Written by Elizabeth Clark 10/08/18
August can definitely feel like the dog days of summer with endless hot days and back-to-school looming on the horizon. And if the brain drain is happening for fresh ideas, why not take a tour of the many outdoor cooling-off options? From neighbourhood water playgrounds and spray parks to community pools, there are a ton of fun, free and affordable options.
Kid Approved Tour of Water Playgrounds, Pools + Spray Parks
Delta
Check out the newly opened and farm-themed Ladner Rotary Splash Park in Memorial Park. And we love the Rotary Waterworks Playground and musical garden at Diefenbaker Park. This beautiful park is home to a waterfall and fish pond, perfect for spying frogs, turtles, fish and ducks.
Photo cred: Delta Optimist
In North Delta, hit the large outdoor pool at the North Delta Recreation Centre, and then spend some time at the shady Adventure Playground. The Adventure Playgrounds are one of our favourite recent innovations from the City of Delta. They provide a space for kids to explore tools and materials in an unstructured and imaginative way, under the safe supervision of a Park Leader.
Surrey
Bear Creek Park boasts both an outdoor pool and an expansive water park. With a full adventure playground, beautiful gardens and a miniature train, it tops the list as one of the best places to spend a whole, hot summer day.
If you have a climber and jumper in your family, head to Hazelgrove Park. Kids can bounce between the parkour course and cooling off in the spray park.
Unwin Park is another option that offers both a spray park and outdoor pool, with picnic shelters and a playground. On peak weekends, this can be a less busy option than the uber popular Bear Creek Park.
And another fantastic multi-use park is the South Surrey Athletic Park. Wander through Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest, chill in the spray park and bring the bike for the BMX park.
White Rock
We all love pools and spray parks, but if you’re looking for a good old-fashioned beach, then White Rock is the place to be. With multiple access points to the warm waters of Semiahmoo Bay, this laid-back ‘hood is a great place to spend a hot day. West Beach is famous for its proximity to the “White Rock” and quintessential Pier and Promenade. Or family friendly East Beach has a ton of casual restaurants and ice cream joints. The miles of sandy flats are perfect for little feet and new swimmers.
Or cool off with a wander through the woods at nearby Ruth Johnson Park and discover the ferny creek that wends its way through the shaded paths.
Honourable Mention – While more spendy than the options listed above, Big Splash Waterpark is a fun, close-to-home option for a full day of waterslides. Check it out for a special occasion or a great day of family thrills.
