SAN DIEGO
s d a P Splash s d n u o r g and Spray
Sandra Page
Summer is in full swing and there’s no better way to beat San Diego heat than playing at splash pads and spraygrounds around the county. From Eastlake to San Marcos, it’s easy to plan a soaking-wet fun time! Check out these parks and let your littles partake in some cool water splashing this summer. Finish the day with an ice cream cone or snowcone. Read “Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat” for San Diego’s favorite ice cream shops: www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/out-about/ice-cream-shops.
Santee Lakes
Santee Lakes 9310 Fanita Parkway Santee
In between Lake 1 and Lake 2 at this huge recreational preserve is a bright, colorful (and fenced in) sprayground. It’s small, but lots of fun with a classic bucket dump and spraying arches to run through. Around the edges of the play area are benches to sit and watch your kids play. The lake views make you feel like you’ve been transported to a different place. Good to Know:
• Open year-round during normal park operating hours. • Parking: $4 on weekdays, $6 on weekends and holidays. • Santee Lakes requires a wristband for the sprayground, which can be purchased when you pull in to park. Weekdays, $2; weekends, $3. Insider Tip: When you come into park, buy duck food for $1. The sprayground is right on the lake, and feeding the ducks is a great way to get kids out of the fountains (eventually).
16 • SanDiegofamily.com • August 2021
SPRAYGROUND TIPS • Water, puddles and splashing, oh my! Splash pads and spraygrounds are an absolute blast, but like anything else, a few simple guidelines help ensure everyone has a great time. • Grippy shoes for the win. Sprayground “floors” can get slippery, so put grippy water shoes on your kids and remind them not to run too fast. • Leave snacks behind. Food in the water makes a yucky mess. • Diapers, please. Children who aren’t completely potty trained must wear a swim diaper when playing in the water. • Don’t drink the water—most spraygrounds use recirculated water. • Dress the part. Even if you don’t plan on getting wet with the kids, you probably will!
