PLEASE NOTE: This post was written in 2016, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it is also possible that it may contain some outdated information. Please check their website for the most current information.
UPDATE 2018: We heard that since our initial visit they have added some sails for shade! Yay!
2016 Post:
Did you know that there is BRAND NEW splash pad in Cromwell, CT? And I do mean brand new. It just opened this past June! It’s located in Watrous Park and its petite size (and neighboring preschooler-friendly playscape) makes it the perfect hot weather destination for anyone with tiny tots!
The entrance to the park is on Greer Street, almost directly across from Cromwell Middle School.
You won’t see this one from the street, so you’ll have to trust me that if you follow this road all the way back into the park, you’ll find the spacious parking area right next to the Splash Pad.
This Splash Pad is open daily from 9:00am to 8:00pm (seasonal; closes after Labor Day). It’s always good to know the rules.
Like most of the other splash pads/spray parks/spray pads we’ve visited, this one operates on a timer. It runs for about six minutes and the water features cycle on and off (three at a time) so there’s constant activity. If the water turns off, you simply push down a button atop this white post. Sometimes I think the kids find this activity to be just as fun as actually playing in the water 🙂
It’s got lots of cute features, including these ingenious water canons that somehow know when they are turned around the wrong way and stop firing water (so that parents on the benches don’t get soaked in the crossfire!).
Lots of squirting obstacles and plenty of places to get drenched 🙂
Although it’s not fenced-in, it is separated from the parking lot by a wooden barrier and there are benches all around it (and a couple of picnic tables too), so it’s pretty easy to contain the kiddos.
And as I mentioned earlier, there is this equally adorable mini playscape just a stone’s throw from the Splash Pad.
There is a pair of restrooms conveniently located in this building at the edge of the parking area. They are both family-style (single room), so they can double as changing rooms as well, though there are no diaper changing stations in there.
The Splash Pad is only open through Labor Day though, so you’ll have to shake a leg to check it out before the end of the season. Although, with this being “back to school” week for most of the older kiddos, it’s the perfect opportunity to get a little extra bonding time with your wee ones. And there’s nothing quite like watching your little guy or gal frolic and giggle in the fountains to make a few more memories before another fun-filled summer comes to an end.
Splash Pad at Watrous Park
Greer Street, Cromwell, CT (Behind Cromwell Middle School)
(I followed the applicable directions that I found on the town’s website)
Cromwell Parks & Recreation Phone Number: (860) 632-3467
Hours (2016):
The Splash Pad is open daily from 9:00am to 8:00pm (Seasonal: opens Memorial Day Weekend and closes after Labor Day weekend.)
Watrous Park is open 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. in the summer; 7:00 A.M. – sunset rest of the year.
Pricing (2016):
FREE!
Details (2016):
Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: YES
Baby Changing Station: NO
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: NO.
Outside Food Allowed: YES, though it’s not allowed on the actual splash pad. There are benches and picnic tables where you can enjoy your food and beverages.
Cash Required: NO
Dress Code: Non-potty trained tots must wear swim diapers; I might also recommend water shoes that will give a little traction on the wet concrete if you’ve got speedy kiddos.
Age Recommendations: This is a smaller splash pad, so I would say it’s best for toddlers & preschoolers, but my 6-year-old had a great time there too.
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: Can’t do better than FREE! 🙂
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