Whoever came up with the idea of splash parks is a genius! Safer than a swimming pool (you still need to keep an eye on the kids obviously) and suitable for kids of all ages. There are various splash parks in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, some of which are free. Here’s my guide;
SPLASH Parks in Buckinghamshire
Did you know that there are no free splash parks in Buckinghamshire? How is that possible??? (I have heard rumours there will be a “water play” area coming to Aylesbury eventually but we’ll have to wait and see what that’s like). We do have two chargeable ones though;
Willen Lake splash park, Milton Keynes
Willen Lake is not a free splash park. It’s £6.50 per child for 45 minutes in the water so it’s not exactly cheap, but it’s apparently one of the biggest splash parks in the UK. Accompanying adults go free. Pre-booking via their website is currently essential to guarantee a spot. Once you’re finished you can bulk out the day by visiting the rest of Willen Lake with it’s lakes (There’s a clue in the name), playgrounds, water sports, high ropes, miniature railway and more. You can read my review of Willen Lake here. Toilets and parking on-site.
Open from early April 2024 at weekends and during school holidays. Closes on the 29th September 2024.
Gulliver’s Splash Zone
You might see that Buckinghamshire has another splash park at Gullivers!! This is an indoor splash zone so you don’t have to rely on good weather. It has been closed for several years though.
Wycombe Rye Lido, High Wycombe
Part of Wycombe Rye park this outdoor pool underwent a massive refurbishment not that long ago. An adult swim costs £9, a child is £4.50 and there is parking and toilets on-site. You get 50 minutes swimming, but can stay on site for longer to play / sunbathe. The wider Wycombe Rye park has got a river, two brilliant playgrounds and loads of space to explore. Have a look at the full review here.
SPlash Parks in Hertfordshire
Splashlands At Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City
Splashlands is the newest splash park in Hertfordshire and only opened in 2020. Based in Stanborough Park, it’s got an adventure playground in the same area. There’s changing rooms, toilets and a kiosk for refreshments. The splash park is free and there’s lots of other things to do on site. Have a look at my full review here. Pre-booking is not required, but you may need to queue on busy days.
Splashlands opens on the 29th March 2024. Keep an eye on their website for updates. Open until the last Sunday in September.
Cassiobury Park, Watford, Hertfordshire
Cassiobury Park Hub and splash pool is part of a larger park with toilets, cafe and play area. It’s been voted one of the top 10 parks in the UK. The splash park is FREE to visit and all the other facilities means it’a a full family day out. There is limited parking at the park and surrounding streets.
Cassiobury Park splash park has already opened for the 2024 season until September. Sessions must be booked via the Everyone Active app. Here’s how to book.
GADEBRIDGE Park, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
The FREE splash park at Gadebridge park (reviewed here) is right next to the play ground areas, has a little cafe and there are toilets as well. Plus there’s free parking for a while (you an pay to stay longer). Once you’re bored of the water then have a look around the nearby water gardens as well.
Gadebridge Park Splash Park haven’t yet announced an opening date for 2024 but it’s likely to be late April / early May. They’ll update their Facebook page with the date. It will be open until early September. There is no need to book.
Verulamium Park, St Albans
The FREE splash park at Verulamium Park (reviewed here) gets very busy (don’t they all though), just have a look at the photo on google maps. It is however set in a massive park where there is tons of things to do; a brand new, amazing playground, sports, lakes, a museum, a cathedral, (one of) the oldest pubs in England and even a Roman mosaic! There is on-site parking but it does very full very quickly. You can park in the town centre car parks which are only a short walk from the park, but they are the opposite side of the park to the splash park so it will be a bit longer walk to get there. There are toilets and a cafe on site.
The splash park in Verulamium Park, St Albans has a really short opening season! Daily from 15th July to 8th September. No pre-booking is required now but it’s worth checking their website for updates. .
Howard Park and Gardens, LEtchworth
This is a FREE splash pad with paddling pool and water fountains. There’s also a playground area, cafe and toilets. There is limited parking which fills up quickly when it’s busy but you can also park in town and walk as it’s quite close.
Howard Park splash park is run by North Hertfordshire District Council. Reopens Saturday 4th May. Open daily, seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm until the end of the summer
Bancroft Recreation Ground, Hitchin
As well as the FREE splash park at Bancroft Recreation Ground there is a playground, sports courts and a park. Parking is available. I believe this opens Saturday 4th May 2024. Open daily, seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm until the end of the summer
PriorY Memorial Gardens, Royston
Priory Memorial Gardens splash park is FREE and also has playgrounds and a sensory garden to explore. No parking or toilets on site. Both are available nearby. I believe this opens Saturday 4th May 2024. Open daily, seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm until the end of the summer
Avenue Park, Baldon
As well as the FREE splash pad there is a playground, sports pitches and gardens. Limited on-site parking is available. I believe this opens Saturday 4th May 2024. Open daily, seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm until the end of the summer
King George Recreation Ground
The King George Recreation ground has a relatively new, FREE, splash park, playground and sports court. There is free parking and toilets on site. Open “throughout the summer” from 10am to 5pm. They haven’t confirmed actual dates yet but last year they opened in June.
MEadow Park, Borehamwood
Meadow Park splash park only opened in Hertfordshire in 2023. It will be open “throughout the summer” from 10am to 6pm. They haven’t confirmed actual dates yet but last year they opened in June. Chargeable parking on-site.
Splash Parks in Bedfordshire
Parsons Road Recreation Ground, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Another FREE little splash park. It’s set in a smaller park than some of the others but it still has a decent little playground, a cafe, toilets, skate park and even a beach! There’s cheap parking just around the corner, with more car parks a few minutes away if that’s full. Read my full review here. Reopens on the 4th May 2024, until Mid September.
Parsons Road Recreation Ground underwent a massive refurbishment in 2022. There’s now a new, brilliant playground right next to the splash park.
Bennett’s Splash and Splashside cafe, Dunstable
Bennett’s is a FREE splash park with new playground area nearby. There’s also a cafe and toilets. Car park is 1 minutes’ walk away. Reopens on the 6th May 2024. No pre-booking is required.
Splash Parks in Oxfordshire
Hinksey Park, Oxford
Hinksey Park has not just a splash park, but a lido as well. Oh and there’s a really good playground too! The splash park itself is currently closed for 2024 as it is going to be replaced and should be ready for spring 2025. Have a look at the review of Hinksey Lido here and Hinksey Park and Splash Park here. Toilets and (very limited) parking are on-site. You can park at the park and ride nearby though. Open April – September.
Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, Oxford
Oxford is awash with splash parks! Cutteslowe Park has got three playgrounds, a cafe, aviary and miniature railway as well as the splash park. There’s even crazy golf for an additional charge. Parking and toilets are on-site. Read my review of Cutteslowe Park here. Opens on the first May bank holiday each year.
Abbey Meadow, Abingdon
Abbey Meadow has an outdoor swimming pool and “interactive water feature” AKA a splash pad. There is also a playground, toilets and on-site parking. The splash park is usually open from late May and the swimming pool is open from late July. Dates are still TBC
The Leys, Witney
The Leys Recreation Ground has got an epic adventure play area, splash park and smaller playground. You can also do crazy golf and there’s a cafe and toilets on-site.
A 2024 opening date hasn’t yet been announced
Riverside Park and pools, Wallingford
Heated outdoor pool and family splash park. The Jubilee splash park next door is free to visit. There are toilets and parking on site. The opening dates for 2024 haven’t been announced yet but will be via their website.
Edmonds Park, Didcot
There will be a brand new splash park opening in Edmonds Park, Didcot at some point in mid 2024. The plan is for it to be open before the summer holidays start.
All opening dates and prices for 2024 are correct at the time of writing. Please double check before visiting any of these splash parks in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire to make sure they’re operational and to see if any ticketing systems have been put in place.
I’m Vicky and I am a mum of three living in Aylesbury. I set up Free Time with the Kids to review free and cheap family days out in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, mainly because I kept forgetting all the fabulous places that were recommended to me!! I love getting out and about with the kids (and hubby of course) and we have adventures all over the place. My reviews tell you all the things you need to know about the family days out and activities we’ve done such as how much it costs, if there’s parking, toilets and if there’s a cafe or if picnics are allowed. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook