London Ontario Splash Pads
The city of London has done a tremendous job in recent years upgrading and enhancing local area parks installing splash pads as an option for families looking for a cheap and fun way to cool off! While most London splash pads are typically the same in terms of what they offer, there are some subtle differences worth noting and after spending some time at couple of them, I thought I would provide my reviews.
Splash Pad Info
London splash pads are open from early May to early September, check with the London city website for specific dates. All Splash and Spray Pads are open from 9am-9pm daily. When open, the London Splash Pads are interactive, meaning that you have the ability to activate them. The majority of Splash Pads have fire hydrants or posts that house a round black activator on top that you simply place your hand on to start it. The Splash Pads will all time out to conserve water, so don’t be fooled thinking it’s closed if you’re the first one to the Splash Pad.
Gibbons Park Splash Pad Review
The Gibbons Park Splash Pad is awesome. In comparison to some of the other Splash Pads in London, Gibbons Park offers not only a Splash Pad but playground equipment for toddlers and older children. In addition there are acres of green space. So soccer, Frisbee, tennis and other activities are optional if the Splash Pad and playground equipment has run it’s course.
If you’re planning a picnic Gibbons Park offers lots of seating and picnic table options both adjacent to the Splash Pad and around the general park area. Huge trees line the park offering a ton of shade. One thing you’ll want to be mindful of is that the Splash Pad sits in the shade through the morning hours. If you’re planning on visiting during the morning, be prepared that your kids may not want to be in the Splash Pad without the added sun.
Overall the Gibbons Park Splash Pad is a great place to take your family. If you’re planning an outing, plan it for lunch around lunch or early afternoon. Be prepared though due to its popularity that it may be busy. You may want to consider taking fold up chairs with you in the event the picnic tables are unavailable.
Lambeth Splash Pad Review
Lambeth Splash Pad is another great spot to take your family and offers up some subtle difference from Gibbons Park. It’s certainly worth the drive if you are outside the Lambeth area.
I’ve visited the Lambeth Splash Pad a number of times now with my family and the one thing I’ve consistently noticed is how limited the traffic is that comes in and out of the park. I’m sure it has its busy periods; however Lambeth Splash Pad provides lots of play space without the crowds.
While the park is smaller, the reduction in traffic makes it more of a unique setting. Similar to Gibbons Park, Lambeth Splash Pad provides lots of shade utilizing mature trees with various seating options available. Playground equipment is available for most children between 5-10 and there is a ton of parking available. The Lambeth Splash Pad is adjacent to the Lambeth arena and Lambeth soccer fields.
Other London Ontario Splash Pad Locations
Write a London Splash Pad review!
Have you visited one of London’s other splash pads, or would you like to share your experience at either Gibbon’s Park or Lambeth splash pads? Please leave your comments below and we’ll post them for other visitors!
