When summer temperatures soar in the Midlands, there’s no better way to cool off than spending the day at one of the many splash pads in Columbia. From free neighborhood spray parks to larger splash playgrounds with water cannons and fountains, Columbia offers plenty of family-friendly places to beat the heat.
Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon outing or a full day of outdoor fun, here are some of the best splash pads around Columbia.
Saluda Splash at Saluda Shoals Park
One of the largest and most popular splash pads in the Midlands, Saluda Shoals Park features dozens of interactive spray features, dumping buckets, water cannons, and plenty of space for kids to run and play. The splash pad is located conveniently next to the playground, picnic areas, and restrooms. It’s also near the boat/tube rental area, so your family can make a whole day of adventures on the water.
Location: 5605 Bush River Rd., Columbia, 29212
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $4/per person or $55/15-visit Splash Pass. The Splash Pass is valid at both Saluda Splash and Melvin Park Splash in Chapin. A $5/daily parking fee applies at Saluda Shoals Park. Wristbands are required for all splash participants.
Waterfall Junction at Riverbanks Zoo
If you’re already planning a zoo day, don’t miss Waterfall Junction. This three-acre nature-themed playground includes waterfalls, climbing structures, splash zones, treehouses, and hands-on water play.
When you enter Waterfall Junction, you’ll see the large splash pad area right away, which is complete with a 25ft. cascading waterfall. From there, kids can slide down the hill to a smaller pool area. There is also a smaller splash pad area just for toddlers to play.
If your kids want to play and not just swim, there is plenty to do at Waterfall Junction. Play areas include:
- Playground area with slide
- Giant treehouses
- Play houses with sensory items on the walls
- Dinosaur dig (dig up dinosaur bones!)
- Large open field with games like giant Jenga, hula hoops, checkers, and bubbles
- Oversized musical instruments
- Rabbit holes to climb through
- An interactive garden area
Location: 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169
Waterfall Junction is located at the Botanical Garden. However, if you’d like to access it through the zoo, you can walk over the bridge from the zoo (the bridge is located near the carousel) or soar above the river on the brand new Saluda Skyride.
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Free for Zoo members
For non-members, costs are as follows:
Adults (ages 13-61) – $24.99 + tax (online), $27.99 + tax (at the window)
Children (ages 2-12) – $21.99 + tax (online), $24.99 + tax (at the window)
Parking is free if you purchase tickets online, $5 if you pay at the window.
Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park
One of Columbia’s newest and most beautiful parks, Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park combines a spacious splash pad with two unique playgrounds, a butterfly garden, zipline, shaded picnic areas, and plenty of green space. It’s a fantastic downtown destination for families. The spray pad is user-operated and available during the park’s operating hours.
Location: 900 Abbeville St., Columbia, 29201
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Finlay Park
After its recent renovations, Finlay Park now features an inclusive splash pad that’s perfect for cooling off while enjoying one of Columbia’s signature downtown parks. The splash pad is conveniently located right next to the snack shop, so you can grab something quick to eat after your kids work up an appetite splashing around. When they’re done playing in the water, why not explore the playgrounds, roller skating area, or walking paths at the park?
Location: 930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
*Please be aware this park does have a clear bag policy. Check the park website for that and other park rules/regulations.
Drew Park Splash Pad & Fountain
Located in downtown Columbia, Drew Park Splash Pad and Fountain is a neighborhood favorite featuring one of the largest splash pad / spray pools in the Columbia Metro area with multiple water sprays for kids to enjoy! The park also features a playground, gazebo, walking track, and L.E.D. lighted fountain. Plenty for your family to enjoy!
Location: 2101 Walker Solomon Way, Columbia 29204
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Closed Sundays
Cost: FREE
Sesquicentennial State Park Splash Pad
Families already love Sesquicentennial State Park for its lake, playgrounds, hiking trails, and paddle boats. Did you know that it’s the only SC State park with a splash pad? Yep! That’s right! The splash pad at Sesqui has 26 sprayers, including one as high as 10 feet. It’s the perfect place for your kids to cool off after playing on the playground, hiking, or taking in the beautiful scenery of the lake!
Location: 9564 Two Notch Rd., Columbia 29223
Hours: 8 a.m. – sunset, daily
Cost: Splash pad is included in the cost of park admission. $6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under, free.
Gills Creek Memorial Park
Located in Forest Acres, Gills Creek Memorial Park features a splash pad surrounded by beautiful landscaping, walking trails, a boardwalk for fishing, and open green space. It’s a quieter option that younger children especially enjoy.
Location: 24 Forest Lake Place Drive., Columbia 29206
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: FREE
Emily Douglas Park
Nestled in the historic Shandon neighborhood of downtown Columbia, this family-friendly neighborhood park includes a splash pad, two playgrounds, swings, a large green space, community center, and even a fenced dog park. Parents can relax in the ample shady areas while kids enjoy alternating between the playground and water features. The park is completely fenced in, offering that extra element of safety for families.
Location: 2500 Wheat St., Columbia 29205
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays closed
Cost: FREE
Hyatt Park
Hyatt Park not only has a fun splash pad where your kids can cool off. It also boasts walking trails, public art, a sculpture garden, and a playground, making it an excellent destination for families wanting more than just water play. There is also a lovely picnic area and a boardwalk where your family can take a nice causal stroll and enjoy the beauty all around you.
Location: 950 Jackson Avenue, Columbia, SC 29203
Hours: 7am-9pm daily
Cost: FREE
Heathwood Park
Nestled in one of Columbia’s historic neighborhoods, Heathwood Park Features a spray pool operating in the summer months, playground equipment for children of all ages, swings, digging toys, climbing structures, sand digging toys, small spin-around ride-ones, and springy seesaws. There is also a picnic shelter along with basketball and tennis courts, and plenty of shady areas.
Location: 800 Abelia Road, Columbia, 29205 (Within the Heathwood neighborhood, off Garners Ferry Rd/Devine St. close to Beltline Blvd.)
Hours: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Cost: FREE
Lorick Park
Families in north Columbia enjoy Lorick Park for its splash pad, basketball courts, a baseball diamond, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. It’s a great place for larger family gatherings and birthday celebrations.
Location: 1600 Lorick Ave., Columbia 29203 (near Columbia College)
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am -2pm and 4pm – 6pm, Closed Sundays
Cost: FREE
Other Splash Pads Worth Visiting
If you’re looking to explore even more water play around the Midlands, check out:
- Corley Street Park (Lexington)
- Virginia Hylton Park (Lexington)
- Felton C. Benton Park (Springdale)
- Melvin Park Splash Pad (Chapin)
- Melrose Park
- Edisto Discovery Park
- Sims Park
- Mays Park (available by request for water activation)
Whether you’re looking for a free neighborhood splash pad or a destination worth spending the entire day exploring, Columbia has plenty of places for kids to cool off this summer. Pack a picnic, grab the sunscreen, and make your way to one of these fantastic splash pads for a fun-filled family adventure!
