Want to make a real splash this summer? When the heat is on, so are Bergen County's spraygrounds and splash parks, which is exactly where the kids will want to be as the temperatures rise each day. Plus, you don't need dig too deep into your pockets to go. Most of the splash pads are free or little cost, and they're all filled with safe, kid-friendly structures that appeal to a variety of ages from tots to teens. So pack up the swimsuits, sunscreen, (and obviously snacks), and head to one of these splash pads open for summer in and around Bergen County.
Walter Lubbe Jr. Playground Splash Pad
What: This Bergenfield park and splash pad is the ideal place to (carefully) run and cool off during the steamy summer. The sprayground has spraying rings for kids to go through, and it sits next to a playground with picnic area
Where: Memorial Park and Hickory, Bergenfield
When: Open 9 am to dusk
What: Kids can cool off at this splash pad with a non-slip surface and colorful contraptions that spray, rain, mist, and shoot out cooling water, encouraging motor skills development. It's always filtered and sanitized for safety.
Where: Palisade Ave., Teaneck
When: 10 am-8 pm through September 1, Weekends through September 28
What: Carver Park, aka Second Street Park, not only has the town's splash park, but basketball courts, tennis courts, a playground, and a picnic area, too, for a full days' worth of fun. Water jumps out of the ground while overhead sprayers make this a great option for the hottest days.
Where: 294 Second St., Hackensack
When: 11 am-7 pm through Labor Day
What: Bergen County's beloved park has a splash pad for the littles filled with safety flooring and overhead spray features that mist just the right amount. There's plenty of room to roam, but it does tend to get crowded on the steamiest days.
Where: Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
When: 10 am-4 pm through Labor Day
James Braddock Hudson County Park, North Bergen
What: Both the playground and water park inside Braddock Park got majorly upgraded last year. Find plenty of ways to swing, slide, climb, and more, then kids can enjoy the colorful structures on the spray park to cool down after playing.
Where: 9003 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen
When: 11 am-7 pm through September 2
Pirate's Cove Splash Pad at Mount Playmore
What: While in Bergen County, this epic splash pad is worth including for its expansive space that's free to residents and non residents, with overhead and ground-level sprayers and filled buckets in a safe, enclosed space. Plus, book early to rent the gazebo for your next birthday party.
Where: Turkey Brook Park, Budd Lake
When: 10 am-7 pm daily
Splash Zone at Darlington County Park
What: The inflatables on the lake are one of the most popular water features in Bergen County for the summer. In addition to the Splash Zone obstacle courses for all ages, visitors can check out the Lakes of Darlington for a day of swimming. But head over early — it tends to book up for the day by 11 am.
Where: 600 Darlington Ave., Mahwah
When: 10 am-6 pm through September 1
Jewell Street Spray Park, Garfield
What: The splash park is open for a quick and easy way to chill. The brightly colored structures are perfectly sized for small kids and the open space has enough room for many to move around. Season passes are available for residents and non-residents.
Where: Garfield
When: 9 am-4 pm through September 2
