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
Nina and Cody, ecstatic about visiting their neighborhood splash pad, run through fountains and hop in kiddie pools, but protagonist JJ is a bit more skeptical.
—Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Newark is making sure many parks have splash pads and misting in order to create heat-safe zones outside.
—Christine Sloan, CBS News, 11 June 2026
This stunning resort has 11 pool experiences, including a kid-friendly waterscape with a splash pad, waterslide, and gentle 18-inch-deep pool.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The city of Boise also opened splash pads and cooling misters to the public on Memorial Day.
—Hali Smith
june 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026
The complex will include amenities such as a swimming pool, splash pad and walking path.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Other cities that earned notable mentions include Boise, Idaho, for having the best park system for dogs; Cincinnati with the best playgrounds and Boston, for having the most splash pads.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
At one end, there’s a children’s wading pool with an elaborate play structure and splash pad; at the other end, there’s the 25-yard, four-lane lap pool.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
The waterpark builds on recent upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay, including the Great Life Lagoon with a 28,000-square-foot heated pool, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, Splash Harbor splash pad and the island’s new tram system.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
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Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Newark is making sure many parks have splash pads and misting in order to create heat-safe zones outside.
—Christine Sloan, CBS News, 11 June 2026
This stunning resort has 11 pool experiences, including a kid-friendly waterscape with a splash pad, waterslide, and gentle 18-inch-deep pool.
—Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The city of Boise also opened splash pads and cooling misters to the public on Memorial Day.
—Hali Smith
june 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026
The complex will include amenities such as a swimming pool, splash pad and walking path.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Other cities that earned notable mentions include Boise, Idaho, for having the best park system for dogs; Cincinnati with the best playgrounds and Boston, for having the most splash pads.
—Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
At one end, there’s a children’s wading pool with an elaborate play structure and splash pad; at the other end, there’s the 25-yard, four-lane lap pool.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
The waterpark builds on recent upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay, including the Great Life Lagoon with a 28,000-square-foot heated pool, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, Splash Harbor splash pad and the island’s new tram system.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Splash pad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splash%20pad. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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