Some of the best splash pads can be found in Mesa! They have three, all of which are worth visiting, both for the water play and nearby playground options. (We may also be partial to Eastmark Park, because it has a cute lunch option.) Read on to hear more about Mesa splash pads! The City of Mesa website on splash pads can be found here.
Riverview Park (2100 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201) – We love this splash pad! For one, the water area is gated, a huge plus if you have kids who love to evade grasp. There’s also a variety of water fountains that will please toddlers and older ones! There’s a 3 foot fountain in the middle, countless little ones all around, and then sixteen tall mister sprays, eight on each end. There’s not a lot of shade at this splash pad, but there is a nice handful of beaches and side seating around the pad. Restrooms are a short walk past the huge climbing web. The playground is amazing too! Read more about this park here. The splash pad is open daily, 9am-10pm.
Pioneer Park (526 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203) – when this playground was updated a few years ago, a splash pad was also added. This one has a fun feature of a 15 foot waterfall! We don’t know of any other splash pad in Phoenix with this addition. Smaller ground fountains will delight little ones. It’s a mostly shaded area with some seating for parents or snack time. Restrooms are nearby. You can’t miss the nearby playground, seriously epic. Read our review here! The splash pad is also open daily, 10am-10pm.
Eastmark Park (5115 Inspirian Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85212) – this splash pad reminded us of Scottsdale Quarter, likely because it’s beautifully lined with palm trees! Simple but fun, small fountains of various height will let children cool off during the summer. This splash pad is also gated, and partially shaded! There are a few chairs and tables available. Don’t miss visiting the Handlebar Diner and playground too! Restrooms are near the playground. More about the park can be found here. Splash pad hours are daily, 10am-10pm.
There is also a splash pad in Apache Junction! Flatiron Park offers a place for the kids to cool off, along with restrooms. There is no shade. Address: 100 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120
What to bring to a splashpad? Needed items can vary by age of child. Ours always include:
- swim suits with rashguard
- sunscreen
- hats
- buckets or small cups for play
- snacks
- lots of water to drink
- towels
- plastic or reusable bag for wet suits
Other possible needed items:
- water shoes (surfaces can be slippery)
- extra swim diapers for little ones
- change of clothes
- picnic lunch
- camping chair for parent (not all locations have enough seating)
- blanket for children to sit on
For more great splash pad options in the East Valley, check out our Best Of blog post! Or browse these posts about splash pads all over the Valley.
