Make a Splash this Summer

Whoever invented the splash pad is pretty smart (and rich I would assume). Or had kids of her own and witnessed the glee in their eyes even as their youthful skin turned pruney in the bath. Or was inspired by her own childhood summers running through magical lawn sprinklers. Now that the near triple degree heat is a nagging reminder that we are well into the summer season, go make a splash at one of your local parks or public recreation facilities at a splash pad. Splash pads and water play areas are great options to cool off when you don’t have access to a pool or don’t have time to drive to the beach. And swimming proficiency is not an issue so the little ones will enjoy it just as much.

PUBLIC SPLASH PADS

A.J. Martin Park
14830 E. Giordano Street
La Puente, 91744; (626) 917-8354
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Amelia Mayberry Park
13201 E. Meyer Road
Whittier, 90605; (562) 944-9727
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Annenberg Community Beach House
Splashpad Play Area
415 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, 90402; (310) 458-4904
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – Sunset
Cost: FREE for the splash pad outside; Public pool is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and costs $10 for adults; $4 kids aged 1 and up

Basset Park
510 North Vineland Avenue
La Puente, 91746; (626) 333-0959
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Dalton Park
18867 Armstead Street
Azusa, 91702; (626) 852-1491
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

North Hollywood Recreation Center
North Hollywood Pool
5301 Tujunga Ave. (and Magnolia)
North Hollywood, 91601; (818) 755-7654
Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (M-F); 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (S-S)
Cost: $2.50 Adults; FREE for kids under 7 (kids under 7 must be accompanied by adults, who must wear swimsuits while watching the kids) The Fee also covers pool use.

Pacific Park Splash Pad
501 S. Pacific Avenue
Glendale, 91204; (818) 548-4098
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Cost: FREE

Panorama Recreation Center Splash Pad
8600 Hazeltine Avenue
Panorama City, 91402; (818) 893-3401
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Rimgrove Park Splash Pad
747 North Rimgrove Drive
Valinda, 91744; (626) 330-8798
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

San Angelo Park Splash Pad
245 S. San Angelo Ave.
La Puente; (626) 968-2666
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Stoner Park Pool Splash Pad
1835 Stoner Ave.
Los Angeles, 90025; (310) 575-8286
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (M-F); 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (S-S)
Cost: FREE for 17 years and under; $2.50 for adults
Pool 0-4 ft of water

Sunshine Park Splash Pad
515 Deepmead Avenue
La Puente, 91744; (626) 854-5559
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Swim Stadium Splash Pad (Water Play*)
3980 South Menlo Avenue
Los Angeles, 90037; (213) 763-0129 (5)
Hours: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Adults $2.50; FREE for kids 17 and under
*A pool with 1 foot of water has play structures and water sprays.

Sylmar Park Recreation Center Splash Pad
13109 Borden Ave.,
Sylmar, 818-367-5656 (6727)
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Valleydale Park
5525 North Lark Ellen Avenue
Azusa, 91702; (626) 334-8020
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Virginia Park Splash Pad
2200 Virginia Ave.
Santa Monica, 90404; (310) 458-8688
Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE

COMMERCIAL WATER PLAY AREAS

Raging Waters
111 Raging Waters Drive
San Dimas, 91773; (909) 802-2200

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
24500 Town Center Drive
Valencia, 91355; (661) 255-4100

Universal Studios
Curious George Water Play Area
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, 91608; (818) 622-3801

Another way to cool off this summer: Ice Cream Trucks!

Check out what else there is to do in Los Angeles this week HERE.

(Posted July 28, 2009)