Families in Columbus and surrounding areas can enjoy free splash pads as a way to beat the summer heat without the cost or hassle of finding a spot at the local pool. Central Ohio offers a variety of splash pads featuring giant sculptures, seating, shaded play areas, and interactive water features.
Below is a list of some of the best free splash parks in Columbus and central Ohio, set to open soon for the summer season.
Downtown Columbus
Scioto Mile
233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215
Opening day to be announced in early summer 2025. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Features include five stainless steel halo structures with 1,100 fog nozzles and jets that shoot water 75 feet in the air.
Dorrian Green
50 Belle St., Columbus, OH 43215
Opening day to be announced in early summer 2025. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located outside COSI with shaded seating nearby.
North Bank Park
311 W. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215
Opening day to be announced in early summer 2025. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Features a small fountain with seating and a view of the Scioto River.
Delaware Veterans Park
1121 S. Houk Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Includes shaded areas and seating; visitors may bring chairs.
Dublin – Ballantrae Community Park
6350 Woerner Temple Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
Open May 24 through Sept. 1, daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Features a sculpture of three giant bunnies, a grassy lawn, and seating.
Easton Town Square
160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Grove City – Splash Pad in Fryer Park
3899 Orders Rd., Grove City, OH 43123
Open seasonally and free to the public during the summer.
Hilliard Station Park
4021 Main St., Hilliard, OH 43026
Open mid-May through August, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; September hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closes Oct. 1. Includes outdoor tables, an amphitheater, and public restrooms.
Marysville – Partners Park
125 E. Sixth St., Marysville, OH 43040
Open seasonally from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Includes a gazebo, green space, pavilion, and restrooms. Large shelter available for rent.
Obetz Splash Pad
4390 Lancaster Ave., Obetz, OH 43207
Opens Memorial Day weekend through late August, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Open to both residents and nonresidents. Lancaster Park shelter house available to visitors.
Powell – Village Green Park
47 Hall St., Powell, OH 43065
Opens for the season Monday, May 26, at 2 p.m. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Offers picnic tables and shaded areas.
Westerville – Hanby Park
115 E. Park St., Westerville, OH 43081
Features a spray ground, playground, train depot, restrooms, and bike lockers among other amenities.
Whitehall – John Bishop Park
4815 Etna Rd., Whitehall, OH 43213
Open May 24 through Aug. 31. Closed Mondays; open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.