3 splash pads in Birmingham kids love + how to plan

Sponsored

Summer heat is no joke here in Alabama, but you can keep your kids laughing with a fun day at one of the many great splash pads in Birmingham.

We’ve rounded up three spots to keep in mind, a link to many others, plus a handful of reminders from our friends at Alabama’s only pediatric urgent care system, Urgent Care for Children, to keep everyone happy and safe.

Read on for where to go + tips for navigating splash pads in Birmingham safely.

3 great splash pads in Birmingham + more

1. Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure

This is the go-to for a full day of water park fun, with a splash pad + much more. Zip down slides, float a lazy river or catch the waves in the wave pool.

• Where: 4599 Splash Adventure Parkway, Bessemer, AL 35022
• When: Regular summer season runs May 24–Aug. 5
• Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 10:30AM–6PM; Fri.-Sat., 10:30AM–7PM
• Cost: $37.99 + tax per person (online only); ages 2 and under, free; see website for season passes
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Hoover Met Complex Explore Playground + Splash Pad

This is an awesome free option, especially for toddlers and elementary-age kids.

• Where: 5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9AM–7PM
• Cost: Free
• Facebook | Instagram

3. Birmingham Zoo

While the splash pad may not be the first thing that comes to mind about Birmingham’s top attraction, it’s definitely a favorite for kids and families when it’s hot out!

• Where: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9AM–5PM
• Cost: Included in general admission to the Zoo 
• Website

💦👀 Looking for more splash pads in Birmingham? Check out our list of 25 local pools + pads!

Water safety for kids: Hydration, sunscreen + more

When kids are in go mode, they don’t always pay attention to the heat. Here are a few tips to stay ahead of them:

💦 They may be playing in it, but keep them hydrated with clean drinking water before they say they’re thirsty.
☀️ Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes to 2 hours + use SPF 30 or higher (waterproof is best for these activities).
✋ Prohibit running on wet surfaces + wear water shoes for a little traction at these + all splash pads in Birmingham.
⛱️ Take 15-minute shaded breaks after every 45 minutes in the sun, especially for longer outings.
👂Tip your child’s head to each side after getting out of the water + dry ears immediately to help avoid swimmer’s ear.

Plan for your splash pad day

Even if you’re visiting one of the smaller splashpads in Birmingham, these tips will help you and your family there or at one of the big parks:

• Pick a meet-up spot in case anyone gets separated.
• Locate the lifeguard stands, water fountains + bathrooms as soon as you get there.
• Pack your own small first-aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment + pain reliever.

Check out the Urgent Care for Children blog for more excellent tips on summer water safety + common issues like swimmer’s ear.

Where to go, just in case

Even the best-planned days have surprises, and Urgent Care for Children has two locations in the Birmingham area—Hoover and Trussville, for pediatric care in non-emergency situations, like swimmer’s ear, sunburns, minor scrapes or anything else that may need a quick look.

Both locations are open Monday–Friday, 10AM-6PM + Saturday–Sunday, 8AM-6PM. The Hoover location stays open until 8PM on Fridays.

Visit childrensurgent.com for more pediatric health tips, news + additional Alabama locations.

Sponsored by: