I fell in love with Atlanta after I relocated from Florida. I love the culture, the food, the houses, and pretty much everything! Atlanta was the perfect city but it was missing one thing, a beach! Being a Florida girl, I love taking trips to the beach and throwing on a pair of shorts with flip-flops. After I had kids I wanted them to fall in love with beaches. I imagined them playing with buckets and building sandcastles.
With the closest beach being 4 -5 hours away, my beach dreams were crushed until I found the next best thing; splash pads! I took my little one to a splash pad and to my surprise, he loved it. Since he had so much fun I started searching for different ones around town. Here are some great splash pads to take your kids to.
Atlanta Area Splash Pads:
Piedmont Park: Legacy Fountain Splash Pad
Located in the beautiful green scenery of Piedmont Park. This splash pad is free to the public and has seating and tables nearby. It is rather large so there is plenty of room for the kids to roam. It is surrounded by a beautiful green lawn which is perfect for a picnic before or after all the fun.
Roswell Spraygrounds
This is actually a 2-for-1 deal because there are 2 separate locations and both are worth a visit. These are probably the biggest playgrounds on the list and have a ton of variety with plenty of fun. There is a small fee to gain access, but once you enter you will not want to leave.
Historic Fourth Ward Park
This splash pad is located right off the BeltLine in the middle of Historic Fourth Ward Park. It is pretty large and has a low stream section for smaller kids and a larger area with multiple jets of splashing water. There is free accessible parking and bathrooms nearby. There is also a park nearby for the kids and is free to the public.
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
The splash pad is located in the Children’s Garden and is mainly enclosed, so it’s really convenient to keep an eye out for the little ones. They recently expanded the nearby bathrooms, so diaper and clothing changes are super easy. This is attraction is free with paid admission to the gardens.
Centennial Park: Fountain of Rings Splash Pad
Located in the heart of the city in Centennial Park. It is very large and is not enclosed but it is located in the center of the park away from the streets. There is also a water and music show four times a day to add some extra fun with splashing. It is surrounded by historical markers from the 1996 Olympics and open green fields. Nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Children’s Museum, World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This is free to the public.
Splash Fountain at Zoo Atlanta
Splash Fountain offers visitors an entertaining break as they cool down! Located on a 2,500-square-foot section of the Zoo’s KIDZone rides and attractions area, the experience features a total of 18 water jets. You can enjoy the attraction for free with your cost of admission to the zoo.
Downtown Alpharetta
Right in the middle of the lively downtown area of Alpharetta is a greenspace with a spray ground right beside it. This is a perfect spot for a picnic while the kiddos cool off in the water. There are also tons of shopping and restaurants around to explore while you are there.
Battery Atlanta
We have mentioned this splash pad before in our guide to the Battery. Be sure to visit this fun pad located between the PBR Bar and Terrapin Taphouse. When the sun is out and it’s hot in Atlanta, you will find lots of kids enjoying this space!
Sprayground @ Elizabeth Porter Park
Weather permitting, the playground will be operational from early May through the end of
September. Operating times are dependent on weekly weather forecasts. The regular operating season will run from Memorial Day until Labor Day. The playground is open daily, except Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission to the playground is $2 per Marietta resident and $3 for non-residents. Admission is based on maximum occupancy.
Geyser Towers, Stone Mountain Park
Multiple levels of suspended rope bridges and net tunnels connect you to towering platforms that overlook the gushing geyser. With its sporadic eruptions and multiple offshoots, you can play in the spray or stay high and dry. The options and the fun are all yours. Ideal for the whole family, Geyser Towers offers plenty of room for adults and the perfect amount of excitement for the kids. As an option for our littlest guests, toddlers can splash in a trickling creek while mom and dad relax in the shade. Note: Geyser Towers in currently undergoing renovations, so be sure to check the website before you go!
Suwanee Town Center
One of Gwinnett’s largest interactive fountains, Suwanee’s Big Splash features 43 jets and uses up to 1,400 gallons of water per minute. The fountain is generally open 9:30 am-9:30 pm seven days a week, weather permitting, when “in season” (from April 1-October 31). Water quality is checked throughout the day. Be sure to check the website for closure notices and park rules.
Duluth Town Green
The fountain is open seven days a week weather permitting from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fountain operation is dependent on weather. There may also be small windows of downtime to allow for the proper cleaning and maintenance of the fountain throughout the day. Check the website for closures.
While these splash pads aren’t beaches, they’re the next best thing! Another plus is you won’t have to worry about sand in your car or kid’s clothing. Splash pads are a great way to cool down with the weather warming up. So, get ready to make a splash with the kiddies and head down to one of these great locations!
Still, thinking of the beach? Be sure to check out these posts at Atlanta Mom!
