Free Splash Pads in the Phoenix Valley: 3 Best Splash Pads in the Valley for Families

When summer temperatures rise in the Valley, finding fun and affordable ways to keep kids cool becomes a must. Luckily, there are plenty of free splash pads in the Phoenix Valley that make it easy for families to enjoy the outdoors without spending a fortune.

Whether you're looking for a full playground experience, shaded seating, or a fun stop during summer break, these family-friendly splash pads are worth adding to your bucket list.

1. Sundance Park — Buckeye

We love this splash pad. It's right next to a shaded park. There is plenty of shaded seating. They have plenty of grass to play in, a dog park and sports courts. There is also have a lake to fish. Access is free, if you want to reserve a pavilion you need to do it online and they do get reserved fast.

Open every day from 7am-10pm

22865 W Lower Buckeye Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85326

2. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park — Scottsdale

One of the most popular and iconic spots in Scottsdale, and for good reason. This park has a free train themed splash pad, shaded seating and a shaded park right next to it. They also have a Train museum. There is a train ride and carousel ride that are only $3 each. They have a snack bar with drinks and icecream. You can also (for free) walk through a train car, and a model train building. There is plenty of grassy area to play in or have a picnic. This park can seriously be an all day fun spot.

Open every day 9am-7pm

7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

3. Rescue Oasis Park — Surprise

This cute firetruck themed splash pad is in Surprise. It has a little slide, and it has a great big fun climbing park right next to it. There is shaded seating for parents. It is connected to the Rescue Oasis Waterpark pool - the waterpark has an entrance fee, but the splash pad and park are free. There are also sports courts and more here.

Open every day 6am-10pm

12361 N Perryville Rd, Surprise, AZ 85388

Tips before heading out: These spots are free, so if you're going on a weekend especially just consider it will be busy.

It gets really slippery and I have seen many kids slip and fall in the water, so I highly recommend grabbing some kids water shoes and keeping them in your car or bag for these visits. I highly recommend these from Amazon - lost cost, they don't slip off and they have grip if you're kid goes back and forth from the playground to the splash pad: Kids Water Shoes

Bring a small cooler with snacks and drinks.

Make sure to have a good sunscreen and re-apply.

If the splash pad isn't running when you get there, look for the little hand thing/button to turn it on.