Best Splash Pads in Kansas City

Summer is here! As the temperature rises, we’re all looking for ways to cool off. If you are new to splash pads (also called spraygrounds or spray parks), they are typically free public parks with water features that are open in the summer (generally Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).

All of these metro splash pads have been given the stamp of approval by the Kansas City Mom Collective team and their kids. Each one has a bathroom on site, and in most cases, there is even an adjacent playground.

KCMC tip: Have your kids wear water shoes at the splash pads instead of going barefoot. Kids are going to run around and there are no lifeguards on duty to remind them to walk. Several of the splash pads have very slippery surfaces, so water shoes are a must!

Missouri Splash Pads

Burrus Old Mill Park | Blue Springs, MO

112 NW Woods Chapel Road, Blue Springs, MO 64015 | Website

This is the first splash pad in Blue Springs. It is huge and has a fun jungle theme, like the new playground nearby. The splash pad has lots of buckets that dump water, jungle animals like hippos and elephants, and even a small slide! There are shaded picnic tables around the perimeter for caregivers. There are also reservable picnic shelters nearby, so you can host a birthday party or family gathering. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Central Park at Zona Rosa | Northland

7210 NW 86th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64153 | Website

The fountains at Zona Rosa are in the Central Park area which features a turfed area with room for kids to run around and a small playground. There’s plenty of shaded seating and rocking chairs where you can sit and rest while the kids play. Restrooms can be found across the street. Open daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

City Park | Liberty, MO

970 Rte 291, Liberty, MO 64068 | Website

This sprayground just opened in May of 2022 and is adjacent to the Liberty’s new inclusive playground. There is plenty of room for kids to run around and enjoy the fountains and large bucket that dumps water. Benches surround the splash pad so caregivers can be watch. There is also a small shelter with picnic tables next to the splash pad that can be reserved for events. Open daily from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Dagg Park | North Kansas City, MO

701 E 21st Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116 | Website

When it opened in 2016, this splash pad quickly emerged as one of the best in the city. With a separate small kid area, an amazing playground, and being entirely fenced in, this is a park you can comfortably let even your wandering toddlers loose in. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. — due to weekly maintenance, the splash pad doesn’t open until 1 p.m. on Mondays.

Howard Park | Lee’s Summit, MO

3498 NE Independence Ave, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 | Website

This splash pad is perfect for small kids that enjoy the water but do better in a less crowded play area. There is a neighboring playground and shelter with bathrooms. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

John Anderson Park | Grandview, MO

4701 E 135th St, Grandview, MO 64030 | Website

Enjoy the nautical theme of this splash pad— your kids can pretend they are on a pirate ship! There is ample shaded seating and a fun playground for the kids to explore if they want a break from the water. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Note: Outside temperature must be 75 degrees or above in order for the water to turn on.

 

Lea McKeighan Park | Lee’s Summit, MO

120 NE Chipman Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | Website

This splash pad has an area for younger kids and an area for older kids. There are bathrooms and the north shelter can be reserved for events. There are covered picnic tables close to the splash pad so you can stay cool while your kids play. The splash pad is surrounded by a metal fence that will help keep your kids from wandering over to other areas of the park. You can also find pickleball, playgrounds, walking trails, and a skate park at Lea McKeighan Park. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

 

Loose Park | Plaza area

52nd Terrace & Summit Street in Kansas City, MO | Website

While not the biggest splash pad in the city, this one is lots of fun and is set inside Loose Park where you can find walking paths, a playground, duck pond, and of course, the rose garden. The splash pad itself is entirely fenced in and has lots of shaded seating for parents, a grassy area for spreading out towels and a picnic, and nearby bathrooms. This splash pad can be difficult to see from the road. If you look for the tennis courts you will find the splash pad, as it is set just downhill from the courts on the west side of the park, south of the rose garden. There is ample parking along Summit St. Open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Miller J. Fields Park | Lee’s Summit, MO

1301 SE 3rd Terrace, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 | Website

You could spend hours here between this splash pad and the adjacent playground! The splash pad has a side for big kids (with a big bucket that dumps water) and a not as intense side for little kids. The playground is fantastic with a special area for small kids, a variety of xylophones to make music on, and a zip line. There is plenty of shaded seating for parents and shelters that can be reserved for parties. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Ruth Moore Park | Liberty, MO

401 Grover St, Liberty, MO 64068 | Website

This firefighter-themed splash pad has an umbrella covering it to provide some much needed shade on a hot day. There are benches for caregivers right next to the splash pad. Step on the phone with a button to start the water! Open daily from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

T.B. Hanna Station | Raymore, MO

214 S Washington St, Raymore, MO 64083 | Website

This park boasts the first inclusive sprayground in the metro area. The splash pad has a train theme with a train track running through a train structure, perfect for wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices. There are accessible bathrooms on site that are open year-round. The splash pad is part of the renovation the park recently underwent that has an inclusive playground with communication boards and accessible equipment. There are no benches or tables to sit at, so bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for yourself. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Kansas Splash Pads

Erfurt Park | Shawnee, KS

24135 W 71st St, Shawnee, KS 66227 | Website

Erfurt Park has been around for many years but the splash pad is a 2021 addition. The splash pad is near the nature playground and there is plenty of room to run around and cool off. There are places for adults to sit and a nearby deck perfect for sitting in the shade and enjoying a picnic. Restrooms are located at the large park shelter which is a bit of a walk from the splash pad so be prepared for that. Hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Lake Olathe | Olathe, KS

445 S. Ward Cliff Dr. Olathe, KS 66061 | Website

Olathe’s first spray ground is open during the warm months of the year (opening and closing dates vary). Make sure you check out our mom’s guide to Lake Olathe  Divided into three play sections with a shallow stream running between them, this spray ground is fun for a wide range of ages. There are two splash pads as well as a sand and water area with a foot wash (clutch!) for rinsing off the sand after you’re done playing. Musical instruments are scattered along the path surrounding the spray ground for the kids to play. Beyond the splash pads, there are lots of ways to stay busy at Lake Olathe. The splash pad is open daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Note: There is not a bathroom next to the spray ground, so you will have to walk down to the marina.

Pierson Park | Kansas City, KS

1800 S 55th St, Kansas City, KS 66106 | Website

Pierson Park is one of three similar splash pads in Kansas City, KS (Eisenhower and Heathwood are the others). There is plenty of room for kids to play and cool off and a nearby playground and skate park as well. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Roe Park | Overland Park, KS

10400 Roe Ave, Overland Park, KS 66207 | Website

This was the first splash pad to open in Johnson County back in 2016. The splash pad itself is pretty small, but there is a huge playground and nature playground for kids to explore as well. The splash pad is activated by ground sensors. I like that there are multiple picnic shelters nearby so you can sit in the shade while your kids play. It can get crowded, so my best advice is to go early in the morning or in the evening. Open daily from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. and is turned on in late spring and turned off before it freezes in the fall.

Thompson Park | Overland Park, KS

8045 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204 | Website

This park opened in Downtown Overland Park in 2020 and features a small splash pad and a new playground that is shaded by mature trees. The water is activated by pressing a button on a nearby pole. There are bathrooms and a reservable picnic shelter. Bonus: Popculture Gourmet Popcorn and Ice Cream is across the street! Open daily from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. and is turned on in late spring and turned off before it freezes in the fall.

 

Wilder Bluff Park | Shawnee, KS

24200 W 55th St, Shawnee, KS 66226 | Website

This park opened in the summer of 2021 and is a fantastic addition to the JoCo park scene. This is a natural looking splash pad complete with boulders, a shallow river, waterfall, and a low bridge. Parents can perch on the rocks, steps, or a nearby bench while watching their kids cool off in the water. Kids will have a blast with small water toys and boats that float through the shallow channel. The splash pad water is on daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Restrooms are located inside the shelter next to the park.

 

Return to Summer Guide

Julia Willhite
I'm Julia and I live in Olathe with my husband of 16 years, my 10 and 6 year old daughters, and our rescue pug Mabel. I’m a social worker turned SAHM and love Dr. Pepper, thunderstorms, and talking to other adults. I hate coffee, diet culture, and washing dishes. I'll talk your ear off about the best local parks and which restaurants have wronged me by changing their long-standing menu items. I try to walk the line between knowing a lot of stuff and not being a know-it-all. Some days I'm better than others.

1 COMMENT

  1. We also like Pierson Park Splash Park across from Turner High School! Never busy and fenced in! Only problem…no shade…so pack your own!

Comments are closed.