Have a Splashing Good Time at 15+ SWMI Splash Pad Parks + Outdoor Pools

Kalamazoo splash pad, splash pad park

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.

Splash Pad Kalamazoo

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.

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.

Hours9 AM – 8 PM
AdmissionFREE
Operating SeasonMemorial 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.

Hours9 AM – 8 PM
AdmissionFREE
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.

Hours10 AM – Dusk
AdmissionFREE
Operating SeasonMemorial 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

Hours10 AM – 8 PM
AdmissionFREE
Operating SeasonMemorial 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.

Hours11 AM – 9 PM
AdmissionFREE
Operating SeasonMemorial 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

Hours10 AM – 8 PM
AdmissionCounty Park Fee
Operating SeasonMemorial 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.

Hours10 AM – Dusk
AdmissionFREE
Operating SeasonMemorial Day Weekend – Labor Day

~ Things to Do in South Haven


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.

Hours10 AM – 4 PM
Hours extend later in season to 6 PM or 8 PM
AdmissionFREE


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 Hours9 AM – 8 PM
AdmissionFREE


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 Hours10 AM – 8 PM
AdmissionFREE


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 Hours10 AM – 9 PM
AdmissionFREE

~ Things to Do in St. Joe

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 & HoursJun 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
AdmissionFREE
Kalamazoo Park


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 & HoursSee 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.

HoursOpen 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
AdmissionAdults: $7
Youth (Ages 2-17): $4
Ages 2 & Under: FREE
Season passes available
Operating SeasonJun 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.

HoursOpen during KNC grounds hours
AdmissionAdults 18-54: $7
Adults 55+: $6
Ages 4-17: $4
3 & Under: FREE
Memberships available
Operating SeasonMay through September

~ Kalamazoo Nature Center Trip Planner


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