Splash Pads, Splash Dads, not Bad!

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Unplugged Perspective

It’s wild how simple a splash pad can be, and yet kids still find endless ways to enjoy it.

We were visiting family out of town recently and stopped by a park with a splash pad. Normally, it cycled through several fun water features, but that day only two were working: the water cannons and a couple of ground fountains. There were just four kids there, but with so little water flowing, they ended up squabbling over whose turn it was. They still managed to share and have fun, but eventually the water shut off completely—for minutes at a time—and we had to find another place to play.

But as I watched them in those moments when the water was flowing, it hit me again: our kids don't need much to have fun.

Back home, we went to a birthday party at a park with a fully functioning splash pad. The difference was obvious. Kids were stomping on ground fountains, running under oversized sunflowers, dodging water cannons. Total chaos. Total joy. And still, just water and concrete.

Maybe that’s the real lesson from splash pads: our kids aren’t looking for perfection or elaborate setups. They’re just looking for permission to play, a little space to move, and something, anything, to spark their imagination.

The Unplugged Idea: Make the Most of a Splash Pad Outing

Splash pads are more than just a way to cool off. They're a ready-made adventure zone where you can bond with your kids without needing to plan much at all. Here's how to turn a splash pad visit into a fun, age-appropriate memory-maker:

Ages 0–3: Sensory Play Focus

Let them explore water textures with buckets, cups, and small toys.

Help them "chase" the ground fountains or gently guide their hands under spray features.

Sit together on the edge and let them come and go at their own pace. Your presence is the real activity; they just need to know you're there.

Ages 4–6: Water Games & Challenges

Play "Freeze Fountain": when a stream sprays, freeze like a statue.

Try "Water Relay": use small cups to carry water from one feature to another.

Count how many seconds they can stay under a fountain.

Let them make up their own "missions" — kids this age love giving the grownups instructions.

Ages 7–10: Play Leaders and Partners

Invite them to create a "Splash Course" for younger siblings or other kids.

Set a timer for Tag with Water Cannons or obstacle challenges.

Hand over a camera or waterproof phone case and let them capture action shots of the day.

No matter the age, the real win is showing up, being present, and just maybe getting soaked too.

Unplugged Wrapped Up

You don't need a perfect plan. You don't need every feature to work. You just need a towel, a little patience, and a willingness to get splashed.

Maybe that's what I love most about splash pads. They're honest about what really matters. Not the elaborate setups or perfect conditions, but the simple rhythm of kids being kids while we get to watch it all unfold. We're not there to orchestrate anything. We're just there to witness the ordinary magic of a Tuesday afternoon.

And somehow, that's always enough.

-Ted

P.S. I’d love to hear how your splash pad outings go this summer, or if your kids have a favorite water spot they can't get enough of. Hit reply and let me know.

P.P.S. Help another dad find his next unplugged moment—just forward this email.