Gone are the days of needing to use a garden hose as a sprinkler: the DC area is brimming with splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds to help kids beat the heat on a hot summer day. These splash pads and sprinkler sparks are full of fun features like fountains, dumping buckets, water cannons, spraying animals, and even mini water slides. And the best part is, most of them are absolutely FREE!

Here are 20 great splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to visit with kids for some wet and wild fun. And if you have older children who need a few more thrills, check out our list of the best outdoor water parks and amazing indoor water parks near DC.

Many Atlanta breweries are family-friendly, so you can kick back with a beer while kids play games and enjoy outdoor spaces. Plus, visiting a brewery in Atlanta is a great way to support local family businesses!

We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly breweries in Atlanta that keep kiddos entertained so you can enjoy a pint. Many Atlanta breweries offer food and snacks, or at least allow you to bring in your own munchies (great for picky eaters). In some cases, even four-legged fur babies are welcome at these Atlanta breweries!

Kids will love getting close to dinosaurs at LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival in Orlando! Taking place at The Florida Mall, this awesome attraction combines the thrill of prehistoric giants with the magic of detailed light sculptures. LuminoCity Dino Safari debuts in Orlando with a roar this summer, as families marvel at the realistic dinosaurs and ancient mammals, as well as an interactive recreation zone, fossil hunt, and more. Get all the details below to plan a visit before the attraction closes on June 16, 2024!

Cool off at these splash pads and sprinkler parks around Connecticut.

Free and fabulous splash pads in Los Angeles can be found at many parks and playgrounds across the city— and some of them are open year-round. Entire playgrounds (plus a few swimming pools and wading pools) are dedicated to ways to keep it cool, with plenty of fountains, geysers, pumps, and water sprayers. Kids adore these spraygrounds and splash pads, and parents love that they're a great way to beat the heat without a drive to a favorite beach (not to mention, the car won't get all sandy!).

If a pool or a water park sounds like too much work (or too expensive), cool those kids down at one of these (mostly) free splash pads. And check out all our wet and wild favorites in our Guide to the Best Pools and Splash Pads in Los Angeles. 

While Westchester and the Hudson Valley boast wonderful local pools and swimming lakes, local splash pads are also an easy way for kids to cool off in the summer. The setting is especially fun for younger kids, who can run through the sprinklers and water jets, no swim vest required.

We’ve rounded up the best splash pads and sprinkler parks to check out in the region, from Yonkers to Wappingers Falls, including some that offer FREE entry.

Find more outdoor adventures in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds, and bookmark our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide for tips all season long. 

Hitting up a sprinkler park or splash pad on Long Island takes a lot less preparation than a trip to the beach: Just add sunscreen and let the adventures begin. They hit the spot, too, since there's nothing like jumping through a sprinkler to cool off. 

For other seasonal, kid-friendly activities, check out our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which includes our recommendations for the best beach playgrounds on Long Island.