When the Summer temperatures rise, we all look for ways to stay cool. For kids, there’s nothing like running through a sprinkler to cool off. Unlike pools and beaches, sprinkler parks typically have soft rubber-like surfaces and shallow pools which makes them great places for toddlers and young kids. Whether you are looking for just a little sprinkle or after making a bigger splash, Suffolk County has plenty of great sprinkler parks. Here are a few places where you can take the kids to get wet and cool down.
Centereach Pool — Centereach
286 Hawkins Road; 631.698.8663
The pool complex in Centereach has a big, twisting water slide and a large pool. The sprinkler area is perfect for younger children and includes arch sprayers, dumping buckets, and a tractor that spouts water. There are plenty of lounge chairs and a picnic area located in the pool area. The pool also has two lap lanes. Town of Brookhaven Resident Rates: Adult: $6.00; Child (2-15 years of age): $4.00; Handicapped/Senior citizen/Veterans: $3.00 Out of Town Resident Rates: Adult: $10.00, Child (2-15 years of age): $8.00, Handicapped/Senior citizen/Veterans: $8.00
Shipwreck Cove Spray Park — Bay Shore
139 S. Clinton Avenue; 631.224.5404
Located next to the marina, Shipwreck Cove Spray Park is an ideal place to cool off on a summer day. A large spray park with waterslides, overhead dump buckets a climbing area and water sprayers. A zero-depth entry pool makes it easy for small kids to play. There is also a small beach with dock space and a restaurant. FREE with a pool membership. $8 per person for Town of Islip residents with a recreation card or $12 per resident without a card. Nonresidents are $15.
Geiger Lake Memorial Park — Wyandanch
93 Grand Boulevard; 631.893.2100
One of the newer sprinkler parks on Long Island, Geiger Park’s sprinkler area features a tree-of-life theme with 25 different play elements. Two large, artificial trees are connected by bridges with three water slides, rope climbing nets and other climbing structures. There is plenty to keep kids entertained, including an area for smaller children. Entry limited to Town of Babylon residents with a pool plan or $5 resident entrance fee. Hours are 10am- 6pm daily.
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve — Commack
200 New Highway; 631.543.7804
Hoyt Farm is perfectly nestled within a nature preserve that features many farm animals and walking trails. The sprinkler park has multiple sprayers, rainbow arches that kids can run through, and dumping buckets. It is next to both a sand playground and a rubber playground. Access is limited to Town of Smithtown residents with a residency sticker.
Phelps Lane Pool — North Babylon
151 Phelps Lane; 631.699.4654
There is a pool with two water slides, concession area, lounge chairs, and of course, a sprinkler pool. The interactive sprinkler pool has a rope bridge, water slide, dumping buckets and water guns. There is also an umbrella waterfall into a children’s pool for younger kids. Picnic tables and lounge chairs are available. Access is limited to Town of Babylon residents with a pool plan or a $7 entrance fee for residents without a pool plan.
Tanner Park — Copiague
Kerrigan Road; 631.893.2100
This small interactive sprinkler park is part of a larger complex right on Great South Bay. The sprinkler area has a round tree waterfall, mini water slide and water that sprouts from holes in the ground. The playground at Tanner Park also has slides and a climbing gym. Limited to Town of Babylon residents. Fees for residents without a recreation permit are $25 Friday through Sunday as well as holidays; $15 all other days. Hours are 10am-6om
Venetian Shores Park — Lindenhurst
Granada Parkway; 631.893.2100
This sprinkler park area is right by the beach so kids can enjoy the beach and sand as well as sprinklers on a hot summer day. Kids will love to splash around in the sprinkler park that has water cannons, a water-spraying octopus, dumping buckets, and a mushroom water fountain. There are also two playgrounds inside the park. Town of Babylon residents only with a recreation permit. Summer Hours are 10am – 6pm, Seven days a week
Splish Splash – Calverton
2549 Splish Splash Drive; 631.727.3600
Here you will find over 14 different water slides as well as a water coaster, two wave pools and a lazy river. Children will also love splashing their way through the four kiddie areas: Elephant Slide, Octopus Pool, Monsoon Lagoon, Yellow Submarine and Pirates Cove. Admission is $43.99; $33.99 for 48 inches and under or 60+; Parking is $15.
