Let’s be honest: in Portland, if it’s not raining and the temperature climbs above 60, we call that beach weather. And what better way to celebrate the almost-summer sun than taking your kid to a splash pad where they can scream, spin in circles, and somehow still manage to soak you from 20 feet away?
Here are Portland’s best splash pads to visit this spring—where kids can run wild, parents can attempt to drink lukewarm coffee, and everyone leaves a little wetter than they planned.
🧼 1. Jamison Square (Pearl District) – The Hipster Tidepool
📍 810 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
This downtown gem turns into Portland’s version of a beach—complete with urbanites, artisanal snacks, and kids cannonballing into ankle-deep water like it’s the Pacific Ocean. The water flows in waves, which is thrilling for toddlers and terrifying if you forgot to move your stroller. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and enough pigeons to start a podcast, Jamison is ideal if your child enjoys chaos with a side of culture.
Pro move: Bring an extra towel just for wiping avocado toast crumbs off your lap.
☀️ 2. Spring Garden Park (SW Portland) – The Laid-Back Oasis
📍 3332 SW Spring Garden St, Portland, OR 97219
Tucked away in Southwest Portland, this is the splash pad for kids who want to frolic while pretending they’re woodland elves. Surrounded by trees and gentle hills, it offers just enough water to keep things fun without triggering the “Oh no, I forgot dry clothes” panic. It’s ideal for quieter play—perfect if you’re not quite ready for downtown energy and your kid is more “splash philosopher” than “water warrior.”
Bonus: There’s a natural play area, so you can hear your kid say “Watch this!” 143 times in an hour.
🌊 3. Khunamokwst Park (Northeast) – The Hard-to-Say, Easy-to-Love Splash Pad
📍 5200 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97218
Say it with me: “KAHN-ah-mockst.” Now forget how to say it because you’ll panic every time someone asks where you’re headed. Despite the tricky name, this Cully neighborhood park is wildly popular—and not just because it has a splash pad that sprays water like it’s auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. There’s also a rad playground, a skate bowl, and tons of room to run around.
Pro tip: Great place for birthday parties and post-nap zoomies.
💦 4. Colonel Summers Park (SE Portland) – The Local Favorite
📍 SE 17th Ave & Taylor St, Portland, OR 97214
If you like your splash pads with a little Portland grit and a lot of neighborly charm, this one’s for you. It’s walkable, shady, and surrounded by people who also forgot to bring snacks. The splash pad isn’t the biggest in town, but it gets the job done, and there’s usually a friendly dog or two wondering why they’re not invited to join.
Vibe: Urban hangout meets waterpark starter pack.
🌹 5. Peninsula Park (North Portland) – History + Hilarity
📍 700 N Rosa Parks Way, Portland, OR 97217
This is Portland’s first public rose garden, and nothing says “refined elegance” like your child pretending to be a dolphin while screaming through a geyser. The splash pad is large, colorful, and surrounded by one of the most beautiful parks in the city. You can bring a picnic, wander the rose-lined paths, and pretend your kid didn’t just squirt you in the eye with a rogue water blaster.
Pro strategy: Grab coffee from the nearby cafes and brace for a full-blown adventure.
💧 Know Before You Go:
- Splash pads typically open Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day (weather permitting). Check this page for updates.
- Hours are usually 10 AM to 8 PM, but always double-check before making the trek.
- Bring: sunscreen, snacks, water shoes, and at least two towels. (No one ever regrets extra towels.)
- Leave: electronics, grumpiness, and your expectation of staying dry.
In Conclusion…
Portland’s splash pads are free, fabulous, and the perfect way to trick your kids into getting exercise. Plus, they’ll go home tired, happy, and maybe slightly pruney. So pack the bags, prep the snacks, and let your little water gremlin loose. The sun is (almost) out, and the splash pads are calling!
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.