Local Pools and Parks with Splash Pads that Will Help You Stay Cool
Sprinkler parks, splash pads and pools are one of the best things to do in summer around Grand Rapids!
And for the littlest kids, splash pads are where it’s at.
Kids can choose their own level of “getting wet” at a sprinkler park. Older kids can let dump buckets spill over their heads repeatedly while nervous toddlers can just make wet footprints. But, swimming pools are a whole lot of fun, too.
When it’s 95 degrees and the humidity is just as high, hitting up a pool and taking the plunge into the MLK pool with my kids is high on my list.
(Looking for a bigger splash? Consider a visit to one of the outdoor water parks in Michigan– there are several in West Michigan!)
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Outdoor Pools & Parks with Splash Pads
These are all the area splash pads, splash parks, kiddie pools, and swimming pools around Grand Rapids.
Sort this list by location or any other feature to find your next water fun adventure in West Michigan.
Many municipalities aim to open their splash pads by Memorial Day, and Grand Rapids City pools and splash pads are slated to open June 11, 2023.
Please check with other municipalities for most current open dates before heading out.
Park Managed by Woodchip Campground
The pass allows three hours of time in the pool, jump pillow and recreation areas.
No pets are allowed with the pool & play pass.
No refunds bad weather. If lightning occurs within the first hour, passes will be credited to a different day.
$7.50 per person entering the park, not by amenity usage. Children six months and under are free.
Park Managed by City of Grand Rapids
You can also take swim lessons at Briggs Park. Check the city's parks website for more info.
Park Managed by City of Grand Rapids
Little kids will enjoy the mushroom fountain near the zero depth entry area.
You can also take swim lessons at Richmond Park Pool. Please see the city's parks website for more info.
Park Managed by City of Grand Rapids
Lifeguards on duty, and restrooms/changing area available in the lower level of the community center.
You can also take swim lessons at MLK Pool. Please see the city's parks website for more info.
Splash Pad and Outdoor Pools Map
find splash pads near me
Private Outdoor Pool Memberships
Private pools come with the added bonus of access to other amenities whether it’s golf courses or fitness activities.
If your family loves to swim and be active, a membership to a pool may be right for you.
Watermark Country Club ($)
5500 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Option to purchase a pool-only membership
Thousand Oaks Golf Club ($)
4100 Thousand Oaks Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Option to purchase a pool-only membership
Membership includes access to an off-site pool at Watermark, Stonewater or Sunnybrook
Stonewater Country Club ($)
7177 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
Option to purchase a pool-only membership
Sunnybrook Country Club ($)
624 Port Sheldon Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Option to purchase a pool-only membership
Ridgemoor Swim Club ($)
2435 Inverness Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Guest passes available, limited to three visits
Kent Country Club ($)
1600 College Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505
MVP Sportsplex – Burton ($)
4035 Burton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Pool also has two tube waterslides
Guest passes available
MVP Athletic Club ($)
115 Crahen Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Pool has one twist waterslide
Guest passes available
MVP Athletic Club – Holland ($)
650 S Waverly Rd, Holland, MI 49423
Pool has one small twist waterslide
Guest passes available
Cascade Hills Country Club ($)
3725 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Separate zero-entry kiddie pool
Blythefield Country Club ($)
5801 Northland Dr. NE, Belmont, MI 49306
Egypt Valley Country Club ($)
7333 Knapp St. NE, Ada, MI 49301
Separate wading pool
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New for Spring 2020: Alger Park will have a splash pad and bathroom facilities! https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Places/Parks/Alger-Park
Thanks for the tip, Steph! Got that added to the list.
The splash pad will be back up and running next pool season (2018). As part of the millage improvements to Aberdeen Park, the splash pad and surrounding area is being renovated starting this July. Here’s a link to the Aberdeen improvement plan that includes the splash pad concepts: http://grcity.us/parks/Documents/Aberdeen%20Concept%20Plan.pdf
As of summer 2016 downtown Holland splash pad is closed
Are u open today?
Are the splash pads closed now? Im at Gerald r Ford school and the water is off!
Hastings has a small one right by the movie theater. There is also a small performance stage there that hosts family entertainment in the summer – not to mention the new amphitheater three blocks over. Bound to be lots of art and musical fun in Hastings this year!
There’s the splash pad in Zeeland as well
Rosewood Park, formally known as Charlie’s dump, in Jenison, has a brand-new splash pad opening this year. A new playground for toddlers as well too!
Do you know when the splashpad will be open? It’s not listed on the website yet.
It’s open 🙂
Does anyone know if you can reserve tables at the Allendale Splash pad for a birthday party?
Yes you can! Had my sons first birthday there. Stop in at the township office. I think it cost a little money. I can’t remember.
Does any one know if mulick parks splash pad is opening this year? I went to take my kids earlier today, and the entrance gate was locked…
I called them today because it has been locked and the parks and rec department says they are closed until further notice. 🙁
there is a Splashpad in Grand Haven too! Between the band stands and I believe the ice cream shop is called Temptations.
lamar park is nice but the splash psd can be a little slippery for little ones. I would suggest water shoes for young kids at that park. Pinewood Park in Zkentwood is small but not slippery. Both parks hav nice play areas
Kirk Paszkowski
Cathleen Johnson
Amber Nicole
Jamie James
zeeland Splash Pad in downtown Zeeland is open for the second summer
Allison ‘Hicks’ Downer
The City of GR Pools and Splash pads are open already (opened June 13) & will be open until September 1. your dates & times are from 2013. Here’s the updated city website:
http://grcity.us/parks/Pages/Aquatics.aspx
City of GR pools close on August 20, 2022. Splash pads close on September 11, 2022.
YAY!! I was just looking at this and wondering if all these were still available!!
Are you updating the list for 2014?
It’s on our schedule to Update on June 13, 2014.
Thanks!
There’s a new one in downtown Grand Haven too….
News from the city of GR is that the Alger Middle School splash pad is open from 11-7.
The Maplewood Splashpad is open from 11am-8pm. It is really nice and has a nice playground, too. There is a limited number of shaded tables, but there is space in the grass for umbrellas if you bring your own. Also worth noting, there is one of the huge cell phone towers right in the lot to the park. There are some strong arguments that argue being in close proximity to them isn’t safe and arguments that it is fine…either way, just nice to know it’s there if that’s something you don’t want your kiddos (and yourself) around.
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Do we know if this information is still up to date for 2013 summer?
I just updated the post for 2013. There were a few minor changes for the GR open hours, but other than that, most of the info looks to have stayed the same. Let us know if you come across something that has changed. Thanks!
Thank you so much!! I appreciate all the information 🙂
Link to Kentwood splash pad is dead.
Here’s an updated link: http://www.ci.kentwood.mi.us/cityhall/Departments/recreation/Parks.asp
Are any of the parks with splash pads open with water available yet?
It’s pretty early in the year- most open closer to June. We will let you know if we come across any that are already open.
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I’m looking for an outdoor pool to join this summer. Any ideas for the SE Grand Rapids area? I’m willing to drive to get to a good pool. I’m just not sure what is available. Thanks!
I don’t know if Holland is too far from GR to list here, but there’s been a splash pad for years now right in downtown Holland on 8th Street next to the 99 East 8th Street building.
Good to know!
Southlawn Park on Bellevue & Jefferson SW (near South Godwin Elementary School) also has a splashpad, playground & covered picnic shelter. There are also benches that surround the play area.
Is the Garfield Park Wading pool even functional? I have checked several times last year when they said that it was open and it was not.
Pinewood park in Kentwood has a new splash pad with benches around it and a covered picnic area very close. Plus there is a large playground area.
Also, Lamar Park in Wyoming has close-by covered areas with benches near their splash pad.
Kentwood activities center on 48th st (between Eastern and Division) has a large park, volleyball/ sandpit and a splash pad! I see the city was redoing the parking lot, and updating…so we were going to check it out today!
There is also a splash pad in Allendale at the park behind the fire station (on Lake MI dr and 68th) as well as one in downtown Holland, right next to the shopping district. Sorry I don’t know the name of the street for the one in Holland.
The one here in Allendale is pretty small, but perfect for a low-key day. It is located in the Allendale Township Park (corner of Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) and 68th), and there is playground equipment as well. There are NOT a lot of picnic tables, but if you bring a blanket, there’s plenty of grass. It was finished Summer of 2012, so it’s in pretty good shape! I believe last year the water came on about 10 am.
Thanks for the info. If you ever get a chance to snap a picture, please share it with us – [email protected].
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Thanks Lindsay and Georgine!! We will check it out! I always like to check out new places, but with the pregnancy I want to be more cautious of where I can go so mommy can rest a bit ;).
So great to meet you today, Tamara! Best wishes on your pregnancy =)
yes, wilcox park is the last one on the list. never have seen it crowded
Tamara, I don’t think i see it on the list, but wilcox park wading pool is great for this. It is a GR Rec site and is near east town, st thomas school and aquinas. check to see if they will be opening this year. spots with shade and sun and playground too
Question … which splash park is the best for letting my active kids 2 and 4yo get wet why I put my feet up (I need to take it easy rest of June and July) … I’m 8 mos pregnant (due in July) and want a carefree environment … just splash, no pool (since it’s just me when hubby at work during day)? I have been to Meijers Gardens and I do like it, but any other ideas without all the walking? I do like going to Fallasburg Creek/park and Townsend park lots too … “natural” splash parks, teehee!
Tassell park in Cascade is basically just a flat fountain with “jumping” water (as my 3 year old says). There are benches and shady grassy areas where you can sit. It’s not very big it kept a 3, 4 and 6 year old occupied for almost 2 hours last week!
Maplewood Park in jenison is awesome. Splash Pad in a fenced in area picnic tables and shade
Oriole Park in Wyoming also has a splash pad, thought I haven’t personally seen it when it’s operating. http://www.wyomingmi.gov/ParksRec/p&r%20parks.asp#oriole
Yes. That is Meijer Gardens!
Looks like Meijer Gardens
Where’s the one pictured? Thanks for the list!
Edee, it is at Fredrick Meijer Gardens.