No floaties, no problem: Kiddos can have fun in the sun at Rhode Island splash pads

Catherine Messier
Updated ·3 min read

INSIDE: Rhode Island's only full-fledged water park opens today. Page XA

Now that school is out for the summer, finding summer activities to keep children entertained has become every guardian’s biggest challenge.

When the weather gets warmer and kids beg to be in the water, a splash pad is an easy, affordable way for kids to have fun while cooling off without the effort of a beach day or the price of a pool or waterpark.

Rhode Island offers many splash pads, perfect for when children need to beat the heat. Check out this list of free splash pads across the state for inspiration.

Summer ideas: How to make the most out of summers in Rhode Island

Melanie Welchman of East Providence plays in the city's splash pad at Pierce Field, 201 Mercer St., which is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Melanie Welchman of East Providence plays in the city's splash pad at Pierce Field, 201 Mercer St., which is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Providence splash pads

The city has five pools and 13 splash-pad water parks open to the public. Each splash pad listed here will be open until Sept. 1. Hours are noon-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

  • A. Vincent Igliozzi Recreation Center Water Park – 675 Plainfield St.

  • Al Carrington Water Park at Richardson Park – 64 Richardson St.

  • Billy Taylor Water Park – 124 Camp St.

  • Chad Brown Water Park – Chad Brown St.

  • Fargnoli Water Park – 945 Smith St.

  • Fox Point Water Park – 505 Wickenden St.

  • General Street Water Park – 11 West Dr.

  • George West Water Park – 1266 Chalkstone Ave.

  • Harriet & Sayles Water Park – 375 Sayles St.

  • Joslin Recreation Center – 17 Hyatt St.

  • Pastore Park – corner of Knight and Tell streets

  • Sackett Street Water Park – 110 Sackett St.

  • Wallace Street Park – 1 Wallace St.

East Providence splash pads

The city has two splash pads. People can pick between the one at Onna Moniz-John Park, 11 McCausland Ave., which is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or the Pierce Field splash pad, 201 Mercer St., open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The splash pad at Pierce Field in East Providence.
The splash pad at Pierce Field in East Providence.

Woonsocket splash pads

The city's World War II Memorial Park splash pad opened on Memorial Day weekend and will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy the splash pad and explore the park’s other attractions, such as basketball courts, walking paths and shady, scenic spots for picnicking. Located on Social Street by the Elks Lodge.

North Kingstown splash pads

This splash pad, now in its third summer, is located next to the playground at Wilson Park. Open daily until dusk. On Roosevelt Avenue in North Kingstown.

Barrington splash pads

On the Barrington River lies a splash pad in Police Cove Park. With fish and ocean designs, this splash pad is perfect to get kids in a summer mood. Located at 100 County Road.

Smithfield splash pads

Deerfield Park in Smithfield hosted the grand opening of its new splash pad over Memorial Day weekend. Open daily until the fall on Lisa Ann Circle.

Pawtucket splash pads

Payne Park in Pawtucket has a newly renovated splash pad at 225 West Ave. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The splash pad at Pierce Field in East Providence, one of two in the city.
The splash pad at Pierce Field in East Providence, one of two in the city.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island area splash pad opening dates and hours