Looking for a way the kids can cool off in the midst of this summer’s multiple heat waves?
In addition to numerous public beaches and pools, New Hampshire has multiple splash pads open this time of year, offering the perfect way for children to enjoy being in the water without the hassle of a beach day. While some are ticketed, many of the region’s splash pads are free, with parks, playgrounds and other recreational areas attached.
Here are seven splash pads where you can beat the heat in New Hampshire this summer.
Aqua Land Splash Pad
Operated by the Newmarket Recreation Department, the Aqua Land Splash Pad is full of colorful water play structures like flowers, arches and buckets. Right next to the splash pad is Rexy’s Rainbow Cafe, where kids can get hot dogs and ice cream after working up an appetite.
Aqua Land Splash Pad is open daily, with current hours from 4:30-8 p.m. on weekdays or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Starting Aug. 15 through Labor Day, hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Located at 1 Terrace Dr. in Newmarket.
White Park Splash Pad
Concord’s White Park has a splash pad adorned with fish and whales, as well as a playground, a baseball field, hiking trails and more. The splash pad is now open daily, with hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12:30-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Residents of Concord with proof of residency can use the splash pad for free, and non-residents can purchase passes at the recreation department office at 14 Canterbury Road. White Park is located at 1 White St. in Concord.
Dover Adventure Playground
Right behind the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is the Dover Adventure Playground, an “innovative” playground with a net climber, swings, slides, a three-story tower and, of course, a splash pad.
The splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Henry Law Park, 36-50 Henry Law Ave., Dover.
Derry Splash Pad at Don Ball Park
Located at Don Ball Park, the Derry Splash Pad is a large splash pad surrounded by a grassy area and picnic tables. The park also has bathrooms, concessions and the largest playground in the town of Derry, making the splash pad the perfect place for a whole-day outing.
Derry’s splash pad is open daily from mid-June through August from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located at 14 Humphrey Road in Derry.
Bedford Memorial Pool Splash Pad
If you’re looking for a splash pad near a pool, the Bedford Memorial Pool has both. The ocean-themed splash pad, right next to the public pool, features sea turtles, fish and more.
Both residents and non-residents of Bedford must purchase memberships to use the pool and splash pad. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Located at 20 County Road in Bedford.
Storrs Pond Recreation Area
Down by Storrs Pond in Hanover is a large splash pad full of water spouts that spray upwards from the ground. Along with the splash pad, the recreation area has a pool, hiking trails, fishing areas, camping sites and a snack bar.
The splash pad is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, running in 10 minute intervals. Storrs Pond Recreation Area is located at 59 Oak Hill Dr. in Hanover.
Dupont Splash Pad
Manchester’s Dupont Splash Pad has colorful water spouts and a giant bucket that rains down water from above. The slash pad is open daily from 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. at 207 Mason St. in Manchester.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald. Reporting by Catherine Messier.
