It's hot, the kids are cranky, which makes YOU cranky, so WHAT can you do to cool off your temper and the temperature? The sprinkler works, but you want to get out of the house... How about visiting a local Splash playground, or Spayscape??? Spray away the heat of the day...
We love going to the nearby splash playgrounds, and I love them even more when they are free, so today I am going to blog about the Canton local splash playground. It's a 20 minute drive from my home to Heritage Park in Canton, and well worth the visit to stay cool, and it's FREE!
IDEA #2 - Splash Away The Heat Of The Day
Canton's Splash Playground at Heritage Park
We have visited the sprayscape several times in the past two years. I enjoy sitting in the shade reading a book or visiting with friends while the kids run in and out of the water feature. It's the perfect hot weather day activity.This summer, the city changed the hours of the sprayscape to accommodate birthday parties and event booking. The hours are now M-Th 1-7 PM with weekend hours from 11 AM - 7 PM.
What I liked:
The park is well set up with available picnic tables, and a small playground next to the sprayscape (A larger wooden structure is also within walking distance). Parking is also very convenient.
Of the last several times we visited, the ice cream truck stopped by (which can be a pro or a con depending on how well trained your children are to the sound of the trucks music!). The last time we visited a bicycle "ice cream" vendor pulled up too - He sold bottled water and cold beverages, as well as ice cream novelties. Most items on the bicycle cart were less than $2.
What I Would Like To See Different:
Say the word "free" and people come running. In this case, at certain times of the day, buses pull up with day-campers. That means MANY children are there to enjoy the sprayground. Many children of many ages, sometimes children much older and larger than my pre-schoolers.
I would also prefer to have some shade provided at the sprayground - There is little to no shade except for a single tree nearby which is often "in use" by the time we arrive. Otherwise the treeline is too far away to enjoy the shade provided by it. That's why we always bring either a beach tent or our Easy-Up tent to give us instant shelter from the sun!The restrooms are within walking distance but far enough away to be inconvenient for small children. Make sure to head over to them BEFORE the children need to use them!
Cost:
Food - Picnic goodies of choice
Parking - free
Location - Canton's Heritage Park directly south of the Community Center. The park is within a 30 minute drive from most parts of Ann Arbor.
What else to bring:
Shelter - This is a MUST for the Canton splash park unless you want to sit under the sun all day.
Sunscreen (as needed)
There are plenty of other local spray parks available in the area. Not all of them are free, but all are worth checking out if you are up for a fun family outing.
Be sure to check out my other $25 a Day post too.
Be sure to check out my other $25 a Day post too.
Local Splash Parks:
Canton Splash Playground - FREE
Plymouth Township Sprayscape - FREE
Independence Lake Spray Zone - Spray Zone FREE with Park Admission
Rolling Hills Waterpark - Prices start at $6 pp plus Park Admission (tip: they have discounted rates after 5!)
Canton Splash Playground - FREE
Plymouth Township Sprayscape - FREE
Independence Lake Spray Zone - Spray Zone FREE with Park Admission
Rolling Hills Waterpark - Prices start at $6 pp plus Park Admission (tip: they have discounted rates after 5!)
