Located north of the main Phoenix area, Anthem and Carefree are about 30 minutes apart and offer four great splash pads! There are three in Anthem, and one in downtown Carefree. We actually didn’t even know of the Carefree location until a month ago! Read on to find out about the best splash pads in Anthem and Carefree!
Liberty Bell Park, 40106 N. Liberty Bell Way, Phoenix, AZ 85086 – This park and splash pad is tucked in an Anthem neighborhood and so fun! There are a dozen fountains of various heights, including small ones to entice toddlers and over six foot fountains which deliver quick the spray! There are also two moveable sprayers, and a dump bucket above a cute “Wet Saloon” sign. The kids especially loved where the water pooled to one side by the drains (they claimed it was warmer, ha). From a parent perspective, there are three perks of this splash pad. First, it’s gated! Second, the seating area, a mixture of picnic tables and benches, is mostly shaded. And last but not least, you’ll find the clean restrooms just outside the gated area (you’ll pass them when entering). Liberty Bell also has a playground. The splash pad is open 10am – sunset seasonally. Read more on their website.
Adventure Playground and Splash Pad, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 – probably the most well known splash pad in the area, this pad is smaller than Liberty Bell but is next to one of the largest playgrounds in the Phoenix area! The kids will stay cool with familiar fountains and moveable sprayers, plus four dump buckets and our favorite “toad stools” with water cascading over. There’s some benches in the shade, and a grassy area by the toddler playground, but not much else. Restrooms are just outside the playground entrance. The splash pad is open 10am-sunset seasonally. This park also has a seasonal train ride, a couple lakes, and more! Read all about the park here.
There is also a splash pad at the Outlets at Anthem, open after the temps are over 100, and run until October 1. More information can be found here.
Kiwanis Splash Pad Park, 8 East Sundial Circle, Carefree, AZ 85377 – we were so tickled to hear of this splash pad as there is only one other splash pad in the North Scottsdale/Carefree/Cave Creek area! And yay, it’s shaded! The main feature is a huge scorpion sculpture with water sprays and numerous fountains. Simple but fun, there are concrete benches around half the pad and the charm of downtown Carefree. Be sure to walk around the center area and explore the pools and water fountain (no swimming allowed), and find the cute Gila monster playground! This splash pad is open April – October 9am to 7pm. Restrooms are located just west of the splash pad. Note that the address is for the Carefree Town Hall. To find the splash pad continue left around the large sundial, and you will find the pad on your right.
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 splashpads around the Valley click here!
