splash pad
noun
variants
or less commonly splashpad
plural splash pads also splashpads
: a ground-level recreational structure (as in a city park) for children that is equipped with fountains and usually other features that spray water
Children rushed onto the splash pad when the ribbon was cut and the water was switched on. Soon boys and girls were running through cool water fountains and sprays while their families watched.—
Greg Jordan
Greg JordanThe 91-foot circular splash pad … will feature interactive water elements ranging from gentle sprays to high-volume play structures.—The Herald-Citizen (Cookeville, Tennessee)
The Herald-Citizen (Cookeville, Tennessee)The first full week of summer brought a heat wave …, prompting some to hit area pools and splashpads.—Christine Lee
Christine Lee
also
: a similar smaller structure or feature for home use
This recently remodeled home sits on a large corner lot. … the backyard features its own splash pad with water jets. —Elizabeth Tucker
Elizabeth Tucker If relaxing on a water-spritzing splash pad is more their speed, then you can pick up this whale and fish-printed 68-inch splash pad at 74% off. —Danielle Halibey
Danielle Halibey Examples of splash pad in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The city has opened two dozen splash pads and eight cooling shelters across the city.
—
Aaron Parseghian,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
Kids are shrieking through their favorite splash pads, faces sticky with Bomb Pop juice and joy.
—
Mark Glende,
Twin Cities,
2 July 2026
Various splash pads and several indoor dining venues can also help guests cool off.
—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Changing rooms sit directly alongside the splash pads, so nobody has to wander the park in a wet swimsuit.
—
Jacqueline Dole,
Southern Living,
30 June 2026
In downtown Elgin, Gladys Quintana’s daughters, Olivia, 5, and Isabella, 2, had a lunch of McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Monday afternoon while sitting on an iron bench at the Festival Park splash pad.
—
Evgenia Anastasakos,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Speaking of splash pads, my toddler spent the most time at the SpongeBob splash pad, which fittingly includes a giant pineapple with a water-spray tunnel.
—
Lindsay Kimble,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
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Aaron Parseghian,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
Kids are shrieking through their favorite splash pads, faces sticky with Bomb Pop juice and joy.
—
Mark Glende,
Twin Cities,
2 July 2026
Various splash pads and several indoor dining venues can also help guests cool off.
—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
Changing rooms sit directly alongside the splash pads, so nobody has to wander the park in a wet swimsuit.
—
Jacqueline Dole,
Southern Living,
30 June 2026
In downtown Elgin, Gladys Quintana’s daughters, Olivia, 5, and Isabella, 2, had a lunch of McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Monday afternoon while sitting on an iron bench at the Festival Park splash pad.
—
Evgenia Anastasakos,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Speaking of splash pads, my toddler spent the most time at the SpongeBob splash pad, which fittingly includes a giant pineapple with a water-spray tunnel.
—
Lindsay Kimble,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Splash pad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splash%20pad. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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