Top ten water (or spray) parks for tiny tots

Full-sized water parks can be intimidating for little adventurers. Ensure happy and carefree splish splashing this summer at these splash pads in and around Vancouver. And of course, they are completely free!

Top mini water parks for tiny tots

The Shipyards

Located between the sleek Polygon Art Gallery and the bustling Tap and Barrel with a view of downtown Vancouver and feet from Lonsdale Quay, this brand spanking new splash pad is a welcome addition to Shipyards district in North Van. Includes bubblers, rippling water and natural boulders.

Rocky Point Park

Super busy in the summer but no wonder! It’s located smack dab in the middle of Rocky Point Park close to ice cream, Pajos, woodsy walks, a swimming pool and the Burrard inlet Great spot for a picnic.

2800 Murray St, Port Moody

Queen’s Park

Tucked away in the shade of forest, this old school water park is lots of fun for the littles, plus there’s a free petting zoo and a great playground. In the summer, there’s a concession and counsellors on hand for activities and crafts for the kids.

3rd Ave, New Westminister

Chaldecott Park

You could spend a whole day at this park with the family. Your kids will love stomping around in the easy going water park and drying off on the nearby playground. Plenty of shady spots and parking along Wallace Street.

4175 Wallace St, Vancouver

Lions Park

This recently revamped playground located nest to the Coquitlam River in Port Coquitlam is an oasis with swaths of run around space, the cool down spray park and a playground to please all ages.

2300 Lions Way, Port Coquitlam

Lumberman’s Arch

If you’re at Stanley Park already, bring a suit for the kids so they can cool off at Lumberman’s Arch. This old school spray park boasts an ocean front view and is close to bathroom’ and the aquarium.

 3301 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver

Wesbrook Village

This shiny new-ish splash pad is right next to Wesbrook Community Centre and close to cafes, ice cream, sushi and even beer.

3335 Webber Lane

David Livingston Park

This super popular community spray park replaced the wading pool a few years ago. It’s always full of kids and picnicking families, and there are shady nooks to relax in. The accompanying modern playground is perfect for young and older kids.

David Livingston Elementary School 

Granville Island

If you’re packing the whole family, this is one of the largest and most populated water park destinations during summertime. It’s fun for all ages, and there’s a special area designated just for toddlers.

Maple Ridge

If you’re willing to venture outside of Vancouver for some splashing around, there are two tot appropriate water parks for ages zero and up in Maple Ridge. The Albion Sports Complex at 23778 and 104 Avenue has a tot friendly water park and a playground for five and up, but bring an umbrella or tent, there’s limited shade. Maple Ridge Park is another popular destination during the summertime.

The Albion Sports Complex at 23778 and 104 Avenue

Steveston Park

This park is a destination for families. With a train museum (with a real train!), a sweet water park and a playground built around a fishing village theme, there’s hours of entertainment in one spot. Parents can trade off supervision duties and check out the sweet little boutiques and cafes down the way, and when you’re all played out head down to the docks for fish and chips! Image and text by Vairdy.

4111 Moncton Street, Richmond, (604) 238-8080

John Lawson Park

This revamped super park for the littles has everything you need for a day out, including a sheltered picnic area if you don’t want to pack the beach umbrella. In addition to the splash park, your kids will love playing on the giant pirate ship. A parking lot and street-side parking are also available.

17th St, West Vancouver

Originally written by Angela Robertson