While there are a couple of high-end water parks in Columbus, those also come with a high price tag. For people who don’t want to spend a lot of money or who only want to stay for a portion of the day, several parks in the Columbus area offer free splashing fun for the little ones--and their parents too!
Barnett Sprayground
As part of the Columbus Metro Parks, this water playground is adjacent to the Barnett Community Center near Livingston Avenue, just off of I-70 on the east side of Columbus near Whitehall. Located on 5.82 acres of land, Barnett Sprayground is beyond simply a fountain to splash in, but is an actual water playground with hands-on and automated spray equipment for playing and climbing fun. Barnett Splashground is open daily from noon to 7:30pm.
Barnett Sprayground, 1184 Barnett Road, Columbus, OH 43227
North Bank Park Fountain
Located closest to the center of the city, Northbank Park is situated along the Scioto River near the Arena District in Columbus. The upper level plaza of Northbank Park consisted of an interactive fountain with choreographed water jets for the kids to spash around in. Park walkways (and fountains) are lighted for those who wish to stay later into the evening. Sometimes the fountains are turned off due to special events so it may be wise to check this out ahead of time. Otherwise open daily during daylight hours.
North Bank Park, 311 West Long St, Columbus, OH 43215
Powell Spray Park
On the northern side of Columbus near the zoo, this spray park is located behind the Powell City Hall and police station with convenient parking nearby. The small Splash Pad area of this park features spray tunnels, buckets dumping water onto heads from above, and some sprayers that kids are able to manipulate. Numerous water hoses to run under and through. Shade and seating are limited so blankets, lawnchairs, and umbrellas are recommended. Open daily 9am-9pm, however it often has mechanical difficulties, so it is more likely to be working during staff hours, which are M-F until 3pm.
Powell Spray Park, 47 Hall Street, Powell, Ohio 43065
Ballantrae Park
Known for its 15’ bronze “Dancing Hares” sculpture (by Sophie Ryder of London, England), which overlooks the water play area, Ballantrae Park offers public parking area and restrooms are available. The water area is fun for children of all ages, but there is not much seating or shade available for those accompanying children so it’s best to be prepared with hats, umbrellas, and blankets. Ballantrae Park is located on the Northwest side of Columbus in the city of Dublin. Summer 2011 hours are10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3 - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Sunday in 2001 in and closed as of August 1 for renovations. and closed as of August 1 for renovations.
Ballantrae Park, 6350 Woerner Temple Rd., Dublin, Ohio 43017
The Homestead Park
Located on the west side of Columbus, this Hillard water park is divided into two sections:Ft. Washington Waterpark for older children and a Toddler Park where the little ones can turn faucets on themselves and watch them flow into the metal basins. This park is handicap accessible so children of all abilities can enjoy this water play! Public parking, restrooms, handicap accessible and refreshment vending machines. Open 9am - sunset every day.
675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
For safety reasons, Ohio Department of Health has recently instilled rules for public fountains which follow along the same guidelines as public swimming areas. This requires chlorine monitoring to prevent the spread of disease.
Julie Workman - Freelance writing for over fifteen years, Julie Workman has had stories included in two different Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies. ...
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