When water facilities known as splash pads, splash zones, and spray-grounds started popping up around town, Orlando Family Magazine ran an article on where families could find these hot spots to cool off. Years later, readers still access this information on our website. First and foremost, thanks for trusting our publication as your family fun resource! And secondly, it’s finally time again to soak up the pad fad as we welcome warmer weather. Here are some options:

Barnett Park

• 4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando (located on West SR 50, adjacent to the Central FL Fairgrounds)
• (407) 836-6248.
• The splash pad is open and free of charge daily, Saturdays – Thursdays 9 am – 12 pm & 1 pm – 7:30 pm; Fridays 9 am – 12 pm & 3 pm – 7:30 pm.
• While you’re there, check out the 18-hole Frisbee golf course and Orlando BMX track.

Capehart Park

• 715 Capehart Dr., Orlando (located between Goldenrod and Semoran, off Lake Underhill)
• (407) 254-9160.
• The splash pad, including a large in-ground water fountain with jets that rotate between bubbling streams to geyser sprays, is open daily from 9 am – 6 pm and is free of charge.

Downey Park

• 10107 Flowers Ave., Orlando (intersection of East SR 50 & Dean Rd.)
• (407) 254-9180
• The splash pad, open 10 am – 2 pm & 3 pm – 7 pm, is free of charge on weekdays through June 8; weekend cost is $1 person.
• This park also has a sand beach, baseball & softball complex, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, fitness area, volleyball, and off leash dog park.

Downtown Disney Marketplace

• 1375 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista
• (407) 939-5277
• Looking like a drowned rat (in Mickey Mouse attire) is embraced at the free Magical Water Fountain near Once Upon a Toy and at another smaller fountain near Disney’s Days of Christmas.

Downtown Winter Garden

• 104 S. Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden
• (407) 656-4111
• An open-air pavilion houses this splash pad (open 9 am – 9 pm) in a historic setting. Enjoy the Winter Garden Farmers Market (held each Saturday from 9 am – 2 pm), then cool off.

Dr. P. Phillips Community Park

• 8249 Buena Vista Woods Blvd., Orlando, (located off Apopka-Vineland Rd.)
• (407) 254-9038
• The splash pad is open year round, weather permitting.
• Admission ($1 per person) is charged on holidays and weekends March – October, and weekdays June – August. Summer sessions: 10 am – 2 pm & 3 pm – 7 pm; winter sessions: 10 am – 2 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm.

Lake Mary Sports Complex

• 550 Rantoul Lane, Lake Mary
• (407) 585-1400
• The splash pad, located at Trailblazer Park, is open 10 am – 6 pm seasonally.
• Opt for a $2 daily pass or $15 city resident annual pass.

Be sure to confirm hours and fees for these and other splash pads before heading to the parks.

Remember to pack swim suits, a change of clothes, lunch, sunscreen, and towels. Do you have other suggestions for budget-friendly family fun? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter or in our blog comments section.