guides

Splash pads, wading pools and other water fun!

14 local parks to make a summer splash

By Griselda Chin June 8, 2017

Summer is upon us. Beat the summer heat with this guide to local wading pools, splash pads, and more. All are free unless otherwise noted.

Wading Pools

Lakewood Parks*
Wading Pools (for youngsters 3-7 years old) at the following Lakewood Parks will be open June 16 to August 28 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the following days.  

  • Mayfair Park:  Daily
  • San Martin Park:  Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun
  • Del Valle Park:  Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun
  • Boyar Park: Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun
  • Palms Park:  Daily
  • Bloomfield Park: Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sun

In addition to the above, wading pool Wednesdays will be held at Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin parks on Wednesdays from June 21 to August 23 from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

*For more information call  (562) 866-9771, Ext. 2408 or view the aquatics flyer here.

Ruth R. Caruthers Park, Bellflower
Open Monday-Friday 12:00-3:00 p.m. for children ages 8 years & under. All children must wear swimsuits, no exceptions. No lifeguard on duty at this park.

Carl Brenner Park, Buena Park
Pool is 25 feet long and 1-2 feet deep. Recommended for children 6 years & under.
Open Monday - Friday 1 – 4 p.m. from May 29th - August 13th


Splash Pads

Liberty Park, Cerritos
Open from 1pm-4pm daily

Cerritos Park East, Cerritos
Open from 1pm-4pm daily

Westgate Park, Cerritos
In the past, the spray pool has been open 1-4pm during the summer.

Central Park, Stanton
Open 12pm-5pm every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Harry M. Dotson Park, Stanton
Monday - Sunday 12-5 p.m.
The water play area operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Atlantis Park, Garden Grove
Cost: $2 per child or adult / 2 and under free- Cash only
Mondays- CLOSED
Tuesdays - Fridays - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturdays - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sundays- 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sigler Park, Westminster
Weekends: May 27th - June 18th from 12pm - 5pm
Daily: June 24th - Sept. 4th from 12pm - 5pm
Note: Splash Pad shuts off 15 minutes before closing time.

Long Beach Towne Center, Long Beach
Spray pad and fountain in front of the movie theater.
September – April: noon - 5:00 PM
May – August: 10:00 AM -7:00 PM
Currently closed for maintenance. Will re-open Tuesday, June 6th.

Lemon Park, Fullerton
May 31 through August 7 (Open daily): 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m
August 8 through September 25 (weekends only): 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m

Amelia Mayberry Park, Whittier
May 1 through October 15 (Open daily): 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
October 16 through April 30 (weekends) 11:00 am - 4:00 pm


Wading Beaches

Marine Park (aka Mother’s Beach), Long Beach
5839 E Appian Way
Shallow swimming area, no waves, and lifeguard supervision during peak times

Alamitos Bay Beach, Long Beach
Bay Shore Ave and E Division St
No waves, lifeguard supervision during peak times, shallow swimming area. Bay Shore Ave is closed to vehicle traffic during the summer, making the area a safe place for children.


Playgrounds with water and mud

Huntington Central Park - Adventure Playground, Huntington Beach
Cost: $3.00 per child.  Adults 16 and older free. Cash only
Recommended for ages 5-12. Closed toed shoes required for ALL visitors
Open from June 19 - August 18, 2017.
10am - 4pm, Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays and July 4th. All play ends at 3:40 pm.

Irvine Adventure Playground, Irvine
March-October. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (daily)
November-February. 10 a.m. - dusk (daily)


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Please note that the hours and days of operation may change due to weather, maintenance and other issues. If you can, I recommend you call the parks offices beforehand.