, and a zero-depth entry tot pool. According to the town recreation department webpage, the pool is open and free for Plainville residents and guests beginning June 10, but non-residents can purchase a daily pool pass for $14 per person.                                                                                                                                                           

11. Chesley Park, New Britain

At Chesley Park, there are plenty of exciting water spray features, including bucket dumps, ground sprays, and jets you can aim at your friends. There's even a new pool for getting fully wet.

 

This article was originally published June 24, 2013.

 

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