We are so fortunate to live in an area most people book their vacations. There are so many splash pads and water parks in Tampa Bay. Splashing around in water is a great way to cool off and have fun. Check out my guide to the best splash pads and water parks in Tampa Bay.

Adventure Island (See website for admission costs.)

Location: 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

This cool water park will be opened in time for spring break. It’s a popular destination for families looking for an escape from the heat. Adventure Island offers a wide variety of kid-friendly water rides, splash areas, and pools which are perfect for families with young children. Many of the play areas and rides have an age or height restriction. Check online for more information. Don’t forget to take advantage of the FREE preschool pass for kids 5 and under. It’s a limited time offer that’s only available online.

Ballast Point Park (no charge)

Location: 5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611

My oldest enjoys this Tampa Bay splash pad. It’s a great spot to enjoy your spring break with the family. There are different water features to create a fun environment for children. We love to walk the pier after enjoying a fun day at this splash pad. There’s also a playground nearby as well as picnic tables.

Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (See website for admission costs.)

Location: 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee FL 34606

Buccaneer Bay is located inside of the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. It features four water slides, three of which drop you off in natural springs. Rent an inner tube and enjoy a lazy float on the natural river that flows around the swimming area.

Busch Gardens (See website for admission costs. Splash pad entry is included in admission.)

Location: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

We take full advantage of our annual passes. My boys enjoy visiting the splash pad areas. There are covered tables near the Bert & Ernie’s Watering Hole in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun area. There are also bathrooms nearby. This splash pad is filled with some cool interactive features for the kids. It’s perfect for all ages. There’s also a fun water play area in Jungala (Treetop Trails). Have older kids, check out the water rides like the Congo River Rapids or Stanley Falls Flume. Don’t forget to take advantage of the FREE preschool pass for kids 5 and under. Must register online. Not available at the park.

Bradenton Riverwalk Family Fun Zone & Splash Pad (no charge)

Location: 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205

Looking for a fun place to cool off? This splash area is bright and colorful with water shooting up from the ground to help the kids cool off from the blazing heat. There are benches nearby for parents and caregivers.

Carrollwood Village Park (no charge)

Location: 4680 W Village Dr, Tampa, FL 33624

This splash pad is fairly new to the park. It’s fenced in, which is perfect for safety, especially during spring break. There are interactive water features that the kids will love. My boys had a great time at this splash pad. There’s plenty of seating for parents and caregivers to watch the kids. The parking lot is nearby so you don’t have to walk far.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (no charge)

Location: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

There are two interactive fountains that will keep the kids running around for a long time.

Florida Aquarium Splash Pad (See website for admission costs. Splash park entry is included in admission.)

Location: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

The updated splash pad area is rainforest themed with cool features for the kids. There’s a spray zone, dump buckets and a structure for kids to climb and play on. There’s also a designated water play area for toddlers with ground sprays. A perfect destination for kids on spring break.

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park (no charge)

Location: 1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

This is one of the newest splash pads in the area that’s perfect for spring break. It’s fenced in with nearby bathrooms. There are also covered tables for parents to watch their kids or enjoy a snack in between playing in the water. The main feature of the splash pad is a large bucket that pours water on the children. There’s also a playground nearby for children of all ages. There’s plenty of shade as well as seating for parents and caregivers.

Kate Jackson Community Center Fountain (no charge)

Location: 821 S Rome Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

The park is located in the historic district of Hyde Park Village. There are life-size lion statues and fountains that shoot water up from the ground. This sprinkler park has seating nearby for parents or caregivers. There’s also a playground nearby and a bathroom.

Kiwanis Sprayground Highlander Park (no charge)

Location: 1940 Ed Eckert Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698

This is a fun interactive splash pad filled with awesome water features to keep the kids cool. Children can dodge a crocodile that shoots water out of its mouth or slide down the pirate ship. There are tumble buckets and flower water showers throughout the sprayground. The splash pad area is ADA accessible and has a non-slip surface. There’s also a shaded area with seating for parents. If your child is not potty trained, they must wear a swim diaper and plastic pants.

Northdale Park and Recreation Center (no charge)

Location: 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33624

The splash pad is smaller than most but it’s perfect for little children. There’s bathrooms nearby as well as a playground. Plenty of seating for parents and caregivers.

Perry Harvey, Sr Park (no charge)

Location: 1201 N Orange Street, Tampa, FL 33602

This park is located in downtown Tampa. It features bright colorful sculptures as well as a nice splash pad to keep the kids cool.

Splash Harbour Water Park (See website for admission costs.)

Location: 399 Second Street, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

Check out this cool water park that features water slides, a lazy river, and splash zones. There’s something for every age group. Preschoolers and younger children will enjoy several interactive water features and a large dumping bucket. Perfect place to enjoy spring break with the family.

Sims Park (no charge)

Location: Grand Blvd. & Bank St., New Port Richey, FL

The splash pad is open daily from 9:00 am until 30 minutes before sunset. It’s not an extravagant splash pad but there are some water features for the kids to have fun.

Tarpon Springs Splash Park (no charge)

Location: 508 Live Oak St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

This fun splash park has several types of spray features that will keep all the children happy. It’s gated which is perfect for the safety of the children. There are mini slides that smaller kids will enjoy. There are also covered seated areas for parents to supervise their children.

Water Play at Zephyr Park (no charge)

Location: 5039 4th St, Zephyrhills, FL 33542

This fun zone features fountain jets and falling buckets of water. Kids will have a great time cooling off during spring break at this splash pad during spring break. Children who are not potty trained need to wear swim diapers.

WaterWorks Park (no charge)

Location: 1710 N Highland Ave, 33602

This is a popular splash park in Tampa. There’s a huge yellow bucket that dumps a load of water on the kids. There are other water features that create an awesome experience for the children. Perfect place for the little ones to cool off. There’s also a playground nearby if the kids need a break from the water. Plenty of covered seating for parents and caregivers. There are also bathrooms nearby.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park (See website for admission costs. Splash pad entry is included in admission.)

Location: 1101 W. Sligh Avenue Tampa, FL 33604

The zoo offers two fun water play areas designed to help your little ones stay cool during their spring break visit. Looking for a water ride? Check out the Roaring Springs Family Water Adventure for a boat ride along with a crystal clear spring. It leads to a three-story splashdown so be prepared to get wet.