COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Free splash pads are a great way for families to beat the summer heat in and around Columbus and cool off without the cost or competition of finding a spot at the local pool.

The options in central Ohio include splash pads with giant sculptures, seating, shaded play areas and interactive water features.

See the list below for some of the best free splash parks around Columbus and central Ohio that will open soon for summer.

Downtown Columbus

Scioto Mile
• 233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43215
The spray ground’s opening day will be announced in early summer 2025. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The splash area features five stainless steel halo structures with 1,100 fog nozzles. Jets shoot water 75 feet into the air from the fountain’s core.

Dorrian Green
• 50 Belle St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
Opening day will be announced in early summer 2025. Open hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The spray ground is located outside COSI, with nearby shaded seating available.

North Bank Park
• 311 W. Long St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
The spray ground’s opening date will be announced in early summer 2025. The area is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. There is a small fountain with nearby seating and a view over the Scioto River.

Delaware

Veterans Park
• 1121 South Houk Road, Delaware, OH 43015
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A shaded area and seating are available, visitors are welcome to bring chairs.

Dublin

Ballantrae Community Park
• 6350 Woerner Temple Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
The 2025 season begins May 24 and runs through Sept. 1. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park features a sculpture of three giant bunnies. A grassy lawn and seating are available.

Easton

Town Square
• 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio, 43219
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Grove City

Splash Pad in Fryer Park
• 3899 Orders Rd., Grove City, Ohio 43123
Open seasonally, the Grove City Splash Pad is free and open to the public during the summer.

Hilliard

Hilliard Station Park
• 4021 Main St., Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Opens mid-May through August from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. September hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The splash pad closes Oct. 1. The area includes outdoor tables, an amphitheater and public restrooms.

Marysville

Partners Park
• 125 E. Sixth St., Marysville, Ohio 43040
The splash pad operates seasonally from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The area includes a gazebo, green space, pavilion and public restrooms. A large shelter is available for rent.

Obetz

Splash Pad
• 4390 Lancaster Ave. Obetz, Ohio 43207
The splash pad opens on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and runs through late August. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The splash pad is open to residents and nonresidents. The Lancaster Park shelter house is available for all splash pad visitors.

Powell

Village Green Park
• 47 Hall St., Powell, Ohio 43065
The area will open for the season on Monday, May 26, at 2 p.m. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park offers picnic tables and shaded areas.

Westerville

Hanby Park
• 115 E. Park St., Westerville, Ohio 43081
In addition to the spray ground, the area has a playground, train depot, restrooms and bike lockers among other features.

Whitehall

John Bishop Park
• 4815 Etna Road, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
The splash pad will operate May 24 through Aug. 31. The area is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.