cover photo: Maple Hill Splash Pad at Texas Drive Park (Charter Township of Texas)
Find Your New Favorite Splash Pad Park and Cool Water Playground in SWMI
Summer in Michigan isn’t summer without a visit to a water playground, where kids can splash and spray the day away.
Splash pads are one of our favorite summer activities to beat the heat without requiring a beach trip (bonus: your car will be sand free!)
Whether you’re looking for something near Kalamazoo or part of a day trip, we have you covered.
Check out this list of cool splash pad parks and pools for your family to visit this summer.
2025 STATUS: We’ve added a park status of ✔️OPEN or ❌CLOSED so you can stay updated with the water fun! Splash pads are weather-dependent and often require maintenance, so we recommend confirming their statuses before heading out.
In this article
Splash Pads Near Kalamazoo
Cool off in these local parks- all within thirty minutes of Kalamazoo!
Most local splash pads are free and open from early morning until dusk. Admission prices and operating hours are listed below.
Florence Street Splash Pad
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING SAT, MAY 24
534 Florence St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
photo: City of Kalamazoo
This splash pad in Kalamazoo was updated in 2020 with new water features and a rubberized surface. Families can press the button to start the water.
Note: There are no restrooms on-site.
| Hours | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
| Operating Season | Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day |
LaCrone Park Splash Pad
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING SAT, MAY 24
535 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
photo: Kzoo Parks
This splash pad opened in July 2022. Press the button to activate the water feature and start splashing.
All ages are welcome to enjoy the park, and there are even some shaded areas to take a cool break.
| Hours | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
| Operating Season | Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day |
Lawton Splash Pad
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING FRI, MAY 23
20 S Main St, Lawton, MI 49065
The Village of Lawton’s splash pad will reopen in 2025 after being closed last year due to road construction.
Look forward to water play fun starting Memorial Day weekend.
| Hours | 10 AM – Dusk |
| Admission | FREE |
| Operating Season | Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day |
Maple Hill Splash Pad (Texas Drive Park)
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING FRI, MAY 23
6603 Texas Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
photo: Charter Township of Texas
This splash pad opened in 2023 in Texas Township with the following features:
– 2,000 square foot splash pad with 17 spray features
– 3 Zones: Toddler, Young Child & Family-Friendly
– No entry fees – FREE to the community & visitors
Maple Hill Splash Pad Rules
| Hours | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
| Operating Season | Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day |
Perrigo Splash Pad
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING FRI, MAY 23
189 Riverfront Plz, Allegan, MI 49010
Opened in 2019, this addition to the Allegan Riverfront Boardwalk includes rainbow-colored chairs along the side to rest while kids run through the long pad full of fountains and squirting water.
Try it when the sun is setting to see the multi-colored LED lights.
| Hours | 11 AM – 9 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
| Operating Season | Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day |
River Oaks County Park
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING FRI, MAY 23
9202 E Michigan Ave (M-96), Galesburg, MI 49053
photo: Kalamazoo County Parks
The splash pad is divided into a tot and a bigger kid area, complete with a dumping bucket. When the kids get bored, multiple play structures are nearby.
River Oaks is a Kalamazoo County Park and, therefore, has an entry fee. Passes are available for purchase, and you can even rent the space for gatherings.
River Oaks Splash Pad Rules
| Hours | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Admission | County Park Fee |
| Operating Season | Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day |
Splash Pad Parks an Hour Away from Kalamazoo
Are you taking a day trip? We’ve found five splash pads about an hour away. Many of these towns offer beaches to complement your visit.
If heading to the Lakeshore or Grand Rapids, try these West Michigan splash pads for more water play.
Friends Good Will Splash Pad (South Haven)
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
60 Water St, South Haven, MI 49090
This splash pad opened in 2020 and is modeled after the Michigan Maritime Museum’s tall ship, Friends Good Will.
Find it near South Beach along the channel. Picnic tables and modern restrooms are nearby.
| Hours | 10 AM – Dusk |
| Admission | FREE |
| Operating Season | Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day |
New Buffalo Splash Pad
2025 STATUS: ❌CLOSED- Follow Facebook Page for open date
17425 Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Next door, they can head to the rubber-floor playground, which is full of play components to jump and climb through.
Afterward, head down one of the trails with educational signs and learn about local trees.
Open Date: The splash pad does not have a set opening schedule, but it is generally open in late Spring, when the weather is consistently warm enough. Updates are posted on Facebook and the website.
| Hours | 10 AM – 4 PM Hours extend later in season to 6 PM or 8 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
Spray Plaza (Hastings)
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING MON, MAY 26
100-150 N Church St, Hastings, MI 49058
photo: City of Hastings
Spray Plaza is located in downtown Hastings on Church Street. It is the perfect place for little feet to run around on the pavement and splash.
To activate the jets, look for a silver button like the one you press for a crosswalk. Kids can splash while parents and caregivers sit on benches by a beautiful mural.
Restrooms are conveniently located nearby.
| Operating Hours | 9 AM – 8 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
Wayland City Park Splash Pad
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
206 W Maple St, Wayland, MI 49348
photo: City of Wayland
The splash pad park has adorable squirting animals and hoops to run under that provide a fun and gentle spray.
It’s easy to spend a couple of hours running back and forth between the playground and the splash pad, which are right next to each other.
Wayland’s Splash Pad Rules
| Operating Hours | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
Whirlpool Compass Fountain (St. Joe)
2025 STATUS: ❌CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION
200 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085
It’s hard to miss one of St. Joseph’s most appealing features since it sits across from the Silver Beach Carousel and the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone Museum.
With Lake Michigan’s impressive backdrop, the spray from this fountain on a breezy day is enough to cool down anyone within a fifty-foot radius.
Head to the beach after, only a few minutes walk west.
Open Date: The splash pad is currently undergoing renovations, which will delay its 2025 opening. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
| Operating Hours | 10 AM – 9 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
Pools & Other Outdoor Water Play
If a splash pad isn’t what your family wants, there are several other cool options to have fun in the water.
Whether it be in a pool, jetting down a waterslide, or in a kayak – your family will be sure to have a splashing good time.
Children’s Nature Playscape on Bronson Park
2025 STATUS:✔️OPENING SAT, MAY 31 (11 AM – 2PM)
302 Academy St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
photo: Children’s Nature Playscape on Bronson Park
Visit this playscape during the week to explore nature and splash in the stream. Unstructured play is encouraged here!
You’ll love the natural elements and the park-like setting.
There will be events throughout the summer, and you can find those on their calendar.
Note: Unlike traditional playgrounds, this playscape is staffed and, therefore, only open during specific days and times.
| Operating Season & Hours | Jun 2 – Aug 31: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 9 AM – Noon, 3 PM – 6 PM Saturdays: 10 AM – 2 PM Sep 1 – Nov 2: Saturdays & Sundays: 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Admission | FREE |
Flash Flood Water Park
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPENING SAT, MAY 24
35 Hamblin Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49017
This water wonderland has two water slides, a zero-entry pool, and a smaller water play area.
Concessions are available for lunch and other snack items.
| Operating Season & Hours | See calendar below |
| Admission | $12/person $5/person after 5 PM 2 for 1 Tuesdays (Buy one, get one free) Ages 2 & Under: FREE Seasonal passes available |
Kik Pool
2024 STATUS:❌CLOSED (OPENS JUNE 4)
1018 Walter St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
This is a community pool located in downtown Kalamazoo that offers daily open swim options.
Kids can take a break from swimming and hit the “Boundless Playground” at Upjohn Park.
Note: Minors must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the Kik Pool.
| Hours | Open Swim Mon – Thur: 1:30 PM – 6 PM Fri – Sat: 1:30 PM – 8 PM Sun: 1:30 PM – 7 PM Lap Swim (Adults) Daily: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Admission | Adults: $7 Youth (Ages 2-17): $4 Ages 2 & Under: FREE Season passes available |
| Operating Season | Jun 4 – Aug 10, 2025 |
Nature’s Playground (Kalamazoo Nature Center)
2025 STATUS: ✔️OPEN
7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
KNC has a natural playground with a water feature that encourages kids to wade through the stream and play in the sand.
Nature’s Playground is open during KNC grounds hours and is included in regular KNC admission.
Water Tower and restrooms are available during Visitor Center hours from May through September, as weather permits.
| Hours | Open during KNC grounds hours |
| Admission | Adults 18-54: $7 Adults 55+: $6 Ages 4-17: $4 3 & Under: FREE Memberships available |
| Operating Season | May through September |
Kayaking & Tubing
Locations across SWMI
Try our list for kayaking, canoeing and tubing in the greater Kalamazoo area.
Most facilities open for the season during Memorial Day weekend.
Splash Pads Map
More to Explore
