Beat the Heat at Philly’s Spraygrounds

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

June 11, 2026

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?

All About Philly’s Spraygrounds

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Where to Find Spraygrounds Across the City

Beat the heat this summer at a local sprayground. Whether you’re located in North, South, West, or East Philly, the city offers unique sprayground and sprinkler playgrounds for all ages. 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.

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)

6 am–1 am daily

Dilworth Park is a super-popular spot featuring programmable 3-feet-high spouts, food and beverage options, shade trees, and relaxing sitting areas. Grab a snack at The Patio and hang out on the Albert M. Greenfield lawn while relaxing at this center-city oasis. Also, in the spring and very early summer, be sure to check out the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink, open from April 25–June 29.

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. Sister Cities often hosts public art displays alongside a quaint cafe with comfortable outdoor seating.

Herron Playground

2nd and Reed Streets, Philadelphia

11 am–7 pm weekdays; 12 pm–5 pm weekends

This Pennsport favorite 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. Older kids can hang out on the basketball courts or play a round of tether ball.

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.

East Passyunk Community Recreation Center

1025 Mifflin St, Philadelphia

Weekdays 1 pm–9 pm; Saturdays 9 am–3 pm

Enjoy another South Philly hot spot at the East Passyunk Community Recreation Center. A simple concrete circle with jets, this classic splashpad brings kids together from all over the city.

Other Ways to Cool Down in Philly

From your neighborhood sprinklers to destination spraygrounds, the city offers many ways to beat the heat. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take a peak at our guide to other city water activities, and make the most of the long summer days!