When temperatures climb to uncomfortable levels in Oklahoma, there’s no relief like getting wet. Oklahoma City is packed with opportunities to cool off under some refreshing water. Here are some of our favorite splash pads and fountains throughout the Oklahoma City metro area.
201 W. Daws, Norman
Why We Love It: Beautiful shade trees surround this Norman splash pad that offers guaranteed squeals to visitors of all ages. The splash pad is free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 5. The Norman Public Library Central (225 N. Webster Ave.) is just a three-minute walk away, so make a day of it and visit both.
Myriad Gardens Thunder Fountain & Seasonal Plaza
301 W. Reno
Why We Love It: Thunder Fountain has become one of the most popular places in Oklahoma City to get wet. The festive pavilion over the fountain not only provides some shade for playing, but its sound and water effects mimic a rainforest storm that thrills kids. If you’re looking to get wet but not get caught in a downpour, the Seasonal Plaza nearby offers small fountains that bubble up from the ground. Both are free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months.
Parmele Park Pavilion and Splash Pad
1308 N. Janeway, Moore
Why We Love It: This sprawling Moore park and splash pad could easily entertain all day. Kids love to go back and forth between the dry jungle-themed playground and the water features of the splash pad. Parents love the covered picnic tables and restrooms that make it easy to pack a lunch and stay all day. The park is free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day and is free to the public.
2201 S. Midwest Blvd., Midwest City
Why We Love It: Lions Park is a great attraction for families with children of varying ages. Older kids love the nearby skate park, boasting 10,000 square feet of half pipes and quarter pipes to practice boarding skills. Family members of all ages enjoy the splash pad’s unique water features like the Water Wicket, Over and Under and Baby Long Legs. The free park is open daily from 10 a.m. to dusk through Labor Day.
2021 S. Robinson
Why We Love It: The City of Oklahoma City operates almost 20 spraygrounds but the one at Wiley Post Park is a hit because of its proximity to the Oklahoma River. Families can enjoy the pirate-themed splash pad before setting off to explore the beautiful trail system along the river. The sprayground is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through July 31 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays only from Aug. 1 to Sept. 5.
101 S. Douglas Blvd., Midwest City
Why We Love It: This enormous water playground features a 500,000-gallon pool surrounded by features like slides, an aqua climbing wall, a pirate ship and a playground with zero depth beach entry. A snack bar is available on-site, making it an excellent place to spend the entire day. Admission is $3 for kids 5 and under and $6 for ages 6 and up. The facility is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 5.
Oklahoma City Zoo, 2000 Remington Pl.
Why We Love It: On hot summer days, kids flock to the Oklahoma City Zoo’s water feature like the animals flock to their watering holes. The Oklahoma City Zoo recently put in a unique waterfall feature to help patrons stay cool and comfortable on hot summer days. Water flows through a portion of the Children’s Zoo that’s perfect for a splash mid-way through your next visit. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $8 but children ages 3-11 are admitted for $5.
Earlywine Family Aquatic Center
3101 S.W. 119th St.
Why We Love It: This family-friendly aquatic attraction boasts zero-depth entires, oversized slides and all the favorite features from a standard splash pad. This center is great for families with kids of varying ages as it truly has something for everyone. The facility is open Sunday-Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. through Aug. 14. The facility opens noon to 6 p.m. on Aug. 20 and 21, 27 and 28 and Sept. 3-5. Admission is $6 per person under 48″, $7 per person over 48″ and $4 for non-swimming observers. Save a little money by visiting during twilight hours, where admission is discounted after 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
[Editor’s Note: Find a complete guide to all the splash pads, pools, water parks and lakes in Oklahoma City at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/Splash-Pads-Pools-Lakes/]