Summer Splash Pads & Fountains In + Around Portland

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There’s nothing like fountains and splash pads to wear out the kids and allow you to relax. While there’s lots of before and after work to get ready for these adventures, I always find myself able to unwind and keep an eye on the kids. And, if we are lucky, I like to reward the adventure with a treat like a smoothie or frozen yogurt. Check out the map at the bottom of this post to plan your adventures!

Here’s a list of FREE splash pads and fountains we love all over town!

Eastside

  • Holladay Park

    Commissioned originally in 1964 as a fountain featuring music and lights, it was replaced in 2000 with a family-friendly spouting fountain. The park also features three cast-bronze sculptures, Constellation, which illustrates the connection between the personal front yard garden and the civic park garden with a vase of cut flowers, an abstract molecule, and a home gardener figure. 

  • McCoy Park

    This full-scale park includes a picnic area, playground, restrooms, a basketball court, walk paths, a reservable picnic shelter, and a splash pad open Memorial Day weekend through the end of September, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Essex Parksplash pad

    A smaller splash pad, but with a playground nearby makes this one fun for several hours of water and playground play!

  • Stark Street Island

    Featuring a smaller fountain in the shape of a rose petal, this shaded park is surrounded by lush green lawns and paved walking paths. Open Memorial Day weekend through the end of September, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Farragut Park

    Fourteen acres of fun at this park, featuring a huge playground, restrooms, a basketball court, paved walking paths, picnic tables,  and a large, colorful splash pad.

  • Children’s Fountain

    This park in Gresham is open May through September 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features two fountains; one designed for toddlers and one for bigger kids. 

  • Max Patterson Spray Park

    The spray park at Patterson Park is open the week following dismissal of school for the summer through Labor Day, Monday through Saturday, 12-7 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00-6:00 p.m. (weather permitting). June through August they also host a Summer Recreation Program for children, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with daily activities like games, sports, and crafts for all ages!

Westside

  • Elizabeth Caruthers Parksplash pads

    Along the SW waterfront, in the shadow of the OHSU Tram, this is a fun puddle-like splash pad with lily pads rising out of the water for froggy-hopping fun!

  • Salmon Street Fountain

    Located in the heart of downtown, along the beautiful Willamette waterfront, this is a popular spot for both east and westsiders. Featuring a changing pattern of 185 water jets, this keeps big and little kids occupied for hours of water play. And when they’re watered out, stroll up and down the waterfront, looking at boats or visiting the Battleship Oregon Memorial.

  • Jamison Square

    This popular concrete splash pad and wading area can get really busy on hot days, so prepare accordingly. Nearby options abound for post-splashing treats. The park is open 5am to midnight.

  • Bethany Village

    Nestled in the Bethany neighborhood off 26, this small water park boasts plenty of restaurants and coffeeshops within the block, allowing you to snack while you watch the kids. I especially like the tables with umbrellas that allow me to sit in the shade and still watch the kiddos while sipping on a cool beverage. It’s great for all ages but if you have a slow-walking toddler, keep in mind that the older kids love to run around. 

  • Beaverton City Park Fountain

    Located outside the Beaverton City Library makes a great trip to grab books before running around the fountain. The park is rather large and includes swings and a play structure nearby, but on hot days, it can get crowded. If you can grab a shaded area under a tree, bring a blanket and make it a picnic with the family. 

  • Hillsboro 53rd Avenue Community Park

    We had an especially great time here. The kids ran between the water fountain and the park area, and I was lucky enough to score a shady spot under a tree (which, at this park is hard to find in the middle of the day). A great adventure for the whole family!

  • Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Stationsplash pad

    This mini plaza area has toddler-level water sprinklers that’s perfect for smaller kids. By no means is this a “true splash pad,” but it has that small, park feeling with the MAX running by every few minutes (for your littles who love watching the train!) 

  • Hillsboro Civic Center Fountain

    This fountain splash pad opens the first Saturday in May and runs until October 31 depending on weather conditions and special events in the plaza, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. During July and August the fountain is open every day from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

For a full list of all Portland City fountains and splash pads, check out the PPR website. Looking for more playground-like, water play places, check out our favorite sand and water parks here!

What are your favorite splash pads or fountains? Please let us know in the comments and we’ll add them to the map!