But I digress and we should really be talking about cheap summer activities and the one that I would love to mention are Splash Pads.

Okay, for some of you, splash pads might not be that cheap.  I know a lot of amusement parks have them and they can be a fair amount to get into but over the last few years, I have noticed a push for free splash pads. 

Some of these little gems are practically hidden from the general public and it takes a local who really knows the area to actually find them.  When you do, though; it is well worth the effort and you can easily spend an hour, several hours or even a whole day there.  And the added bonus is: if they are local, your kids can invite a few friends and be set for the day.

If you go to a splash pad, there are a few things that you should bring with you. I know you’ll remember your towel and you’ll remember your sunscreen but something just as important are pool shoes or any type of sandals that your children can wear. 

I find that many times the slip free surface on the ground can become…well..slippery.  I know it’s not supposed to but it does and who knows how many accidents (of the potty kind) have occurred on that surface.

Also make sure that you bring a blanket to sit on and hats for shade.  One existing trend of splash pads is the lack of shade. I’m not sure why the designers do this but I think it has something to do with the water. If people get hot, they’ll go under the spray, right?  Wrong!

Although I am not shy about wading in fully clothed, I have been at splash pads featuring cool and content kids only to see their parents slowly baking in the hot sun.  Some have just stopped by on their way home from work or maybe its a treat before they head off for work.  Regardless of the reason, the parents stay out of the water and overheat.  So the moral of the story, bring a shade umbrella and a couple hats.

Lastly, make it a fun day.  Bring a picnic, a camera and stop for ice cream on the way home.  Your kids won’t notice that you didn’t go to the newest and greatest theme park and all they will remember is all the fun they had with you over the summer.  And, of course, you will remember all the money that you saved, which is now going into school clothes and school supplies.

Sirena Van Schaik

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