Your kids are going to be begging you to take them to the splash pad this summer, and it’s easy to see why! Whether it’s raining or hot outside, there’s nothing quite like spending time with your family in the water, cooling off after a long day of play. But how exactly do splash pads work? Splash pads are fun, safe ways to cool off this summer, and they’re great for all ages! Read on to learn more about how splash pads work and if they’re right for your family this year.
The Basics
A splash pad uses a series of sprinklers to shoot water into an area designated for splashing. They are great for summertime cooling, and are especially helpful in places where there is no swimming pool or other nearby water source. Splash pads generally run on solar power and can be installed on playgrounds, parks, and schools. One of their best features is that they keep children safe; parents do not have to worry about curious toddlers wandering near deep water, as splash pads only cover a small area.
What Are Splash Pads?
Commonly found in public parks, splash pads are fountains that spray water into a shallow pool. When water is sprayed out of a nozzle or fountain and hits another body of water, it breaks up into billions of tiny droplets—an effect called diffusion. These droplets fly apart in all directions and land on anything within their path, including people, clothing, grass and playground equipment.
Safety Concerns
There are a few things to consider when you’re talking about water features and safety. Kids can drown in less than an inch of water, so it’s important to keep your splash pad fully fenced or at least surrounded by enough wet-safe material (dry sand, potted plants) that kids won’t be tempted to go exploring.
When Do They Open?
In most areas, splash pads are typically open from mid-spring to late fall. Each year they’re open, they have different hours and days of operation. It’s best to contact your city or county parks department for details on when yours will be open; as a general rule, however, most tend to stay open for three hours in the morning and then close in mid-afternoon. The exact times can change based on weather conditions and seasonality.
What Makes Them Popular?
If you’re looking for a fun way to keep cool in hot weather, and also provide a way to beat back boredom, then splash pads are a great idea. This makes them popular among children who need things to do in summer and also parents who don’t have air conditioning at home and kids who refuse to sit inside all day. The playground offers both entertainment and a place for kids to run around safely, with water play as an added bonus.
