San Diego Water Parks & Splash Pads (Mapped)

We're rounding up parent reviews for splash pads and water parks in San Diego! From simple sprinkler parks paired with local playgrounds to elaborate water parks with slides galore, have fun discovering a new place to cool off the kids.

Check out our interactive map to find parent-recommended San Diego splash pads and water parks near you. Like and review your family's favorites, or suggest another spot that we should add to the list!


 

    Hilton Head County Park

    Pin

     (2763.9 mi)

    Price

    Splash park $3/day

    A year-round children's playground and seasonal aquatic splash park, Hilton Head County Park in Rancho San Diego offers kids a pirate's adventure in themed play areas. There's also exercise stations, shaded picnic and barbecue areas, as well as restrooms.

    Safari Park Savanna Cool Zone

    Pin

     (2765.8 mi)

    Kelly R:  This cute spray zone near the Lion Camp at the Safari Park is especially welcome over the summer, when it gets HOT there! Kids can cool off with tall misting palm trees and climbable animal water features.

    Mountain Hawk Park Splash Pad

    Pin

     (2765.9 mi)

    Time

    April 1-November 1

    Price

    Free

    Kelly R:  This gem in Chula Vista has a playground and interactive splash pad that are fun for younger kids, plus a walking trail and a beautiful view of Otay Lake.

    Poway Community Swim Center

    Pin

     (2770.3 mi)

    Kelly R:  The Poway pool has a nice little splash pad with spray features and dumping buckets that families can access (along with the shallow end of the pool) during open swim times.

    Sesame Place San Diego

    Pin

     (2771.4 mi)

    Kelly R:  If you're interested in a visit to Sesame Place for preschool or lower-elementary kids, it's worth timing your visit for the summer so you can enjoy the water park in addition to the dry rides and attractions.

    Las Posas Pool

    Pin

     (2777.7 mi)

    Kelly R:  This community pool in San Marcos welcomes families for open recreational swim to enjoy the heated pool and a fun splash pad with spray features and dumping buckets.

    San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers Basecamp

    Pin

     (2779.5 mi)

    Kelly R:  Pack bathing suits and towels to check out the impressive new kids area at the San Diego Zoo. There are multiple habitat-inspired play zones, including a Wild Woods section with a waterfall grotto, play stream, water jets and splash pad.

    Waterfront Park

    Pin

     (2781.2 mi)

    Price
    Free

    Waterfront Park has a prime location, and is home to one of the best playgrounds in San Diego. Known for its run-through splash pad features, extensive modern climbing structures and themed garden rooms, this harbor view park also hosts events like farmer's markets and community festivals.

    Wave Waterpark

    Pin

     (2781.4 mi)

    Kelly R:  A big step above most city pools, the facility (and the price!) are more manageable than the larger water parks in San Diego. There are a few slides, a "crazy" river, a flow rider and a splash pad for the younger kids.

    Del Mar Highlands Town Center

    Pin

     (2782.9 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Kelly R:  There's a fun pop jet fountain splash pad (with plenty of seating for parents) at Del Mar Highlands Town Center amongst the shops and eateries. My family is big on Sidecar doughnuts and Handel's ice cream if you've got time for a treat, too!

    LEGOLAND Water Park

    Pin

     (2786.6 mi)

    Kelly R:  An upgraded LEGOLAND ticket gives access to the theme park plus its attached water park. You'll want to leave plenty of time to check out the many attractions at the water park, which include water slides for all ages, splash pads, a flume ride, wave pool and more.

Primary photo:   LEGOLAND Water Park

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.