It is officially summer in Memphis, and that means it is HOT! Luckily, there are plenty of splash pads and fountains (and pools!) in and around Memphis to help keep you and your kids cool all summer long!

SPLASH PADS

Memphis Zoo

2000 Prentiss Place, Overton Park    |    Summer hours 9:30am – 5:30pm (2 sessions, one in the morning, one in the afternoon)

Members: $8, Non members: $10
Daily Admission: Adults $15    |    Children (2-11) $10    |    Seniors ( 60+) $14
Parking: $5

The Monogram Food Loves Kids Foundation Splash Park is a fairly new addition to the Memphis Zoo and a perfect place to beat the intense heat of the summer. It’s located in the previous home of the hippos and it’s a great spot for kids and adults. They have cabanas for rent, family restrooms, a food cart and much more. There are two sessions to enjoy the park. Mornings from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm and afternoons from 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm.

Hot tip: You can buy tickets online. IF you are there right when the session starts (so at 9:30 or 2), you can jump the line. HOWEVER, if you come at any other time, you will still have to stand in line to check in and get your wristbands. Buying a ticket online only guarantees you a spot; it doesn’t let you skip the line.

More water fun at the zoo includes wading along the replica of the Nile and fountain area. (Pro Mom Tip: This area is right through the front gate — so be ready for all the kids wanting to immediately ignore the animals and play in the water! Restrooms are on both sides of the river in case you need to change out of wet bathing suits. No lifeguard on duty.)

Or ride the zoo tram up to Teton Trek. Experience the “Old Faithful” geyser in action then pretend to be a wolf and sunbath on the rocks until dry. Teton Trek is also popular since the lodge area offers an indoor, air conditioned eating space. Public restrooms available.

Crosstown Concourse

Right out front   | Turned on seasonally

FREE

I’m pretty sure this was originally meant to just be a cool water feature, but it’s Memphis: if there’s water, kids will play in it. Since it’s opening 5 years ago, it’s now become a hugely popular splash pad! The water is warm(er) and there’s 5 different sized sprays to run through. There are 3 large covered picnic areas and plenty of benches. Parking is free inside the garage. Public restrooms available inside the Concourse. (Be sure to hit up one of the locally owned restaurants or grab a coffee from French Truck inside)

Tom Lee Park

Riverside Drive

FREE

The AutoZone Plaza is right when you enter the park from the cutbacks or staircase (or if you are at the playground, walk down the path along the river towards downtown; this area is right next to the Ben and Jerry’s truck). Similar to Crosstown in that it’s technically more of a water feature and not a designated splash area, it’s a “misting fountain lit by color changing lights.” The area will definitely be refreshing when my kids are on the playground this summer!

Peabody Park

712 Tanglewood Street    |    Open daily; Memorial Day – Labor Day

FREE

The park features misters and sprayers of various sizes. The parking lot isn’t very big, but you can park steps away from the splash area. Covered picnic tables are available for use, so be sure to bring your lunch and stay awhile.

There’s also a large playground there with lots of swing and climbing structures. Be warned, no public restrooms available, but the playground side does have a port-a-potty. If you have littles, we recommend leaving after lunch. The park is a popular tween/teen hangout in the afternoon.

Children’s Museum of Memphis H2OH! Splash Park

2525 Central Avenue    |     Open daily; Memorial Day – Labor Day from 10:00am – 5:00pm

Members: FREE
Daily Admission: ages 1-100 $21 (includes admission to the museum + splash park)

This garden-themed exhibit provides over 7,700 square feet of cool fun! (No really. Be warned: the water is freezing!) Boasting over 40 sprayers – including flowers, leaves, water cannon, split and jet streams, magic mist, geysers, and so much more! Also included in the splash park area is the Dinosaur Dig sand pit and an outdoor astroturf playground — (both covered in shade!) —  it’s a nice break from the water area. CMOM permits coolers and picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The A friendly reminder that swim diapers are required for non-potty trained kids 3 and under. Handicap and family-friendly restrooms available outside in the playground area.

University of Memphis

Center of campus    |   Turned on seasonally

FREE

While kids are not permitted to run through the large fountain, they are encouraged to run around it and enjoy the mist! Those not wanting to get soaked, sit back on the area seating and watch the “fountain show.” It might not be the Bellagio, but it’s pretty entertaining, especially lit up at night with blue lights! Stop by the University Center food court (building next to the fountain) for Chik Fil A and restrooms.

My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Gardens

750 Cherry Road    |    9:00am-6:00pm

Members: FREE
Daily Admission: Adults $10    |    Youth (2-12) $5    |    Children under 2, free

While the Big Backyard has many fun things to do, a favorite is to “listen for the thunder!” Every half hour, experience a rain storm and get soaking wet! The “river” is also a fun wading area to cool off.

Bartlett YMCA (former City of Bartlett Splash Pad)

7700 Flaherty Place    |    Memorial Day – Labor Day, check with the YMCA for opening hours

YMCA Members: FREE
Bartlett Resident: $5/child   Non-Resident: $12/child

 

Shelby Farms Water Play Sprayground

6309 Great View Dr. North    |    Open daily beginning May 28th from 9:00am-6:00pm

Daily Admission: Youth (4-12) $10.95    |    Children 3 and under, free with paying adult ($10.95)

Wednesday-Monday water play sessions are 4 hours of come and go time. Morning session is 9:30-1:30. Afternoon session is 2-6. Book online. Tuesday water play sessions are (free) one hour sessions, beginning on the hour from 12 pm – 5 pm, first come, first serve. Wristbands for the sessions will be at the Water Play check-in.

This 4,000 sq. ft. play space features great splashing opportunities for kids,  including a water tunnel, multiple interactive spray jets, and water pumps. While the Sprayground has a superb view of the Hyde Lake, there are no dry storage areas for bags, towels, etc. Moms with littles: a stroller might be handy for this splash park visit — the Hyde Lake Boat House, where you purchase entry wristbands, is quite a hike from the actual Sprayground.

If you have a child that likes to explore, be warned, the splash pad has a ton of boulders separating water areas and “lifeguards” enforce the strict no climbing rule. No food or drink permitted inside the splash pad either.

Tanger Outlets Splash Area and Playground

5205 Airways Blvd, Southaven, MS | 10 am-9 pm Monday-Saturday, 7 pm on Sunday

Cool off while you shop! This are is located by the Lee outlet. The water is on during shopping hours, which can vary.

McFarland Park and Community Center

4955 Cottonwood Rd. |   8:00am-7:45pm Daily

This park is 11 acres and has a fun playground and splash pad.

Whitehaven Community Center

Raines-Finley Park

4318 Graceland Dr   |   8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Saturday

Orange Mound Park

2430 Carnes Ave.   |   Everyday 8am-7:45pm

This splash pad is located within the 4 acre Orange Mound Park and is right next to the playground. There is a shady pavilion for anyone wanting to watch the action without being IN the action!

Douglass Park

1616 Ash St.   |   Everyday 8am-7:45pm

This Splash Pad is one of the newest ones from Memphis Parks! It just opened last August and we would love to hear what you think of this fun space! The park itself is 43 acres and also has a community center and swimming pool!

Hollywood Park

1560 N. Hollywood St.  |   Everyday 8am-7:45pm

This park also has ball fields and picnic tables so it might be a fun idea to bring some sports gear, get extra hot and sweaty, and then cool off in the splash pad!

David Carnes Park

902 Whitehaven Ln   |   Everyday 8am-7:45pm

Home of the BlueCross Healthy Place, the park features walking trails, playgrounds, and a splash pad. This local park recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation and is a beautiful addition to the Whitehaven neighborhood. Definitely check it out!

Collierville Water Spray Parks

Suggs Park

163 E. South Street    | May 2oth – September 2nd from 9:00am-6:00pm M-Sat., 1:00pm-5:00pm Sun.

FREE

The smaller of the two located in Collierville, Suggs Park features sprays and fountains. This splash pad is intended for ages 12 and under. Appropriate attire required. No food allowed inside splash pad area.

W.C. Johnson Park

419 Johnson Park    |    May 22nd – September 4th from 9:00am-6:00pm M-Sat., 1:00pm-5:00pm Sun.

Collierville residents: FREE
Daily Admission: $10 per person, non-residents

Non-residents have to purchase a pass in advance by cash or check. They don’t accept credit/debit cards at the Collierville office Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm. They CANNOT buy one at the splash park itself.

Large splash pad with water features, fountains, and interactive sprays! This splash pad is intended for ages 12 and under. Appropriate attire required. No food allowed inside splash pad area. There is a shaded picnic area inside the gate so people not wanting to get wet or anyone not wanting to sit in the blazing sun are able to enjoy the day in the shade!

AREA SWIMMING POOLS WITH SPLASH PADS

Germantown Athletic Club (GAC)

1801 Exeter Road    |    May 25th – September 8th   |    M-Th 10:00am-8:00pm, Fri/Sat 10:00am-7:00pm, Sun. 10-5:45

(Modified hours after August 5th)

Must be a member or come as a member guest
Summer Only Memberships available!

Come experience two outdoor pools — a large shallow/deep pool, used for both open swim and lap swim and a fun, separate splash park! The splash park is shallow entry gradually progressing to approximately 3 ft. at the center. A climbing structure sits in the middle with tunnels and slides! Concession stand available for snacks and drinks; no outside food. Safety breaks are held on the :50 of every hour. Raining? Don’t let that stop the kids from swimming at the indoor pools!

Memphis Jewish Community Center (JCC)

6560 Poplar Avenue   |    M-Th 5:30 am-9:45 pm, Fri. 5:30 am-5:45 pm, Sat. 12:00 pm-8:45 pm, Sun. 8:00 am-5:45 pm

Must be a member or come as a member guest

The Outdoor Water Park is open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, and is home to giant slides, a lazy river, a beach entry pool with play structure, a diving well, a separate kiddie pool, a splash pad with continuous spray features, shaded areas, and a 25-yard lap pool. Ummm… pretty much sounds like a resort, right here in Memphis! There’s also a 6-lane, heated indoor pool.

YMCA 

Bartlett YMCA | 7700 Flaherty Place (former Bartlett Rec Center)
Ric Nuber | 5885 Quince Avenue
Church Health | 1350 Concourse Ave
Cordova Family YMCA | 7950 Club Center
Fogelman YMCA (no outdoor pool) | 245 Madison Ace
Georgette & Cato Johnson YMCA | 4727 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Millington | 7725 E Navy Circle
Olive Branch | 8555 Goodman Rd
Schilling Farms | 1185 Schilling Blvd E

Must be a member or come as a member guest
NEW! Splash Pass Summer Only Memberships available!

Each of these locations feature at least one zero entrance pool with a splash area!

The Y keeps safety as their number one priority, implementing a strict wristband policy to notate what swimming ability your child has. Deep water tests for kids are required. Enjoy loungers and umbrella tables around the pools. Feel free to bring  your own snacks and drinks — but bust out your yeti because no glass permitted. As always, the Y pool is available for hosting birthday parties year round!