Welcome to the 2023 Ultimate Guide to Birmingham Splash Pads and Pools! We’ve got all of the places to keep you cool this summer compiled in one easy to use guide, complete with descriptions and addresses written by our local team of moms!
SPLASH PADS
Alabama Splash Adventure – 4599 Splash Adventure Parkway, Bessemer, AL 35022
Alabama Splash Adventure is home to a water park and amusement park right in our own backyard! The splash pad is located in the water park area and has several small water slides for smaller children. While the smaller kids can play on the splash pad, older kids and adults can enjoy the other water slides, wave pool and lazy river on the water park side. A daily ticket also gives access to the amusement park side where your family can enjoy dry rides as well! Why just go to the splash pad when you can make a day of it? And be sure to read A Mom’s Guide to Alabama Adventure before you go!
Birmingham Zoo – 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham, AL 35223
The Birmingham Zoo Splash Pad is located at the entrance of the Children’s Zoo, across from the Nourish 205 restaurant. After a long day of looking at the different animals, why not take a break at the splash pad (in the shade, too, no less!) While the splash pad certainly isn’t the main zoo attraction, nothing beats running through the cool water on a hot day!
Explore Playground and Splash Pad – 100 Ben Chapman Drive, Hoover, AL 35244
The Explore Playground and Splash Pad is at the Hoover Met Complex. It has integrative play with elevated and ground level play structures, 1/8-mile fenced walking track and a splash pad with a purposefully designed point of entry into the playground. It was designed using the seven principles of inclusive design and play and has specific inclusive areas for 2 – 5 year olds and 5 – 12 year olds. There is also an adult changing station for the splash pad, giving garden, and charging stations! There are also pods where children who may get overly stimulated and need some time to calm down may sit and be by themselves. This is proving to be a very fun and sensory-friendly area to bring children and have family fun! Please note that the splash pad is closed on Mondays for weekly maintenance.
Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex (SHAC) – 4851 Sicard Hollow Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35242
This is a new athletic complex (new complex means new bathrooms!) with tons of nature trails and two playgrounds. There is a playground geared towards all ages (as shown) and a playground for older kids featuring a super cool “ninja course”! Oh, and did I mention there is a *splash pad*? Grab your sunscreen and meet us there!
Chelsea Splash Pad – 11101 Chelsea Road, Chelsea, AL 35023
The Chelsea Splash Pad is located in Melrose Park at Chelsea. It opened just under a year ago, so everything is still fresh and new! While there is a $2 charge to use the splash pad, community center membership is not required. Those who purchase the daily wristbands can come and go throughout the day! The pavilions can be rented for parties as well. Come meet us there!
WildWater Cullman – 1707 Main Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055
Brand-new as of June 17, 2022, WildWater is located in Cullman. Older children and adults can enjoy the big slides and the drift river while kids under 54″ tall can enjoy Splash Station. There are several attractions still under construction, so there is much more to come!
This park is home to a playground, splash pad (now open!), and pavilions that can be rented out for parties. Please note that the splash pad is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Pinson Bicentennial Park – 4200 Oak Street, Pinson, AL 35126
The Pinson Splash Pad is located in Pinson Bicentennial Park. It is open daily and has a $1 admission for a city resident and a $3 admission for a non-resident. See you there!
Leeds Splash Pad – 804 Park Drive, Leeds, AL 35094
The Leeds Splash Pad is open (and free!) to residents of Leeds and their guests. There are several water features, so there is plenty for all to enjoy! The splash pad is closed on Mondays for weekly maintenance. Keep an eye on Facebook for daily changes.
Moody Splash Pad – 100 Civic Center Drive, Moody, AL 35004
The Moody Splash Pad is open for all (not just Moody residents) for a $2 admission. The splash pad has a water slide and several other features, so it should be a win for anyone! There are three pavilions available for rent. The splash pad itself is also available for rent after hours. The splash pad is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Center Point Splash Pad – 335 Polly Reed Road, Center Point, AL 35215
Center Point’s splash pad is located in Reed Harvey Park. In addition to water sprinklers, there are also accommodations for children with disabilities! There are two large rocks that vibrate for kids to feel around the splash pad and a frog that will talk to the kids as well! The splash pad as well as a pavilion can be rented. Admission is $1 per resident and $4 for non-residents.
Pell City Splash Pad – 2801 Stemley Bridge Road, Cropwell, AL 35054
The Pell City Splash Pad is located in Lakeside Park. There is a CASH ONLY admission of $4 per person. There are a couple of slides and several water-spraying features. It is sure to be a hit for the whole family! The splash pad as well as pavilions are available to rent.
Ashville Splash Park – Corner of 3rd Avenue and 7th Street, Ashville, AL 35953
This splash pad is located in Ashville. The water features are sure to make it a must-visit! The splash pad is open daily from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend.
Big Springs Splash Pad – 75 Old Talladega Road, Springville, AL 35146
Big Springs Splash Pad is located in Springville. There is a $2 admission per person. The splash pad is right next to a park and some water, so it should be fun for everyone! The splash pad closes for the season on Labor Day.
McNeil Park – 1320 20th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020
McNeil Park is located in Bessemer, in Bessemer’s Pipe Shop community. In addition to pavilions, playground and other amenities, McNeil Park is the only place in the city to have a splash pad/outdoor water feature to cool off on a hot day!
Homewood has two splash pads, one at Patriot Park (710 Oak Grove Road, Homewood, AL 35209), and the Central Pool (1632 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209). These splash pads are open to residents who hold memberships and single guests of members. The membership allows for full use of the splash pads and other amenities in the city!
POOLS
Did you know that the City of Birmingham is home to 18 public swimming pools? With that many options, there is no reason to be overheating all summer! The East Pinson Valley pool is an indoor, year-round pool. All others open on Memorial Day weekend. All pools have a $1 admission.
Birmingham YMCA Pools – (Alabaster, Downtown, Greystone, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Shades Valley, Trussville)
The YMCA is an excellent place to go for general fitness needs! The Birmingham YMCA membership allows access to all eight Birmingham-area branches. In addition to the fitness offerings, most of the branches offer year-round swimming and splash pads. What isn’t there to love?
Life Time Fitness – 3051 Healthy Way, Vestavia, AL 35243
Life Time Fitness is located in Vestavia Hills. In addition to typical fitness amenities, Life Time Fitness offers a resort-style pool as well as a lap pool! Memberships can be purchased on a daily or monthly basis. What more is there to want?
Homewood has two park pools, one at Patriot Park (710 Oak Grove Road, Homewood, AL 35209), and the Central Pool (1632 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209). These pools are open to residents who hold memberships and single guests of members. The membership allows for full use of the pools and other amenities in the city!
Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex – 1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
The Vestavia Hills Aquatic Complex is open to residents with a membership and features a competition pool, as well as a family-style leisure pool, both of which are closely monitored by trained lifeguards. The family-style leisure pool features a zero-step entry, interactive water features and a swirling vortex offered specifically to entertain younger swimmers.
Hoover Recreation Center – 600 Municipal Drive, Hoover, AL 35216
The Hoover Recreation Center is open to Hoover residents that hold a membership. The community center has the typical amenities of a gym, plus a pool for cooling off! What a wonderful thing to have for Hoover residents!
Bessemer Rec Center – 100 14th Street, Bessemer, AL 35020
In addition to the swimming pool, the Bessemer Rec Center also offers several amenities such as group classes, fitness area, ball fields and more! The rec center can be utilized with a membership fee.
What is your favorite Birmingham splash pad or pool? Let us know!
