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?

Here’s a list of where to go, wherever you live. Many of the smaller spraygrounds and sprinklers are open only during the week, when Parks and Recreation employees are around to turn the water on and off. The hours listed here are subject to change, and it’s always best when dealing with city rec facilities to call ahead and double-check that everything is working.

We’ve highlighted a few “destination” spraygrounds, 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.

Public pools will open on a rolling basis this summer; click here to see the schedule.

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Explore Beyond Philadelphia:

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Destination spraygrounds

Dilworth Park

1 S. 15th St. (west side of City Hall)

7:45 am – 10 pm daily

This super-popular spot features programmable 3-feet-high spouts. Plus, there’s a the Dilworth Park Cafe and the Air Grille. You can also check out Roller Rink through June 30!

Sister Cities Park

18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

9 am – 9 pm daily for the Fountain, the pond at the Discovery Garden is open 9 am – 5 pm.

The fountain area here 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

11 am — 7 pm weekdays; noon — 5 pm weekends

This Pennsport favorite has a terrific dry playground, too, and draws families from all over the southern part of the city.

Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center

7 Lock St.

Monday – Friday 10 am – 7 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays 12 pm – 5 pm (hours subject to change, the season is Memorial Day through Labor Day.)

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.

Photograph by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia.