The Go-To Guide: Central Ohio Splash Pads and Spraygrounds

Editor’s note: For the most up-to-date version of this list, go to columbusparent.com/splashpadsspraygrounds.

When the weather warms up, Central Ohioans have plenty of places to cool down.

We've put together a list of some of the most popular splash pads and spraygrounds around town. All are free and open to the public.

Before you pack the towels and sunscreen, it's wise to call ahead or check online to make sure a destination isn't closed for maintenance or water testing. Also, note that most of these facilities shut down in the event of bad weather.

To suggest a location we should consider adding to our list, send an email to contact@columbusparent.com.

Ballantrae Community Park

6350 Woerner Temple Road, Dublin; 614-410-4700;dublinohiousa.gov/parks-open-space

Spray fountains are built into a hill topped by the well-knownDancing Hares sculpture, complemented by a splash pad. This Dublin city park has a large, grassy area nearby and restrooms next to the parking lot. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 29 to Sept. 4.

Barnett Community Center Sprayground

1184 Barnett Road (Linwood), Columbus; 614-645-3065; columbus.gov

Hours: noon to 7 p.m. daily starting Memorial Day weekend.

Bicentennial Park in the Scioto Mile

233 Civic Center Drive (Downtown); 614-645-7995; sciotomile.com

The Scioto Mile Fountain is a Downtown destination. Kids can play on the 15,000-square-foot interactive splash pad that features 1,079 spray nozzles, 1,100 fog nozzles and a fixture that shoots water 75 feet high. There are public restrooms. Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays starting Memorial Day weekend. Special events may affect operating hours.

Blackburn Community Center Sprayground

263 Carpenter St. (Olde Towne East), Columbus; 614-645-7670; columbus.gov

Hours: noon to 7 p.m. daily starting May 27.

Easton Town Center

Use 3900 Easton Station, Columbus for navigation purposes; 614-337-2200; eastontowncenter.com

Easton's Town Square, just south of Brio Tuscan Grille, features a popular splash pad for ages 8 and younger. Hours: same as Easton Town Center (10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays). However, the fountain is lowered from 5:30-8:30 p.m. daily, and it closes at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays for the weekly Sounds on the Town Concert Series. Free towel service is provided from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays between June 4 and Aug. 27.

Hilliard's Station Park

4021 Main St., Hilliard; 614-876-5200;hilliardohio.gov/play/hilliard-station-park

This newer city park, which opened in December 2015, sits at the beginning of the 7-mile Heritage Trail in Old Hilliard. In addition to a splash pad, the park has seating, a public restroom and a lineup of summer programming. Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until Nov. 1, weather-permitting. It closes at 3 p.m. on special event days.

Indian Mound Community Center Sprayground

3901 Parsons Ave. (South Side), Columbus; 614-645-3224; columbus.gov

Hours: noon to 7 p.m. daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

North Bank Park in the Scioto Mile

311 W. Long St. (Arena District), Columbus; 614-645-3300;sciotomile.com/parks/north-bank-park

This 9-acre city park has an interactive spray fountain adjacent to the pavilion. Parking is available in nearby lots and metered on-street spaces. The fountain does not have published hours of operation because it is closed to the public when the pavilion is rented.

Partners Park

125 E. Sixth St., Marysville; 937-645-7350; marysvilleohio.org

This park, which opened in 2015, is located in Uptown Marysville. In addition to a splash pad, the park has a gazebo, green space, pavilion and a public restroom. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Polaris Fashion Place

Use 8781 Lyra Drive, Columbus for navigation purposes; 614-846-1500; polarisfashionplace.com

The Polaris Lifestyle Center section of the development has a small fountain/splash pad near the Cheesecake Factory on the east side of the mall. Hours: same as the mall (10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays).

Veterans Park

1121 S. Houk Road, Delaware; 740-203-1810; delawareohio.net

The city of Delaware opened a new dinosaur-themed water play area at Veterans Park in June 2016, with spray features, a splash pad and some shade for parents. Hours: had not been finalized as of mid-May, but the “spray and play” park will be open May 27 through Labor Day.

Village Green Park

47 Hall St., Powell 43065; 614-885-9820;cityofpowell.us

Numerous water-play toys are built into the splash pad, which is shaded by trees. There are picnic tables at the park and restrooms in City Hall nearby. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily May 29 to Sept. 4.