St. Cloud Unveils New Splash Pads: Your Summer Fun Awaits!

St. Cloud, MN, USA - Summer 2025 is here, and locals in St. Cloud, Minnesota, are diving into fun at the newly open splash pads and wading pools. With six splash pads now operational, the city is embracing the warm weather and providing ample opportunities for families to enjoy refreshing water play. According to SCTimes, these splash pads are ready for action from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, ensuring that kids can enjoy these features to their heart’s content.

The beloved original splash pads are situated at prime locations like Lake George/Eastman Park, Riverside Park, and Westwood Park. This year, three exciting new additions have joined the lineup: Centennial Park, Haws Park, and 10-10 Park, which all opened on May 30. Whether your family is looking to cool off at a classic spot or try something new, St. Cloud has you covered.

Wading Pools for Families

Beyond splash pads, the city also caters to younger children with wading pools accessible from June 17 to mid-August. These pools will be open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, welcoming families looking for an engaging way to beat the heat. Wading pools can be found at Rotary Park and Seberger Park, the latter of which does require a small fee of $2.25. A unique highlight at Rotary Park is the sensory swim time, designed for those with sensory sensitivities, which takes place on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. During this time, water features will be turned off to create a calm atmosphere, and whistles will only be used in emergencies. Isn’t that a thoughtful touch?

Nearby, Sauk Rapids and Sartell also offer their own splash pads and wading areas. For instance, Sahuk Rapids‘ splash pad is located at Autumn Ridge Park and operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while Sartell’s Watab Park features a splash pad open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Add to that the splash pad at Waite Park’s River’s Edge Park, and families have various options to choose from to splash around through the summer.

Community Engagement and Safety Measures

The city emphasizes not only fun but also safety. Each splash pad and wading pool in St. Cloud is designed to provide a safe environment for children to play, while lifeguards remain on duty at various locations. Parents can relax knowing their little ones are under supervision.

Colleagues at the Milwaukee-based site, Milwaukee With Kids, have reviewed similar facilities and praised the advantages of splash pads over traditional swimming pools, which can often be more daunting for young children. They’re all about making water play accessible and enjoyable for families, a sentiment echoed within our own community.

With summer stretching ahead, the splash pads and wading pools in the St. Cloud area promise to be a hit with families. Whether it’s slipping and sliding in the water or enjoying a quiet moment at the wading pools, there’s something to be said for spending a day in the sun, laughter ringing all around.

So, grab your swimsuits, gather your family, and make a splash this summer! Don’t let the season pass without taking full advantage of everything our local parks have to offer.