Denver Splash Pad Fun and Wonderful Water Adventures for Preschoolers

With summer just around the corner and temperatures heating up, now is a great time to start checking…

With summer just around the corner and temperatures heating up, now is a great time to start checking out Denver splash pad options and planning other ways to stay cool with your preschooler. Water can be fun for children of all ages. Knowing how to keep your child safe while making a splash ensures everyone stays out of harm’s way. Denver Preschool Program put together this quick guide on everything from water safety tips to the best pools and fountains in Denver.

Water Safety Tips for Preschool Children

Water play can provide many benefits for preschool children, including sensory exploration, social-emotional skill development and language, science and math skills. However, it’s important that safety is made a priority when children are playing with or near water, whether it be in your home or at a Denver splash pad or pool.

Supervise closely, always: Even preschool children who have learned how to swim should be closely monitored anytime they are around water (even if it’s just a bucket of water). A good rule of thumb is to keep preschool children within an arm’s reach of a trusted adult whenever water play is occurring.
Teach kids about water safety: Make sure children of all ages understand the rules around water safety. Encourage children to use life jackets or water wings and to always swim with a buddy, even while being supervised by an adult.
Empty water immediately: Water tables, backyard pools, buckets, play sinks and anything containing water for play should be emptied immediately after use. If you have a pool in your backyard that you leave filled during the summer, ensure that a fence or gate keeps kids out of the water when not under supervision.

The American Red Cross offers free WHALE Tales (Water Habits Are Learned Early) lessons for children in kindergarten through second grade, some of which can be adapted to younger learners.

Backyard Summer Water Fun

Some of the best adventures with water can take place right in your yard.

Spray bottles or water toys: Head to your local discount store or clean out some spray bottles in your pantry for a good old-fashioned backyard water fight with your preschooler. Set up targets to hit or play tag with the water as the means to “get tagged.” You can also turn water into art by adding a little food coloring to the water and using the bottles for spray art for a fun summer activity. Check out this article for more squeeze and spray summer water fun, or check out our article on sensory-friendly fun with sidewalk chalk that includes some activities with water.
Water sensory table: Whether you have an actual water table or make your own, add in scoops, cups, and more to enhance your preschooler’s sensory fun. Watch this video for some great tips on how to make a do-it-yourself water bin for indoor or outdoor fun.
Sprinkler or garden hose party: Nothing says summer like running through a sprinkler. While you can purchase some of the best sprinklers for kids, any sprinkler can add excitement to a warm summer day. Turn on some tunes and make it a sprinkler party. No sprinkler? No problem! Simple games like jump the snake and water hose limbo are easy to set up and help keep your little one active while staying cool. Explore even more fun water hose activities from the Fresh Mommy blog.

PBS Kids offers more “Fun and Easy Ideas for Water Play With Preschoolers,” including activities like go fish and water painting. And be sure to check out our summer and spring engagement ideas for more ways to stay busy and have fun with your family this summer.

Denver Splash Pad Locations, Pools, and More

The Denver area has a robust offering of splash pads, pools and more for water fun during the summer.

Indoor and outdoor pools: Denver Parks and Recreation offers 15 indoor pools and 16 outdoor swimming pools. Use this map to locate a pool near you. Youth ages 5-18 can access the pools, libraries and more for free with the MY Denver card. Admission for kids 2-18 is typically $1 or free with a recreation pass.
Denver splash pad recommendations: Whether you plan to bring your swimsuits or cool off in your regular clothes, splash pads are great ways to enjoy the water when you’re out and about in the city of Denver. Check out these 15 Great Splash Pads and Spray Fountains in Denver from Kid City Guide. Many splash pads across Denver are free for families to enjoy, including popular spots like Union Station, Midtown Home Plate Park and Benedict Park Splash Pad.
Elitch Gardens and Water World: If you’re looking for all-day fun in the water, Denver’s Elitch Gardens and Water World provide an array of water adventures. Both offer water slides and preschool-friendly options for young children. Water World offers free parking, encourages picnics and provides free admission for kids under 40″ in height. Life jackets are free to borrow at both locations.

Lakes, reservoirs and state and national parks can also be good options for summer fun with water. Dive into these resources for more information:

Other Denver Summertime Adventures Beyond Denver Splash Pad Fun

If water fun isn’t on your must-do list this summer, there are plenty of other fun activities to do with your preschooler throughout the city. This family-friendly fun in Denver article covers everything from great local hikes to kid-approved food (but sure to check out our hiking etiquette tips). While geared more for people vacationing in Denver, the tips from Visit Denver are great for locals looking for a kid-friendly escape in your neighborhood. You can also visit some of the amazing playgrounds and parks in Denver, including our favorite inclusive and sensory-friendly playgrounds in the Denver area. And be sure to check out our recommendations for other sensory-friendly activities in Denver.

Looking to Lower Your Costs on Preschools in Denver?

Are your summer activities strained due to costs? Check out Free Admission Days throughout Denver for indoor and outdoor options for the entire family. And don’t forget that Denver Preschool Program offers tuition support to lower your preschool costs anytime throughout the year (summer included)! Our tuition credits are available to ALL families, regardless of income, immigration status or neighborhood. The only requirement is that you live within the City and County of Denver and have a 4-year-old enrolled in a participating preschool program in the year before kindergarten. Learn more about lowering your preschool costs in Denver today! And don’t miss us at a local event in Denver near you this summer!