Splash pads are the latest safe-water fun to hit Auckland in local pools and parks throughout the city. If you haven’t taken your kids along yet, check out our ultimate list because these are the places to be (and splash) this summer. With fountains to run through, tipping buckets, rainbows of spray, tunnels and puddles to splash in we’re totally there!
Potters Park
Where? Corner of Balmoral and Dominion Road
Kids of all ages will love the colourful water play activities at Potters Park (pictured above), including the awesome tip buckets and mini-explosion jets. Surrounded by large shaded picnic areas, this splash pad is ideal for those in need of a water-tastic family outing.
Otahuhu Recreation Centre
Where? 30 Mason Avenue
Free water fun for the whole family … What more could you want? Other than the awesome splash pads on site, this South Auckland gem also has a gated toddler area, water slide, basketball court and café to keep the whole fam satisfied.
Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre
Where? 14 Waddon Place, Mangere
Ideal for toddlers, this splash pad has a bubble pit, waterfall and a friendly orca whale that spurts water to keep youngsters entertained. Older children can enjoy the bombing pool or go for a ride on the thrilling waterslide. Did we mention it’s free? (Adults, this includes you too.)
Parnell Baths
Where? 25 Judges Bay Road, Parnell
Located near the heart of Auckland city, Parnell Baths is home to saltwater pools, awesome views and a toddler splash pad. With sprinklers and a small slide, young kids are encouraged to gain water confidence and have fun with water.
Albany Stadium Pool
Where? Don McKinnon Drive, Albany
Opened earlier this year, the Albany Stadium has one of the best splash pads in Auckland. Its new design and interactive features make it an awesome spot for youngsters. A climbing wall and small water slide can also be found within the complex.
Myers Park
Where? 72 Greys Avenue, Auckland Central
One of the oldest parks in Auckland has opened a splash pad area for families to enjoy. Kids will need to cool off after all the fun they have in the play area nearby.
Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre
Where? 29 Lagoon Drive, Panmure
In the summer months, this complex has an outdoor splash pad ideal for toddler-parent bonding. The rest of the family can enjoy the rapid hydro slide and dive wells that are also on site. Open November 25th until Easter.
Waterview Splash Park
Where? 31 Herdman Street, Waterview
This splash pad has a little bit of everything. From safe water-play, to super-cool slides, barbecues, a skate park and a BMX track! There’s buckets of summer-themed fun to be had everyday.
Grey Lynn Paddling Pool
Where? Grosvenor Street, off Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn
The Grey Lynn Paddling Pool is free, located near the Grosvenor Street entrance to Grey Lynn Park. Open from 11am to 6pm each day from early December to mid-March (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), the paddling pool is covered by shade sails and has a trained lifeguard on duty. There’s a playground adjacent with swings, slides, seesaws, climbing equipment, a flying-fox and a trained lifeguard to monitor the pool throughout the summer. The park has a flying fox, fitness trail, gardens and sculptures, sportsfields, a basketball court and facilities for skateboarding plus lots of green space to explore.
Catalina Water Play Park
Where? On the corner of Onekiritea and Tuatua Rd, Hobsonville Point
The long-awaited water play park has opened in Hobsonville Point. Everybody loves it – on lazy weekend mornings you can spot families gathering around the barbecues, and kids dashing out to the waterways.
Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre
Where? Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga
This long-awaited splash pad has recently closed, but should be open for Christmas. Bring along a packed lunch, sunnies and a smile for the re-opening – get ready to celebrate with a splash. Contact the centre for details here.
Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre
Where? Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa
ANZ has teamed up with the Auckland Council to create a new family-friendly splash pad on the coast. It will be open on the 20th of December.
By Finn Jelicich and Olivia Stanley
Main image: Potters Park/Bespoke Landscapes
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