Splash pads are one of our favorite summertime outings in Kansas City. They are easy, inexpensive and a great way to enjoy water fun without committing to a full pool day. What could make a splash pad outing even better? A stop at a local ice cream shop!
Use this guide to find splash pads across the Kansas City area paired with nearby ice cream shops, so you can plan a simple, fun and kid-friendly summer adventure.
Northland Splash Pads and Ice Cream Shops
Liberty City Park
970 Rte. 291, Liberty
Pair it with: Icebergs Italian Ice & Gelato
111 N. Water St., Liberty
Dagg Park
701 E. 21st Ave., North Kansas City
Pair it with: Meltbox KC
1599 Iron St., North Kansas City
Riverside Aquatic Center
4498 NW High Dr., Riverside
Pair it with: Alice Scooper’s
4173 N. Mulberry Dr., Kansas City, Mo.
Central Park at Zona Rosa
7301 NW 87th St., Kansas City, Mo.
Pair it with: Fifth & Emery
8671 NW Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Ruth Moore Park
401 Grover St., Liberty
Pair it with: Sweet Nonsense
113 W. Kansas St., Liberty
Lions Memorial Park
106 S. Jefferson St., Kearney, Mo.
Pair it with: Good Day Ice Cream Co.
100 E. 6th St., Ste. 10, Kearney, Mo.
Rising Star Park
1009 2nd St., Platte City, Mo.
Pair it with: Fetterman’s
2405 NW Prairie View Rd., Platte City, Mo.
Kansas City and South Kansas City Splash Pads and Ice Cream Shops
John Anderson Park
4701 E. 135th St., Grandview
Pair it with: La Huerta Snack City
6845 Longview Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Loose Park
5200 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Pair it with: Fifth & Emery
4853 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
T.B. Hanna Station
214 S. Washington St., Raymore
Pair it with: Tropical Sno
613 W. Foxwood Dr., Raymore
Garrison Park
1124 E. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.
Pair it with: Betty Rae’s
412 Delaware St., Kansas City, Mo.
Gillham Park
3915 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Pair it with: Inna Cup Cafe
3701 SW Tfwy., Kansas City, Mo.
East Jackson County Splash Pads and Ice Cream Shops
Lea McKeighan Park
120 NE Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit
Pair it with: Poppy’s Ice Cream
307 SE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit
Miller J. Fields Park
1301 SE 3rd Ter., Lee’s Summit
Pair it with: Custard’s Last Stand
308 S. Rte. 291, Lee’s Summit
McCoy Park
24 Highway & N. Delaware Street, Independence
Pair it with: Clinton’s Soda Fountain
100 W. Maple Ave., Independence
Wyandotte County Splash Pads and Ice Cream Shops
Basehor Civic Campus Playground
1600 N. 158th St., Basehor, Kan.
Pair it with: Sno Biz
1106 N. 155th, Basehor, Kan.
Heathwood Park
1021 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan.
Pair it with: Hey Sugar on Strawberry Hill
426 N. 6th St., Kansas City, Kan.
Johnson County Splash Pads and Ice Cream Shops
Mission Family Aquatic Center
5930 W. 61st St., Mission
Pair it with: Foggi Ice Cream
6015 Johnson Dr., Mission
Sapling Grove Park
8210 Grant St., Overland Park
Pair it with: Handel’s Ice Cream
11885 W. 95th St., Overland Park
Erfurt Park
24135 W. 71st St., Shawnee
Pair it with: Betty Rae’s
22350 W. 66th St., Shawnee
Roe Park
10400 Roe Ave., Overland Park
Pair it with: Summer Salt Ice Cream
3808 W. 95th St., Leawood
Thompson Park
8045 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park
Pair it with: Flying Cow Gelato
7321 W. 80th St., Overland Park
Wilder Bluff Park
24200 W. 55th St., Shawnee
Pair it with: Olde Mill Ice Cream Shop
611 W. 2nd St., Bonner Springs
Splash Pad Essentials for Families
After plenty of splash pad adventures with my son, I’ve learned that having the right essentials packed can make all the difference for a fun and successful morning.
- Swim Diaper + Extra Clothes Even if your child is potty-trained, accidents happen when kids are distracted and having fun. I always recommend packing an extra swim diaper, dry clothes and underwear just in case. A lightweight outfit for the ride home is especially helpful after a long morning in the sun.
- Towels Bring more towels than you think you need. One usually ends up on the ground or soaked from the splash pad, so bring an extra just in case.
- Waterproof Bag + Wet Bag A wet bag makes cleanup so much easier after the splash pad. Toss in wet swimsuits, towels and water shoes so the rest of your diaper bag or stroller doesn’t get soaked.
- Sun Protection Splash pads often have limited shade, especially during peak afternoon hours. A long-sleeved rash guard and wide-brimmed hat can help protect sensitive toddler skin by cutting down on how often you need to reapply sunscreen.
- Sunscreen Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen for areas that will still be exposed to the sun. I find it easier to apply the first layer of sunscreen at home before we leave for the splash pad. This means your toddler can get straight to playing when you arrive.
- Water Shoes + Sandals Splash pads can get slippery and hot in the summer sun. Water shoes or sandals help protect kids’ feet from rough surfaces while also giving them a little more traction as they run around and play.
- Small Toys + Cups We can’t go to a splash pad without bringing plenty of cups and toys such as cars or refillable water balloons. The splash pad provides plenty of entertainment on its own, but a few extra toys make it even more fun and help extend your child’s playtime.
- Snacks + Water As if toddlers aren’t always hungry for a snack, they are especially hungry after water play in the sun. Easy snacks like fruit pouches, crackers, pretzels or granola bars are great to toss in your bag. I also like to use lunch boxes or snack trays to bring a variety of snacks we can share with our friends. Even though they are playing in water, it’s still important to keep your little ones hydrated, so make sure to bring plenty of cold water.
- Portable Fan If you plan to stay awhile or are bringing a baby sibling, a portable fan is a must in the summer heat. Make sure it’s charged and ready to go before you toss it in your bag.
More Splash Pad Tips
- Arrive early for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
- Bring a picnic blanket in case seating is limited.
- Check if the splash pad has restrooms.
- Look for fenced-in splash pads if you don’t want to worry about your child running.
- Pick a splash pad that also has a playground to make a full morning of your outing.
- Avoid the hottest part of the afternoon, when surfaces can become too hot for little feet.
Plan Your Kansas City Splash Pad Day
Whether you are looking for a quick morning outing, a way to cool off after the playground or a simple summer tradition, Kansas City has plenty of splash pads worth visiting. Add a nearby ice cream stop and you have an easy, kid-approved adventure for a hot summer day.
More Summer Fun in Kansas City
Looking for even more family fun this summer? Check out our Summer Movies Guide, 2026 VBS Guide, our favorite local parks & playgrounds, the Ultimate U-Pick Farms Guide and family-friendly events happening all across Kansas City this season.