Beat the Heat at Philly’s Spraygrounds: Where to Find Cool Fun Around the City
Need a splash, but don't want to swim? Hit one of these cooling spots around the city — no bathing suit required
The sprayground is the water experience for everyone: even if your kids can’t swim, they all love getting wet.
Philly is packed with playgrounds that feature a water area. Some are elaborate, some are basically a glorified sprinkler. But when the temperature is above 85, anything that sprays water is a welcome oasis, right?
Where to Find Spraygrounds Across the City
Neighborhoods across the city feature spraygrounds and sprinklers, whether you live in North Philly, South Philly, or anywhere in between. Many of the smaller spraygrounds and sprinklers are only open on weekdays, when Parks and Recreation employees are around to regulate the water. The hours listed here are subject to change, and it’s best to call ahead and double-check that everything is working.
Parks & Rec Map of Spraygrounds & Sprinklers
We’ve highlighted a few “destination” spraygrounds below, but for the dozens of others we suggest going right to the Parks & Rec site (click screenshot below to be redirected) to ensure updated information.
Explore Beyond Philadelphia:
As seen on BucksCountyParent.com: Beat The Heat: The Best Places to Cool Off in Bucks County
As seen on MainLineParent.com: Best Pools and Splash Pads Around The Main Line
Destination Spraygrounds
Philly is home to a number of impressive parks and playgrounds that are worth leaving your neighborhood to check out. From interactive water features to boat ponds, these well-loved spots make for great destinations on hot days.
Dilworth Park
1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia (west side of City Hall)
7:45 am – 10 pm daily
Dilworth Park is a super-popular spot featuring programmable 3-feet-high spouts. Plus, there’s a the Dilworth Park Cafe & Air Grille. In the spring and very early summer, check out the Roller Rink — open through June 29th.
Sister Cities Park
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
9 am – 9 pm daily for the Fountain, 9 am – 5 pm for the pond at the Discovery Garden
The fountain area at Sister Cities Park is smaller than at Dilworth, but kids really love the boat pond, which hosts many more splashing children than toy boats. In addition to the fountain area, the garden contains winding pathways, scalable rocks, and a meandering stream to encourage discovery and imaginative play.
Herron Playground
2nd and Reed Streets, Philadelphia
11 am – 7 pm weekdays; noon – 5 pm weekends
This Pennsport favorite, Herron Playground, has a terrific dry playground, too, and draws families from all over the southern part of the city.
Seger Park Playground
1020 Lombard Street, Philadelphia
11 am – 7 pm daily
Not only does Seger Park Playground have a sprayground water feature, it also boasts plenty of play equipment. Kids who aren’t yet ready for the big playground can enjoy the Tot Lot, specially designed for children under 6.
Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center
7 Lock Street, Manayunk, Philadelphia
Monday – Friday, 10 am – 7 pm | Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 12 pm – 5 pm (Memorial Day through Labor Day; hours subject to change)
For when you want to cool down without taking a swim, Venice Island features a riverside spray garden. This spray park contributes to our green environment by watering the trees and plant trenches around the facility. There is a quiet mediation sitting area located at the base of the spray garden that overlooks both the canal and Schuylkill River.
Cool Down in Philly on Hot Summer Days
From your neighborhood sprinklers to destination spraygrounds, the city offers many ways to beat the heat. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy, such as boating and fishing.
Lead photograph by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia. This article was updated by Eliana Martel.
