DENVER — This week's weather probably doesn't have you thinking about summer, but the unofficial start of the season is just weeks away.
The pools and splash pads will be opening up soon, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep cool.
Many cities, towns, and communities have splash pads or spray fountains. They’re free in many cases and can provide hours of entertainment.
They can also provide a safer alternative for younger children who are not yet able to swim or are uncomfortable venturing into the big pools.
Do you have a splash pad or spray park you'd like added? Email me with details
Here’s where you can find some of them.
Arvada
Ralston Central Park and Splash Pad, 5850 Garrison Street
The splash pad opens on Memorial Day and is on a timer between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., according to the city's web site.
Olde Town Water Fountain
The fountain is set to open on April 26, 2019, according to the city's web site. While it operates seven days a week there are several hours each day that it does not operate. The full list of hours can be found here.
Aurora
Southlands Mall, 6155 South Main Street
The courtyard transforms with the seasons. In the winter, there’s an ice rink, but in the summer that’s replaced with a splash pad for the kids.
Great Plains Park, 20100 East Jewell Avenue
Great Plains is a 50-acre park with a baseball field, paved walking/biking trails, separate playgrounds for younger and older children, and a wonderful splash pad.
Red-tailed Hawk Park, 23701 East Hinsdale Way
This park located in southeast Aurora already has a splash park and playground nearby, but it's being expanded and will include an "inclusive playground" for all children in July.
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Boulder
Boulder, Pearl Street Mall
The Pop Jet Fountain Pearl Street Mall in Boulder is a fantastic place for families to play.
As an added bonus, the free Tebo Train runs up and down the Pearl Street Mall most weekday mornings during the summer months.
Brighton
Benedict Park, 1855 Southern Street
The park includes a playground, soccer field, and skate park in addition to the splash park.
Castle Pines
Elk Ridge Park, Lagae Road, just south of Castle Pines Parkway
The park features a playground, climbing wall, maze, and water play fountain. The splash pad is active from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Castle Rock
The Plaza at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 West Plum Creek Parkway
The Plaza houses picnic pavilions, restrooms, a splash pad, plaza area, outdoor fireplace, play features, and landscaping. The splash pad is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seasonally.
Centennial
Centennial Center Park, 13050 East Peakview Avenue
It's located adjacent to the Centennial Civic Center and was the first city-owned park when it opened in 2012. It's 11 acres and features a large playground and award-winning splash pad.
Denver
Stapleton Central Park, 8801 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
It is Denver’s third largest park and has a variety of fountains with a Dr. Seuss-inspired playground.
H2Odyssey Fountain, City Park
The H2Odyssey Fountain is an interactive water jet fountain adjacent to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where kids can run through its jets which go on and off intermittently.
Greenwood Village
Westlands Park, 5701 South Quebec Street
The Westlands playground includes three play areas sized for toddlers to teens. In addition to the main play area, there are three multi-use playing fields, beginner skateboard area, a natural water sculpture, a pond, and a hike/bike trail.
Highlands Ranch
Civic Green Park, 9370 Ridgeline Boulevard
Features include a playground with a shallow creek, a large grassy open area, and a stage with fountains in front of it (which are usually turned off during the big events at the park).
Jefferson County
Splash Park, Clement Park, 7306 West Bowles Avenue
The Foothills Park and Recreation District operates this park which is open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Lakewood
Surfside Spray Park, 5330 West 9th Avenue
The park boasts one main splash pad and a second splash pad designed for smaller children. Both offer plenty of fountains and water fun. There is plenty of shade, grass and water features to enjoy throughout the park.
Admission is $1 per person
Ray Ross Park, 680 South Harlan Street
Looking for a way to cool off in the summer? Look no further than the spray park at Ray Ross Park! Designed to look like a baseball diamond, this spray park offers interactive water features that are sure to delight kids and adults of all ages. Whether you are stealing third or scoring a home run, Ray Ross is the perfect wet and wild experience to beat the summer heat.
The spray park is open daily beginning in late-May through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Parker
Discovery Park Play Fountain, 20115 East Main Street
During the summer months, the Discovery Park Play Fountain is a destination for all ages! The Play Fountain is available the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend through September; weather permitting, according to the city's website.
The approximately 900 square foot water feature includes programmable water jets embedded below the paving surface and color changing LED lights, allowing use during the day or on a warm summer evening. The Discovery Park Play Fountain hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the exception of special events.
Thornton
Carpenter Park, 3498 East 112th Avenue
The park is located directly behind the Carpenter Recreation Center and is open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Its spay pad is on a timer for sporadic operation between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Wheat Ridge
Discovery Park, 3701 Johnson Street
Open seasonally May through mid-September (weather dependent) 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Water spray is activated manually by stepping on the raised blue circle pad located on the northeast side of the splash pad.
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