I had always heard of splash pads in the south, but until recently I never knew splash pads existed in Lancaster County! In fact, after I did a little research, I was shocked to find just how many splash pads there are in the Lancaster area that are FREE!
I’ve included a list of all the splash pads I found within an hour of Lancaster below.
Lancaster County Area Splash Pads
Here’s a map of the FREE splash pads and wading pools in Lancaster County (zoom out to see those within driving distance):
Lancaster Rec Wading Pools
CLOSED FOR 2020.
These are by far the most popular splash pads in Lancaster County, however new ones are opening every year so please read the entire list below.
Enjoy a FREE, nutritious lunch and snack at all playground sites daily. Lunch times vary between 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. depending on the location. Register on-site at the playground nearest you any day playgrounds are in session. (Program also includes Farnum Playground.) Please REGISTER your children for this program. If you will be staying with them, you don't need to register your kids.
Here are some photos of a few of the splash pads and wading pool that are part of the Lancaster Rec program. The Lancaster Rec also has a 2018 Facebook Post that has some excellent photos to give you an idea of what each splash pad and wading pool includes.
- Sixth Ward, Buchanon
- King Elementary (on South Duke Street)
- Reservoir Park
- Rodney Park
Open from 12 noon to 4:30pm from mid-June until the beginning of August.
Sixth Ward Wading Pool
Located at 680 E Ross St, Lancaster, PA 17602. Park along the street, but its not a main street, so parking is easy to find.
King Elementary
Located at 466 Rockland St, Lancaster, PA 17602, along South Duke Street.
Reservoir Park Splash Pad
Located at 832 E Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17602. I like this splash pad because there is a parking lot.
Splash Pads in Lancaster & Surrounding Areas
Muddy Run Splash Park will open Saturday, May 29th, 2021 @ 10:00 AM. They will remain open Monday through Sunday.
Located at: Muddy Run Information Center, 172 Bethesda Church Rd W, Holtwood, PA 17532
If you have questions, call 717-284-5856.
NOT OPEN FOR 2020. This is a dancing fountain in downtown Lancaster. Children can run through the fountains. There is no wading pool. Central Market is nearby where you can buy lunch if desired.
Will be opening around Memorial Day, 2021.
This splash pad is in Red Lion, about 40 minutes from Lancaster (or 50 minutes from Ephrata/Lititz). It is open from 9am to 8pm, daily. Because this is open late in the day, its a great place to take a packed dinner and enjoy in the evening with dad!
If you’re coming from eastern Lancaster County, you might just want to make a full day trip out of it due to the distance. Definitely worth considering for FREE — plenty of places to sit and enjoy a good book while the kids play. 
There is a changing room too!
More details on their website.
PARK IS OPEN BUT SPLASH PAD IS CLOSED FOR 2020. This is a splash pad in Carlisle (about an hour away from Lancaster and Ephrata areas). It operates from 10:30am to 7pm every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Groups larger than 10 people must notify township two weeks before your visit. Please read the rules on their website.
Splash pad at 1401 N 11th St, Reading, PA (30 minutes from Ephrata, 45 minutes from Lancaster, 50 minutes from Mt Joy or Willow Street). Just opened in May 2016!
CLOSED FOR 2020. Splash pad at 255 Manatawny St, Pottstown (about 1 hour from Lancaster, 50 minutes from Ephrata).
The Splash Park is OPEN with NEW Shade Structures for 2020 (opened June 29, 2020)!
The treated and recycled water is running continuously so that the start button does not have to be pushed. With high usage expected, please use good judgement and do not overcrowd the facility. Please use caution around the marked construction areas resulting from the shade structure installation.
Splash pad is at 360 Grange Road, Allentown, PA (1 hour from Ephrata, 1 hour and 12 minutes from Lancaster).
You now need a membership to access this, but it is only $20 for non-residents. Learn more here.
You can also visit their Facebook page.
5 Tips for Fun Water Experience
We've spent many HOT days at local splash pads, or swimming with friends at Lancaster County swimming pools, or even wading in creeks and local beaches. Through all these summer fun outings, I have learned some quick tips to help you get the most out of your experience.
Whether its creek stomping or visiting a splash pad, these tips will keep your trip enjoyable and your kids safe!
1. Invest in some excellent water shoes
Don’t buy the cheapest you can find—they can wear out quickly! Water shoes protect your child’s feet from stubbed toes, from hot pavements, and of course germs.
Have you seen these barefoot water shoes? They make them in sizes for adults and kids and they are less than $10!
Definitely worth the investment and they’ll last so you can use them again and again this summer at creeks, beaches and in the showers at the pool or when you go camping!
2. Apply sunscreen before you leave
Did you know that it is best to have sunscreen applied and rubbed into the skin at least 15-30 minutes before you get wet? Plus, once you arrive at the splash pad, your kids are going to be so excited its just hard to make them wait.
3. Dress your kids in a long-sleeve rash guard
Are you as in love with rash guards as we are? Rash guards help protect your child from the sun and you don’t have to lather on so much sunscreen, which just takes forever! We recently found some Underarmour rash guards at Goodwill that we wear all the time!
Tip > If you buy your kids matching rash guards or bright colors, it will be easier to spot them on the splash pad!
4. Bring an insulated snack bag
Kids are always more hungry in the hot sun—it’s just a given! So come prepared with healthy, cool snacks that will keep them hydrated—cucumber slices are great!
If you’re packing a lunch, consider freezing your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so they thaw in time to be eaten.
We always love to bring frozen energy bites along! Also consider freezing any juice or yogurt pouches you bring, to keep them nice and cold.
5. Remember the essentials
I started packing my large thirty-one organizing tote and leaving it pretty much packed all summer. I keep it stocked with snacks, water bottles, wipes, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses and plastic bags (for taking wet clothes home).
I don’t have toddlers anymore, but if you do, be sure to pack swim diapers—Huggies Little Swimmers always worked the best for us!
You might also be interested in these summertime posts . . .
- 15 Before-Naptime Trips You May Not Have Known About in Lancaster County
- 5 Ways to Beat the Heat in Lancaster County
- Lancaster County Interactive Google Playground Map
- Lancaster County Creeks & Beaches
- Lancaster County Outdoor Swimming Pools
- 10 Family-Friendly Mini Golf Courses
- 5 Summer Reading Programs for Kids
- FREE Petting Zoos in Lancaster County
