We track 2 splash pads in Belleville — the 3rd best-served city in Illinois. Every one of them is free.
When to go
Peak summer highs in Belleville average 91°F. Mornings and late afternoons are far more comfortable than the middle of the day, and shade is worth planning around.
Month
Average high
June
87°F
July
91°F
August
90°F
What to expect
The things that decide a trip with small children — a toilet, some shade, somewhere to sit — are exactly what listings usually leave out. Across the 2 pads in Belleville:
Set on the upper level of Bicentennial Park, Belleville's pad features a frog slide, tree-shaped water umbrella, spray tunnel, and pop jets. A rentable pavilion and gazebo in the park make it a common birthday party venue.
On site: toilets on site, playground alongside, parking
One of the metro's more unexpected splash spots: a free pad with spray jets and statues on the grounds of a major Catholic pilgrimage shrine. Families can combine water play with a stroll through the shrine's extensive gardens.