If you’ve lived through at least one summer in Toledo, you know the heat can be pretty brutal. Pools are great, but your family — or your children’s babysitter or nanny — may not always have access to one. That’s where the splash pad comes in handy!
I love splash pads because they offer so much more than a regular pool. Kids are free to run around and play in the water, and you can sit back and relax a little on the sidelines. Read on to see my top five favorite splash pads in the area. I tried to keep the distance within around an hour from Toledo for convenience.
The Cool Zone at the Toledo Zoo
Address: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. – one hour prior to zoo close
Phone: 419-385-5721
Fee: Included in zoo admission
As the Toledo Zoo’s newest addition to the grounds, the splash park near the aquarium has been a hit with families all over Toledo and its surrounding areas. The Toledo Zoo’s splash park is open every day, as long as the weather forecast is 70 degrees or more. After Labor Day, the splash park will only remain open on Saturdays and Sundays.
The facility is ADA accessible and can be located between Penguin Beach and the Aquarium, near the Broadway entrance.The splash park offers 32 spray water features, a whale head/spout and tail, and a giant crab area, where you can dry off after.
The Toledo Zoo warns that there is no lifeguard on duty and children age 10 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times. Clothing or swimwear must be worn at all times, and children who are not potty-trained must wear a swim diaper. Food is not allowed in the Cool Zone and running, climbing, and rough housing are grounds for removal from the splash pad area.
Thorn Park
Address: 23999 King Road, Brownstown Charter Township, MI 48183
Hours:
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Session 1: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Session 2: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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Session 3: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Brownstown residents only)
Phone: 734-675-0920
Fee: $2 per person/per session
The Thorn Park splash pad is located about 40 minutes or so from Toledo, just over the Michigan border. This option is perfect if you’re looking for a family day trip without driving too far out of your way.
I love this park not only because it can be a fun daytrip, but also because it is available for party rentals. If your little one has a summer birthday and you’re struggling on how to find a good venue, a splash pad is the perfect option to allow the kids to have fun and stay cool at the same time.
Lockers are available on site in case you don’t feel like lugging around all your belongings the entire time. All children must have an adult supervisor at all times, and no food or drink is permitted in the splash area. Admission wristbands are available for purchase up to 30 days before your planned visit. If you plan on coming with a group, you’re encouraged to buy wristbands in advance.
Rolf Park
Address: 2115 Cass Road, Maumee, OH 43537
Hours: Monday – Friday , noon – 6:45 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, noon – 5:45 p.m.
Phone: 419-887-1864
Fee: 48+ inches tall, $8 | Less than 48in. tall, $5
Rolf Park doubles as a pool and a splash pad. This splash pad is designed more like a playground than the others. It hosts a playground set inside the water, equipped with a kiddie slide and other climbing equipment.
Rolf Park also holds special swim events, with its next one being a free open night swim on July 11. This event is available for those who reside within the City of Maumee Corporation Limits or within the City of Maumee School District and will last from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
If you’re looking for a venue to throw a summer pool party, then this location is the perfect option for you. The swimming pool and splash pad are both enough to keep kids busy all day. All reservations must be booked in person and have their booking fee ready (cash or check).
All swimmers and splash pad participants must wear swimming attire. All babies and toddlers not yet potty-trained are required to wear a swim diaper and a swimsuit. Pool party event costs range from $400 – $700, depending on the expected size of the party. Click here for details.
Palmer Park Splash Pad
Address: 910 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit, MI 48203
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone: 313-757-2751
Fee: Free
Here is another day trip pad that is totally worth checking out. Located about an hour away from Toledo, the Palmer Park splash pad in Detroit is the perfect location for an all-day family outing. The splash park consists of several water jets for children to play through.
Besides water fun, Palmer Park also offers several other things to keep the interest of all personalities. They have an urban educational garden, a butterfly garden, and they host other special events throughout the year.
Despite the hour drive, this Detroit family gem is certainly one of the best spots for family day trips around. I like that it offers a variety of activities, because as a current toddler mom, I have to deal with short attention spans. This location allows my daughter several different play options.
Corner Park
Address: 1800 W. US Highway 223, Adrian, MI 49221
Hours:
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Members: Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
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Guests: Open Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Phone: 517-263-6232
Fee: Before 6 p.m., $7 | After 6 p.m., $4 | Babies 1 year & under, free
You may notice most of this list happens to be located in Michigan, but that’s the beauty of living in the Toledo area. We basically get the best of both worlds! Corner Park is a major hit with the parents I know.
I love Corner Park because there are eight attractions available to keep the little ones busy. Aside from their splash pad, they also offer a bounce area, an outdoor swimming pool, a climbing area, and a swinging area. They also have trained emergency staff in the event that CPR is needed, along with any other injury treatment.
You may not bring your own food or drink into the park area, but food is available for purchase and Corner Park offers a variety of options — including sandwiches and other lighter meal options inside their cafe, or heavier options like pizza and ice cream at their concession stand outside.
Smoking of any device and alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere on the campus. You must bring your own swimsuits and towels from home or purchase needed items from any of the retailers close to the park.
