Splash Pads and Water Fun in the East Valley

For an updated post, with a more comprehensive list of splash pads all over AZ, go to I Heart AZ: Water Fun and Splash Pads in AZ.

A couple of things to do this week, then a list of splash pads around town that I put together, just because I love you all so much.

This week Superstition Farms opens its Super Farm Market, an indoor farmers market on Thursday evenings from 4:30pm to 7:30pm including local produce and other foods as well as activities for the kids--a petting zoo, hay rides, and more.  I've added the details to our Farmers Market list here. 

Tawnya just let us know about Kids Bowl Free, a nationwide program to get kids active this summer.  Check it out here to see locations in Arizona, including Amazing Jakes on Baseline and Gilbert Rd.  The free bowling may work a little differently at each location, but I know at Amazing Jakes kids get two free games a week throughout the summer, and shoe rental is not included.  Also, at all locations you can buy a pass for 4 adults to bowl 2 games each all summer for just $24.95.  Can you say "air conditioning?"

And on to the water stuff.  There are several places in the East Valley to let the kids run around and get wet. 

2 out of the 3 boys at Tempe Splash Playground in Tempe and Espee Park in Chandler

In Tempe there is Tempe Beach Splash Playground located at Tempe Beach Park. The Splash playground is open on Saturday & Sunday ONLY from 10:00am-7:00pm for the month of May. Everyday operations begin Monday, May 30, 2011.  Free admission.  Lots of fun, but very busy.

These other three in Tempe are smaller splash pads that are open daily from 10am to 7pm: Jaycee Park (5th St and Hardy), Esquer Park (101 and Apache) and Hudson Park (Apache between Rural and McClintock.)  Free.  Go here for more info and to learn about Tempe public pools (like the wave pool at Kiwanis Park.)

Chandler has three spray parks open from 9am to 7pm daily:

Chuparosa Park Spray Pad at 2400 S. Dobson Rd., between Queen Creek & Germann.

Desert Breeze Park Spray Animals at 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd. Between Rural Rd. & McClintock Dr.
and between Ray Rd. & Chandler Blvd.

Espee Park Spray Pad at 450 E. Knox, between Arizona Ave. & McQueen Road.  The splash park is right next to the playground, so kids can go back and forth between the two.

At the Water Tower Park in downtown Gilbert there is a splash pad by the water tower at 45 W. Page Avenue.  You could even go on Saturday and check out the farmers market 7am to 11am, bring the kids and let them play in the water after you shop. 

Fountain Hills has a splash pad at Fountain Hill Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd.  It is open 9am til sunset and is free.

Shopping Centers that have splash pads:

Riverview has a fountain to play in right in front of the Cinemark theater. 

Tempe Marketplace also has fountains in the District, on the north side of the marketplace.

Or, check out the childrens water play area at San Tan Mall at Williamsfield Rd and the San Tan Freeway.  Located near Dillards and open during mall hours.

All of the splash pads listed above are free.  And of course, the Phoenix zoo has two great water play areas, Leapin' Lagoon and Yakulla Caverns which are included in your zoo admission.  Now is a great time to think about getting a zoo membership so you can enjoy the water fun all summer.

Other water fun things include Mesa aquatic centers which open for the summer on May 28th.  Memorial Day weekend, May 28th-30th, season passes are on sale for half off.  For $105 your whole family (up to 8 people) can visit the Mesa pools as often as you want.  I think this summer we might get a pass and visit all of the Mesa pools.  This is a little less ambitious than last years project of visiting 50 Mesa parks.  Mesa has some incredible pools, including the brand new Skyline pool and the Rhodes Pool which has a splash pad and the famous FlowRider.  Or, check out this article about valley water parks and tubing activities. 

Have a fun summer.  Bring on the sunscreen,

P.S.  If you like this info, you can use those little buttons below to share via email, facebook, twitter, etc.  Spread the word about I Heart Mesa!