Splash pads offer cooling refreshment and water fun leaving you with the feel of a pool/beach day without the stress and logistics of a pool/beach day! They are springing up all over the place, replacing municipal pool facilities because of the lower costs and lower risks. I’m on board – a place I can relax and actually play with my kids instead of constantly making sure they stay alive? Yes, please. Then again I wouldn’t be me if I also didn’t sprinkle in some advice: Try to keep the water out of your face/mouth!
Here is an overview list of the free splash pads that are around southern NH. Remember, splash pads can be finicky so check the hours and status direct from the operators before you head out. Some update social media frequently and others are more mysterious. I tried to link you straight to the source as best I could.
Splash pads in this area start opening up at the beginning of June with full operating schedules taking effect once school is out. Likewise, they often lose their staff once school starts back up so it is the un-staffed ones that sometimes are able to stretch the season out into September.
Jump to the Mommy, UP! Splash Pad Guide Map
Just Show Up: Splash Pads That Are Free and Open to the General Public
Southern New Hampshire
Aqua Land Splash Pad
1 Terrace Dr, Newmarket, NH (Directions)
Fenced in and full of exciting splash pad features, this is worthy of a day trip out to Newmarket. There is also a covered picnic table area, a large playground, bathrooms and a water bottle filler. See more photos and details here!
Check in with Newmarket’s Aqua Land Splash Pad Facebook page for news and updates.
Noble Pines Park
45 Grand Street, Somersworth, NH (Directions)
Splash pad is in a park with two playground spaces. The park is a full-sun situation with some trees to take a break under.
Check in with Somersworth Recreation’s Facebook page for splash pad news and updates.
Don Ball Park
14 Humphrey Rd, Derry, NH (Directions)
This is another destination worthy of a day trip. The splash pad is accompanied by a large playground, covered picnic tables and bathrooms. See more photos and details here!
Check in with the Town of Derry Parks & Recreation Facebook page for splash pad news and updates.
Dover Adventure Playground at Henry Law Park
50 Henry Law Ave, Dover, NH (Directions)
This playground pairs nicely with a visit to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire next door. It is a beautiful playground including a water and sand play area. The splash pad is a spray deck tied right in with the playground space. Recently (Spring 2024) I have heard stories from other parents about problems with illegal activities near the park and finding needles. My personal experiences have been lovely so I am just passing along the heads up to be aware of your surroundings and keep an extra watchful eye.
Dupont Splash Pad
207 Mason St, Manchester, NH (Directions)
This large splash pad used to be the Dupont Pool so there is plenty of space and the features are spread out nicely. It is fenced in with some shady trees along the side so you can chill in the grass without going outside of the fence. A short walk around the back is Rock Rimmon park with a playground and skate park.
Check in with the Manchester, NH Parks & Recreation Facebook page for splash pad news and updates.
Sheehan-Basquil Park
297 Maple St, Manchester, NH (Directions)
Sheehan-Basquil Park is a playground and splash pad all in one. The space is fenced in with a playground side featuring unique climbing opportunities and a splash pad side. Here the splash pad highlight is a 21 ft tall “Superwave” feature that will get you cooled off real quick!
For information on hours visit the Sheehan-Basquil Park page on City of Manchester’s website.
Just Over the Border in Massachusetts
Amesbury Town Park
140 Friend St, Amesbury, MA (Directions)
This splash pad has some fun features and is right next to the town playground. There is also a large skate park and lovely green spaces. The parking right at the playground is limited but there are more spaces as you go around the larger park.
Check in with the City of Amesbury Facebook page for splash pad news and updates.
Swasey Field Park
59 Blaisdell Street, Haverhill, MA (Directions)
This splash pad is attached to a nice playground in a lovely park. It is not fenced but the space is defined and kind of contained by the stone wall landscaping. Lots of open green space and shady trees to retreat to when you need a break.
Check in with the Recreation page on the City of Haverhill website for more information.
The Mommy, UP! Splash Pads Guide Map
Get all these locations and more right onto your phone with the Mommy, UP! Splash Pad Guide Map.
Our custom and 100% human-verified map currently has 75 splash pads from the tiny fountain in downtown Newburyport, MA to the brand new splash pad opening at Story Land this year. Wherever you go, open up your map and find the water fun closest to you! Access to the map is available for purchase through our Buy Me A Coffee shop.