Parks and Rec

Make a Splash at County Parks

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Splish splash—it’s summer at last! The sunshine and heat have arrived. Stay cool at one of three San Diego County Parks that have water features.

Waterfront Park on the San Diego Bayfront has a massive reflecting pool with interactive water jets to keep both young and old cool. And Sweetwater Summit Regional Park in Bonita and Hilton Head County Park in Rancho San Diego both have fun splash pads.

Don’t forget your swimsuit, towels and sunblock! Also, be sure to bring an adult—there are no lifeguards on duty.

Waterfront Park

Address: 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego

Hours for fountain jets: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A spectacular 830-foot-long fountain runs nearly the length of Waterfront Park and its jets shoot water into the air. The fountain’s basins create a one-inch-deep splash area, which is perfect for frolicking.

In addition to the fountain, Waterfront Park has a playground and a large civic green for picnics and play. Find out more about Waterfront Park, including tips on taking public transportation to the park, online.

Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

Address: 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita

Splash Park Hours: 9:30 a.m. to sunset

Park Hours: 9:30 a.m. to sunset

Come to cool off at the splash pad and stay for the camping and fishing at Sweetwater Reservoir. The park has 15 miles of trails for hikers, cyclists and equestrians.
Hilton Head County Park

Hilton Head County Park

Address: Hilton Head Road, El Cajon

Splash Park Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Park Hours: sunrise to sunset

Arrrrre you ready to beat the heat, matey? Head to the splash park at Hilton Head County Park, which has an adjacent pirate-themed playground. The 10-acre neighborhood park also has a multi-use sports field, basketball court, exercise stations, and shaded picnic and barbecue areas.

Sweetwater Summit and Hilton Head splash playgrounds are open May 1 through Oct. 31. Day-use passes are $3 per child. There is a day-use parking fee of $3 per vehicle at Sweetwater Summit. Season passes are also available for $30 per individual.

See a complete list of rules for splash pad use at Sweetwater Summit and Hilton Head online.

Michelle Mowad is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact