When the heat wave hits, most Angelenos make plans to visit the nearest pool or beach. But splash pads require less of a time commitment, are far more accessible, and don’t require carting a boatload of equipment along with you (although you may want to bring a towel or change of clothes).
Los Angeles is immersed in somewhat of a splash pad renaissance. From Tongva Park in Santa Monica to the recently renovated Music Center plaza in Downtown, water features are a hot trend in new park design. As the city warms, expect to see more of these wet plazas—or, perhaps, ”spraygrounds”—incorporated into our urban fabric.
While some splash pads are designed for kids, most are just as welcoming for people of all ages and abilities to stop in and cool off. Be sure to also check with your local recreation department, many of which have splash pads that are part of public pool complexes. Some water features operate seasonally, so confirm opening hours before you head out—in true Southern California fashion, they might be turned off during times of drought.
Rancho Tapo Community Park
Simi Valley, CA 93063
A gem of a splash pad set inside a big, grassy Simi Valley park filled with lots of other diversions—bocce ball!—should you tire of the Dr. Seuss-like water features.
Annenberg Community Beach House
Santa Monica, CA 90402
You don’t have to get tickets to the beach house to enjoy the splash pad just outside the entrance. It makes a great beach-day alternative when the Pacific is too rough—or too chilly—for swimming.
Tongva Park
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Monica’s best park has a splash pad nestled into the children’s section of the park, which is named Discovery Hill. An adjacent rock climbing wall challenges big kids, while the super soft surface underfoot is great for littles.
Virginia Avenue Park
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Another Santa Monica gem, this no-frills splash pad is housed in the same park as a great playground, library, and, on Saturday mornings, a farmers’ market.
Panorama Park
Panorama City, CA 91402
A splash pad that feels like a Rube Goldberg machine for water, complete with dumping buckets, funnels, and water wheels.
Coldwater Canyon Park
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
More like a faux stream than a proper splash pad, this water feature rolls gently through a leafy, shaded Beverly Hills park, making it the ultimate summertime destination.
The Lion’s Fountain
Culver City, CA 90232
Yes, that’s the Cowardly Lion—or a feline inspired by him—from The Wizard of Oz, which was filmed right down the street. The Culver City plaza has 40 dancing water jets that will make you want to kick off your ruby slippers.
Hollywood & Highland
Hollywood, CA 90028
There is indeed a splash pad in the center of the Hollywood & Highland mall. A good bet if you don’t mind sharing the fountains with tourists, and don’t want to be too far from Hot Topic.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM)
Los Angeles, CA 90007
The Nature Gardens exhibit at the Expo Park museum has a refreshing creek for wading—a great way for kids to cool off after they dig worms out of a compost pile (really). Museum admission required.
Pacific Park
Glendale, CA 91204
This gem of Glendale’s park system has a large colorful splash pad and a sparkling new pool. Also be sure to check out Glendale’s network of wading pools.
The Music Center
Los Angeles, CA 90012
A major makeover for the Music Center’s midcentury plaza reopens in time for Labor Day weekend, including a splash-ready fountain at the center. Plus, coffee by Go Get ‘Em Tiger is fountain-adjacent, as well as a new wine bar.
Grand Park
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The progenitor of LA’s contemporary splash pad scene, this Downtown institution is always packed yet never crowded. Hot tip: The fountain lights up at night, making it the perfect escape for a warm summer evening.
Rio de Los Angeles State Park
Los Angeles, CA 90065
This splash pad is part of an amenity-rich recreational complex in Cypress Park where a new pedestrian bridge will cross the river, connecting both banks.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach, CA 90802
To get the full-immersion experience at this Long Beach museum, head to the Shark Lagoon, where an outdoor playground features interactive water-squirting squids and chance to pet some actual sharks. You’ll need to pay the museum admission to get in.
Kidspace Children's Museum
Pasadena, CA 91103
Multiple outdoor water play areas means this Pasadena museum never gets old. Interpretive arroyos, flood plains, and a “rainstorm” even teach kids about how water affects local habitats. Admission required, but absolutely worth it on a hot day.
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
San Marino, CA 91108
The children’s area of the legendary San Marino garden offers some of the coolest water features in town, with fountains, misters, and vine-strewn pergola shrouded in fog. Requires museum admission, but you get access to an entire botanical gardens.