Water play is one of the best ways to keep little ones entertained during the hot summer months in Kansas City. Whether it's splashing around at a splash pad, cooling off in a pool or playing with water in the backyard, there are plenty of fun options for babies and toddlers to explore, learn and stay cool!
Splash Pads
Splash pads are perfect for baby and toddler play. They provide a safe, zero-depth environment for kids to run, jump and splash; they also promote independence and socialization. Splash pads often open earlier than swimming pools, making them ideal for a morning play session before nap time.
I find there are two kinds of splash pads — those that are big, exciting and grand, and those that are small, shaded and more like a water feature. If all your kids are young, you might prefer Thompson Park or Sapling Grove because of their gentle water features and plentiful shade. However, if you have older kids in the family or your little one likes more excitement, the Wilder Bluff, Roe Park and Liberty City Park splash pads are sure to bring the wow factor. Each offers unique ways to cool off and enjoy quality time as a family.
Our family’s top pick is the Lake Olathe Sprayground because it is great for all ages. My girls love wading through the natural creek and playing in the two spray areas; the large sand pit is also a big hit. With plenty of shaded spots to relax, it's a perfect place for a fun, laid-back day outdoors.
Pro Tip: The parking lot of the Lake Olathe Sprayground is a bit farther than I’d prefer — especially when hauling everything for the kids. A wagon is a must! We load it with lunch, a picnic blanket, towels and sand toys, and we’re set for the day.
Water Fun at Home
Some of my favorite summer memories with my girls have been water play in the backyard. These activities are always a hit and keep them engaged for hours. These are activities that we can pull out again and again with no fuss.
Ice Play: Freeze small blocks of colored water in ice cube trays or other containers and let your little ones use them to paint or explore. You can also freeze pom poms inside the ice and give them scoops and bowls to transfer the ice pom poms. This creates a sensory experience as the ice melts and the pom poms break free.
Color Mixing with Buckets and Food Coloring: Fill buckets with water and add drops of food coloring. Let your kids mix the colors and watch them create new ones. This helps them learn about primary and secondary colors while they play.
Water Tables: If you have a water table, it’s a great way for little ones to explore pouring, splashing and playing with water toys. These tables are the perfect size for babies and toddlers to engage in hands-on fun. We’ve even switched it up by adding applesauce and Kool-Aid to the water table for a taste-friendly option, and my girls absolutely loved it! Just be sure to clean the water table thoroughly first.
DIY Sprinkler Fun: Set up a sprinkler in the backyard and let the kids run through the water. It’s a simple activity that provides plenty of physical activity and is always a hit with toddlers.
Kiddie Pool Fun: A small kiddie pool filled with water offers hours of entertainment. Add some floating toys, balls or even plastic cups for scooping, and your little ones will be engaged for hours. Our favorite kiddie pools are actually dog pools because they fold and unfold easily. They’re small, easy to store and perfect for quick setup — no need for the hassle of an inflatable pool. It’s the ideal solution for spontaneous water fun in the backyard.
Car Wash: Let the kids help scrub the car, or give them the hose and some buckets to clean off a bike or toy car. It’s a great way to get them involved in a task while keeping them cool and entertained. If you opt for the toy car, let them go wild painting it with washable paint or chalk before washing it off with the hose. This way, they can make a mess and clean it up themselves! Just be sure to test the paint on a small section of the car first to make sure it washes off easily.
Fence Painting with Water: If you have a wooden fence, let the kids "paint" it with water — as they work, the wood will turn darker. We used cheap paint rollers and brushes from Home Depot. This turned into one of their favorite activities — plus, it’s a great way to get creative while having fun in the sun. This idea actually came from my mother-in-law, and my husband still remembers doing it as a kid.
Water play at home is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to keep little ones entertained.
Swimming Pools
Outdoor water play is a fantastic way for babies and toddlers to explore, learn and have fun. In the Kansas City area, several family-friendly spots offer great experiences for young children. Black Bob Bay in Olathe features a zero-depth entry pool with fun water play structures for little ones to enjoy. The Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center in Lenexa (recently renovated in 2024) is one of our family’s favorite spots — we go there many times a week. The center offers a zero-depth entry pool, a lazy river and a competition pool, making it a great destination for all ages. Our girls also love the small slides and bridge. Summit Waves in Lee's Summit is another excellent choice with a variety of water attractions that are perfect for toddlers.
Pro Tip: Many of these pools offer Toddler Time sessions, typically at a lower price and at earlier hours, making it a perfect option for families with young children. These locations provide safe and engaging environments for little ones to splash around and cool off.
Mom and Me Swim Lessons
One of my favorite summer outings was taking swim lessons with my baby. We sang nursery rhymes with a fishy twist, and it was such a sweet way to introduce her to the water. Places like SafeSplash Swim School in Zona Rosa, Emler Swim School and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City all offer parent-child swim classes for children as young as 4-6 months. It’s a fun way to build water confidence and bond with your little one.
Whether you're headed to a local splash pad, setting up backyard water play or jumping into swim lessons together, water fun is a summertime favorite for families with little ones. These moments not only help kids stay cool, but also create lasting memories filled with laughter, learning and connection.