Durham Region, located just east of Toronto, Ontario is home to some amazing playgrounds. And located right beside many of these playgrounds, there are also some really fun splash pads, which are perfect for kids on a hot summer day. A huge bonus is that in the past few years, the municipalities in the Durham Region have invested in building several brand new splash pads that are full of cute & unique spray features. Below are our choices for the best splash pads in Durham Region. As always, our family has personally visited and tested out each of these locations. I’ve included each of the splash pads on this list because my own kids loved them!
Splash Pads in Ajax
Ajax Rotary Park
The splash pad at Ajax Rotary Park is not necessarily the newest or most unique one on our list. But what it more than makes up for its size and classic splash pad features. There is a run-through rainbow sprayer, water cannons that kids can spray at each other, and some small tipping buckets.
We also love that the splash pad is just on of the many fun attractions located in Ajax Rotary Park. Alongside the splash pad there is a fantastic gazebo that can be booked for birthday parties and other events. Just a few steps from the splash pad there is an elevated boardwalk where you can view Lake Ontario on one side and a wetland area on the other. We also love that there is a huge waterfront playground, bathrooms and concession stand.
Location: 177 Lake Driveway W, Ajax, ON L1S 7J1
Audley Recreation Centre
The splash pad at Audley Recreation Centre is one of the newer ones on our list and it is jam packed with fun features. The focal point of the splash pad is the huge scorpion whose tail is a tipping bucket! My kids also loved spraying each other with the super powerful water cannons and running through the many small fountains in the separate toddler area!
Alongside the splash pad is a fantastic playground with a long double zipline and a cool climbing obstacle course. Bathrooms and indoor facilities, including a large indoor swimming pool, can be found right beside the splash inside the Audley Recreation Centre.
Location: 1955 Audley Rd, Ajax, ON L1Z 0L2
Splash Pads in Whitby
Kiwanis Heydenshore Park
This brand new splash pad (opened at the beginning of summer 2023) is super cute, unique and located right beside Lake Ontario at the Whitby waterfront! There are so many super fun and engaging features at this splash pad. Almost everything is interactive – kids can turn and twist most of the features to spray in different directions. The two features that we love most at this splash pad are the large tipping bucket and the water runoff creek where kids can stomp, splash and send their toy boats floating.
Alongside the splash pad is a mixed rocky and sandy beach, a large playground, picnic areas and bathrooms. We also love that there are many large trees that provide lots of shade!
Location: 589 Water St, Whitby, ON L1N 9V9
Lynde Creek Park
Lynde Creek Park is home to another brand new playground and splash pad in Whitby. This splash pad has an adorable flower and butterfly theme. With the huge, colourful sprayers, kids won’t be able to resist running through this splash pad on a hot summer day.
Alongside the splash pad there is a phenomenal, brand new, accessible playground. This playground has a bamboo climbing forest, a sandy play area with water features, giant musical instruments, parkour elements, a large climbing structure, slides and so much more. Unfortunately there are no bathrooms located at the park so parents of young kids will need to plan ahead!
Location: 125 Coronation Rd, Whitby, ON L1N 9Y8
Darren Park
At the north end of Whitby is an older – but still very much loved – playground and splash pad. The feature we love most at the Darren Park splash pad is the long runoff creek. We often see little kids flocking to this feature to send their floating toys down river. There are also some small tipping buckets and lots of fountains to run through.
Alongside the splash pad there is a great playground with some unique elements, including a canoe to climb on, a and a sandy play area with diggers and a water pump.
Location: 75 Darren Ave, Whitby, ON L1R 0B4
Splash Pads in Oshawa
Lakeview Park
Lakeview Park is home to a great waterfront splash pad, which was updated in 2021. By far the most exciting feature of this splash pad is the large tipping bucket. There are also multiply other spray features, including spray posts and in ground fountains.
Alongside the splash pad is a huge, exciting playground with a very large play structure and slides as its focal point. There is also a tandem swing, zipline and separate accessible play area. In summer, bathrooms and a concession stand are located next to the playground.
Location: 1675 Simcoe St S, Oshawa, ON L1H 8J7
Splash Pads in Uxbridge
Uxbridge Arena and Community Centre
Located beside the Uxbridge Arena and Community Centre is an adorable Canadian wilderness inspired splash pad. Toddlers will love coming to this splash pad to see the giant Canadian animal sprayers, including a moose, bear and fish! The splash pad also has some interactive features like the small tipping buckets that can be pushed and turned.
Alongside the splash pad is a gazebo for shade and bathrooms can be found inside the community centre.
Location: 291 A Brock St W, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1G1
There you have it! These are some of our favourite splash pads in Durham Region. Do you know of any other amazing splash pads in the area?! If so, we would love to hear from you!