Kick Off Summer With a Splash!

Splash pads are a fun way for families to cool off and beat the heat on the waterfront this summer. 

POSTED: JUNE 13, 2014
BY: MEGHAN HOGAN

Looking for a way to cool off and combat the heat this summer? Conveniently located in many parks and playgrounds, Toronto has over 100 splash pad locations open for the season – and some of the nicest, in our humble opinions, are along the waterfront! Open from 9:00am until dusk, these fun and interactive water features are a great way for children and adults to keep cool during the sweltering summer days.

As you explore the water’s edge, come and splash through the water jets at Corktown Common, Sherbourne Common and Canada’s Sugar Beach. With the summer heat upon us, these accessible splash pads are already popular waterfront destinations for families.

Corktown Common

Located in the heart of the West Don Lands, this is the waterfront’s newest public space to feature an open access splash pad. Enjoy speculator views of the city skyline while exploring the park’s many features. We recommend you relax and cool off at this creative water feature after you explore the park’s marsh and meandering trails, or romp around on one of the park’s playgrounds with your children (Tip: the jets are triggered by pressing on a round “button”, which helps to conserve water when not in use and provides visitors with a fun way to activate the water). The park’s washrooms are open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

Sherbourne Common

The splash pad on the south side of Sherbourne Common is one of our favourite features of this multi-purpose park. The 920m² splash pad allows visitors to playfully dash through jets of water while enjoying beautiful waterfront views of the lake and the city.  The zinc pavilion bordering the splash pad provides much-needed shade and houses the park’s washroom and change room facilities. The park’s signature 240m water channel and three dramatic art sculptures are also up and running.

Canada’s Sugar Beach

The splash pad at Canada’s Sugar Beach – which is currently undergoing maintenance – is located just a quick walk west of Sherbourne Common in East Bayfront.  The splash pad is beautifully incorporated within a large, granite maple leaf in the park’s promenade right next to the beach. At night, dozens of LED lights integrated into the jet nozzles cast bright lights onto the water, creating a light show to enjoy as you relax on the Muskoka chairs nestled under the park’s signature pink umbrellas. Maintenance is expected to be complete – and the splash pad up and running – later this month.

The parks and their water features are operated by the City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department (with the exception of Corktown Common) and will be open through Labour Day.

More splash pads along the waterfront

If you happen to make a trip to the Toronto Islands this summer, be sure to visit the Island Park splash pad located just a few minutes past the Centreville Amusement Park. These colourful pads surrounded by bulrushes are a refreshing way to end a family visit to the amusement park – or pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the sun.

Located across from Woodbine Beach, toward the east end of Woodbine Park is a large splash pad surrounded by beautiful trees, hills and winding trails. This park hosts lots of summer events including The Beaches Jazz Festival and Woofstock – making the wet splash pad a great place to chill out while you take a break from the festivities.