Growing up in Florida, I loved to swim. Now that I have a daughter, I can’t wait to teach her how to swim and enjoy hot summer days cooling off in a pool. However, at one year old, my daughter isn’t quite ready for the big kids’ pool. Thankfully, we have lots of splash pads we can visit around Atlanta where she can still enjoy water play!

Is your toddler not yet ready for the pool? Splash pads can be a happy medium between a big scary pool and avoiding water altogether. Cool off this summer at one of these Atlanta area splash pads, and be sure to read the splash pad tips at the end:

Swift-Cantrell Park Splash Pad

This is one of the larger splash pads on the list at 3,200 square feet. It’s high-tech, too. Some water jets are activated by motion sensors, so if your toddler is skittish around water you may want to stay close to them. Other fun features include fountain sprays, misters, sea creature structures, and large geysers.
Address: 3140 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw, GA
Admission: All ages over 2: $2; children 2 and under are FREE.
*Please note that this park will only accept credit or debit cards beginning with the 2018 season.

D.H. Stanton Park and Splash ‘N Play

There are several amazing things about the splash pad within D.H. Stanton Park: the public art smack in the middle of the water jets, the solar panels that provide shade for watchful parents while offsetting the energy needed to run the park’s pumps and lights, and the fact that this 8-acre park in the Peoplestown neighborhood was once a landfill!
Address: 1052 Martin Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Admission: FREE

Historic Fourth Ward Park and Splash Pad

Between the skate park, the outdoor theater, the recreation fields and the splash pad, there is something for everyone in your family at this park adjacent to the east side of the Atlanta BeltLine.
Address: 680 Dallas Street, Atlanta, GA 30308
Admission: FREE

Lillian Webb Park

The splash pad at Lillian Webb features a waterfall! Bring your whole family to this downtown Norcross park.
Address: 5 College Street, Norcross, GA  30071
Admission: Free

Riverside Park’s Splash n’ Play

With waterfall mushrooms, spray jets and low, calm dancing jets, this splash pad offers features for every level water enthusiast. There’s a large shaded area for parents to watch their kid play. Before or after enjoying the fountains, let your toddler burn some more energy on Riverside Park’s multiple playgrounds.
Address: 575 Riverside Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Admission: Adults: $2; children under 1 are FREE as are adults accompanying their kid. Season passes also available.

The Spray Station at East Roswell Park

Roswell’s other splash pad features two shaded pavilions and plenty of water features for your little ones. Make this splash pad your second stop after story time at the nearby East Roswell Library.
Address: 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Admission: Adults: $2; children under 1 are FREE as are adults accompanying their kid. Season passes also available.

Splash Fountain at Zoo Atlanta

Get more use out of your zoo membership by taking your toddler to their Splash Fountain, located within the KIDZone. Peek in on your favorite animals and then cool off by running through the 18 water jets at this splash pad. There’s plenty of seating for adults.
Address: 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Admission: Included with zoo admission: Adults 12 and over: $22.99 ($25.99 at the gate); children ages 3-11 $16.99 ($17.99 at gate); adults 65 and over $18.99 ($21.99 at the gate); children under 2 and all active, reserves, and retired military members are FREE!

Spray Pad at Old Atlanta Park

Your toddler will be fascinated by the water buckets, loopy water jets and shallow water area that is perfect for sitting and splashing. This splash pad is located within the 34-acre Old Atlanta Park, which holds multiple pavilions as well as playgrounds and hiking trails. Pack a picnic and make a day of it!
Address: 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee
Cost: $2 for all ages over 1. Adults who stay dry are free with a paid child admission. Season passes available.
*Please note that this park accepts cash or check only.

Perkerson Park Splash Pad

This newer park (opened in May 2012) features disc golf, recreation fields and public art in addition to a toddler-friendly splash pad. Its proximity to the Atlanta BeltLine means you can walk or bike there.
Address: 770 Deckner Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310
Admission: FREE

Sewell Park Pool

There’s a big pool for the big kids and a zero-depth entry splash pad for the wee ones. A palm tree fountain makes for a fun diversion.
Address: 2055 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta
Admission: Adults ages 55+: $3.00; ages 18-54: $4.50; ages 2-17: $3.50, toddlers under 2 are FREE.
*Please note that admission fees are 50% higher for non-Cobb County residents.

Piedmont Park Legacy Splash Pad

This free splash pad is located in the heart of Piedmont Park, just north of the pool. Legacy Splash pad features 70 jets of water and ample seating for parents.
Address: 1320 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Admission: FREE!

Bonus Water Destinations!

Cherokee Aquatic Center

This newer pool is about the closest you can get to a water park without actually going to a water park. If you have older kids, send them off to enjoy the two water slides, a lazy river, pool basketball and water cannons while you and your toddler meander into the (relatively) quiet, zero-depth entry lagoon. Arrive early – this pool is jammin’ on hot summer days!
Address: 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs
Admission: Adults: $7; ages 2-13: $6; FREE for toddlers younger than 2.

Wills Park Swimming Pool

Technically, Wills Park doesn’t have a splash pad but this pool area underwent a major renovation this winter and now features a zero-depth entry area, fountains and smaller slides for little ones plus a revamped toddler pool with plenty of bubbling jets and room for parents to join their kids in the water.
Address: 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Admission: Ages 4 to 49 $5; adults over 50 $1, children 3 and under are FREE. Season passes available.

Olympic Rings Fountain at Centennial Olympic Park

As iconic as the Varsity or the Fox Theater, the Olympic Ring Fountains have the added fun of spouting water in synchronization to music a few times each day! If your toddler tires of the water, take them across the street to the Georgia Aquarium or the SkyView Ferris Wheel.
Address: 265 Park Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30313
Admission: FREE

Tips for a happy splash pad experience:

1. Wear proper swim attire! Not much is cuter than bathing suits for tiny humans, so consider this tip an excuse to pick out an adorable suit for your toddler.
2. Swim diapers are required for non-potty trained toddlers, and at some parks, these are required for anyone under age 3. Come prepared with a backup just in case.
3. Slather on the sunscreen at least every 90 minutes. You definitely don’t want a toddler who’s angry because their skin burns.
4. Pack extra snacks and drinks. Playing in the sun and water builds an appetite!
5. Bring extra towels and an extra change of clothes for the car ride home. No one enjoys sitting in wet clothing in an air-conditioned car, so give your toddler a quick change before hitting the road home (hopefully, for a nap!).

Did I miss your favorite splash pad? Tell us where it is in the comments!