It's summer. It's hot. We need rain. Swimming pools charge admission. Spraygrounds do not! One of our favorite summer fun freebies is a visit to local spraygrounds, with Grandview's John Anderson Park (4701 E. 135th Street Grandview, MO) being our family's favorite! In fact, we can't think of a better way to cool off on a summer's day for FREE!
What to Know Before You Go:
- Where: John Anderson Park (4701 E. 135th Street) is located on the west side of Highway 71.
- Splash Park Hours: 10am - 7:30pm, except Wednesdays when open from noon-7:30pm. FREE and open to the public!
- Features: John Anderson Park features a playground and a Splash Park. The sprayground has over 43 features and components, which include: Two water cannons where children can pretend to battle on a ship; Sound sprays, consisting of four pads where children can step and hear different sounds, such as a whale, dolphin, penguin and seagull sound; I-Spy storm, a transparent four and a half foot high tube through which water runs, like a whirlpool, and eventually, water shoots out from the top of the tube; Wally Whale Tail, which is over thirteen feet high with more than ten spray nozzles that shoot water a distance of ten feet on each side. The playground includes slides, climbing options, tunnels, monkey bars, and more.
Tips:
- Be sure to bring water safe shoes. Our kids enjoy playing in the sprayground and then the playground - and back and forth. The playground is soft black rubber flooring and it gets hot on bare feet!
- Wear sunscreen.
- Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Picnic tables are provided.
- They do have public restrooms on site (flushing stools).
- Don't forget water bottles... stay hydrated.
- Dress to get wet and pack beach towels.
- Your children may want to bring water guns, buckets, or other toys for the sprayground.
- The park does have fence surrounding it with an opening for the parking lot. Sit where you can easily keep an eye on your children.
Fun Food Before or After:
Note: These locations may be convenient en route to the sprayground... check your driving directions to determine in advance.
- Banana Splits, Ice Cream Sundaes, Cold Summer Drinks, and more are served at Sonic Drive-In (12312 Blue Ridge Ext. Grandview, MO. 816.761.1054)
- A metro-area favorite is Holt's Do-Nuts (1325 Main St, Grandview, MO. 816.763.9334)
- Treat the kids to popcorn, ice cream or lemonade at Topsy's Popcorn (located in Truman Corners at 12324 S US Highway 71 Grandview, MO. 816.761.1990)
- Enjoy a snow cone at Tropical Sno (13416 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO. 816.519.2219. Open noon-10pm in the summer.)