Summers in the West are known for their dry heat, making it essential to find refreshing ways to cool down. If you’re in Salt Lake County, you’re in luck! This guide highlights seven fantastic water spots where you and your family can beat the heat and enjoy a fun-filled day.
Midvale City Park Splash Pad
Address: 425 6th Ave, Midvale, UT 84047
Hours: 11 a.m – 8 p.m. (Weekdays) | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Weekends)
This splash pad in Midvale City Park is a free, relaxing, and refreshing way to cool down this summer. This is a popular spot for families with young children as the park includes interactive water features, shaded seating, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The splash pad is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day (depending on the weather).
Tips for visitors: Visiting during off-peak hours can help avoid larger crowds. The splash pad is an unsupervised facility so play at your own risk.
Sandy Splash Pad
Address: 1245 E 9400 S, Sandy, UT 84094
Daily Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
With seven unique waterfalls and full mountain views to the east and the Salt Lake Valley to the west, Sandy Splash Pad is one of the best spots to be this summer. This free splash pad is open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, though it may close for amphitheater performances.
Tips for visitors: Be aware of potentially slippery surfaces and children under 12 must have adult supervision. No running on or around the water feature. Bring a camp chair to set up in one of the shady areas where you can watch your children.
Oquirrh Shadows Park Splash Pad
Address: 4000 W & South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095
Daily Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Located in South Jordan, the Oquirrh Shadows Park Splash Pad features many different water spray features, including dumping buckets, geysers, and wading pools. Additionally, the park has a looped trail, playground, pavilion, and restrooms. You can enjoy a family-friendly environment with ample space for outdoor activities.
Tips for visitors: It’s best to visit early in the day or during weekdays to avoid crowds. It can get crowded fast and there’s only a small gazebo (can’t be reserved), so make sure to bring a chair.
Splash Summit Waterpark
Address: 1330 E 300 N, Provo, UT 84606
Daily Hours: varies, check here for the specific time and date
Splash Summit Waterpark is located in Provo, approximately 45 miles south of Salt Lake City. This water park offers a variety of attractions, including water slides, wave pools, waterfalls, rope swings, a lazy river, and so much more. The waterpark also features cabana rentals and tube rentals, and you can now order your food and drinks ahead for more convenience. A day pass starts at $17.99 while a season entry pass costs $59.99.
Tips for visitors: Visiting on weekdays can help avoid long lines. Adhering to height restrictions and park rules is important for a safe visit.
Mountview Park Splash Pad
Address: 1651 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Daily Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (hours are subject to change)
Nestled down right near Fort Union, Mountview Park has a splash pad and two play areas, a fun place to spend the afternoon. Moreover, the park has electricity, a pavilion, two tennis courts, two soccer fields, a basketball court, two charcoal grills, restrooms, and a walking path.
Tips for visitors: The splash ad is open from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day. Parents should supervise children at all times and follow posted safety guidelines. Visiting during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds can enhance the experience.
Cowabunga Bay WaterPark
Address: 12047 State St, Draper, UT 84020
Daily Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cowabunga Bay WaterPark features numerous water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It is suitable for all ages, offering various attractions for families. The park provides food concessions, picnic areas, and locker rentals. General admission starts at $12.99 and includes free parking, free tubes, and free life jackets.
Tips for visitors: Weekdays are less crowded, making it an ideal time to visit. Purchase your ticket in advance and adhere to safety rules and height restrictions to ensure a safe visit.
Utah Crater
Address: 700 N Homestead Dr, Midway, UT 84049
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit the Utah Crater located in Midway, about 50 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. The crater is a natural geothermal hot spring inside a 55-foot-tall limestone dome. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving in the warm mineral water.
Tips for visitors: Reservations are required (pricing varies) and you can check here for availability. They don’t have shower facilities available but you’ll feel refreshed afterwards since it’s spring water. They provide life jackets for all swimmers/soakers but you’re welcome to bring your own as long as it’s a marine-grade life jacket.
Salt Lake offers various water areas to help residents and visitors beat the summer heat. From water parks and splash pads to a unique geothermal hot spring, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to pack essentials, follow safety guidelines, and enjoy the refreshing water activities these locations offer.
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