We track 6 splash pads in St. Paul — the 2nd best-served city in Minnesota. 5 of them are free. 5 are confirmed against official parks-department listings.
When to go
Peak summer highs in St. Paul average 82°F — warm enough for a splash pad through most of the season without being punishing at midday.
Month
Average high
June
78°F
July
82°F
August
79°F
The typical St. Paul pad runs about 12 weeks a year. Municipal pads often close early for maintenance, so the last few weeks of the season are the least reliable.
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 6 pads in St. Paul:
This West Side neighborhood park on the District del Sol commercial strip is one of the four free aquatic play areas Saint Paul Parks operates each summer. Like the city's other pads it has little to no standing water, which suits toddlers and pre-swimmers.
On site: playground alongside, parking
5 other pads within 5 miles
✓ Last confirmed for the 2026 season · parks dept confirmed
Added in 2017 at Phalen Regional Park, this splash pad lets kids dart between the fountains and the big sandy guarded beach a few steps away. The surrounding park adds trails, a tot lot, tennis courts and regular family events.
On site: toilets on site, playground alongside, parking
6 other pads within 5 miles
✓ Last confirmed for the 2026 season · parks dept confirmed
Formerly Lewis Park, this North End park holds the distinction of being Saint Paul's first splash pad, with fountains and ground jets next to newer playground equipment on synthetic turf. It runs on the city's standard free splash pad schedule.
On site: toilets on site, playground alongside, parking
6 other pads within 5 miles
✓ Last confirmed for the 2026 season · parks dept confirmed
The Splash Zone at the Como Town amusement park next to Como Zoo can be bundled into ride admission or bought on its own for about $5, which covers all-day access. It is a rare ticketed splash pad option paired with rides and the free zoo next door.
On site: toilets on site, drinking water, playground alongside, parking
One of Saint Paul's four free splash pads, Conway's fountains sit beside a playground and a recreation center that hosts open gym and free summer meals for kids. The Sun Ray library branch is steps away for a quiet break after water play.
On site: parking
4 other pads within 5 miles
✓ Last confirmed for the 2026 season · parks dept confirmed
Saint Paul's flagship outdoor aquatic center includes a whale-bone themed splash pad alongside an eight-lane lap pool, a two-story water slide, diving boards and a children's activity pool. Unlike the city's free neighborhood pads, this one requires paid water park admission.
On site: toilets on site, drinking water, playground alongside, parking
7 other pads within 5 miles
✓ Last confirmed for the 2026 season · parks dept confirmed