It’s the middle of summer, and your children have been cooped up in the house for far too long. They spend every second of every day telling you just how bored they are or asking for a snack. You’ve planned a million fun activities, but there’s only so many major adventures you can fit inside your schedule. And of course, who really wants to go to a playground when it is one thousand degrees outside? If you are looking for your new favorite splash pads in Springfield, IL, I have you covered!
Splash pads are the perfect way to help your child exert all that seemingly endless energy while staying cool. And because most of them are located inside a park, you can find other ways to let your child run around and find new ways to explore! As a Springfield milestone photographer, I am all about helping families create memories they can keep with them forever. Grab a beach towel, a swimsuit, and some snacks, and check out these local splash pads ASAP!
4965 S 2nd Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703
Southwind Park tends to be a fabulous destination no matter the time of year. This picturesque space is nestled on 80 acres, giving you so many ways to enjoy your day. The play areas of the park were created to be accessible to people of all ages and all abilities with ADA-compliant equipment. They open their splash pad each Memorial Day and keep it open all the way through Labor Day. The area is paved with concrete and offers in-ground spigots that shoot up to keep your child cool. You will have benches all across the area where you can sit down and keep your child in sight. The area is also located next to the playgrounds, offering the perfect place to dry off before it’s time to head home!
301 Martin Luther King Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703
If you are looking for something a little more low-key, I think you might like Comer Cox Park! This area offers 6 acres where your child can get some fresh air! They offer a number of outdoor features, including a nature-inspired fitness court with bodyweight equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts, a pump track, a picnic shelter, and two distinct playgrounds. The splash pad is enclosed by a fence so your child can run around without wandering off. There are also surrounding trees that will provide you with shade as you watch your child. Then, once you are done, you can head to the picnic shelter for an outdoor meal.
323 Fletcher Park Boulevard, Mt Zion, Illinois 62549
Located close by in Mt Zion, Fletcher Park is one of the best splash pads around! This area is bright and colorful with tons of ways for kids of all ages to stay cool. The area features towering flower structures, mushroom fountains, and buckets that fill up and tip. I would recommend bringing along water shoes since the grounds are concrete, but your child should be okay if you accidentally leave these at home. The area features picnic tables around the perimeter where you can set your beach bag and relax while watching your little one get out all their energy. And while the area isn’t contained within a fence, there are large, open fields, so your child won’t be able to get too far without you noticing.
300 N Main Street, New Berlin, Illinois 62670
Over in the Village of New Berlin, North Park has a new splash pad that has already become a favorite for parents and kids alike! This park is quaint and scenic, giving you a gorgeous space to spend a few hours. As you sit back and enjoy the sunshine, your child can run across the streams or shoot water through the tubes. Many of the structures have different effects to ensure your child remains entertained the entire time. There is also a water table that is always a hit for younger toddlers and preschoolers. Once you are done here, you can eat lunch at a picnic table or go for a short walk along the tree-covered path.
598 E Greenwood Ave, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
From the very beginning, Godfrey Park has been an area meant for all kids. This thoughtful park has been completely designed for your peace of mind. The recycled tires give your child a soft place to land should they fall, and the surrounding gate will ensure they can’t escape during their playtime. The splash pad features tubes, fountains, and spray guns that your child can control. You can get in and play alongside your child, or you can enjoy the benches throughout the area. Additionally, the playground is right next to the splash pad, so your child will be able to play however they want!
1900 Stanhope Road, Springfield, Illinois 62702
If you need something to look forward to, keep your eyes on Gietl Park right here in Springfield! In April of 2025, the city unveiled their plans to transform the park into a modern space perfect for kids of all ages. They are currently taking the former Veterans’ Memorial Pool and transforming it into an ADA-accessible splash pad. As of right now, this space is set to be done in April 2026. By the end of this project, not only will you have a brand new splash pad, but you can also enjoy a family-friendly shelter, evening lighting, concrete plazas, a hammock area, and gorgeous landscaping that will serve as the perfect backdrop for making some family memories!
If you are looking for the best way to stay cool this summer, I just know you are going to adore these splash pads around Springfield, IL! Now, you just need a way to make all those summer memories last. Don’t worry, I can help with that, too! As a Springfield milestone photographer, I love working with clients to plan sessions for every season. If you have been considering booking a session with your crew, I would love to chat about it! Send me a message today if you would like to learn more.