splash pad

7/28/2025 is National Waterpark Day- Splash for Less!

Abby H.

July 28 is National Waterpark Day, and if your kids are anything like mine, they love swimming and splashing.

Here are some of the local splash pads that my kids love:

Hilton Head Park (wristband costs $4)

Santee Lakes (you can walk in for free, but there is a cost for the wristband $4)

Santee YMCA– This is only a good deal if you are a YMCA member or live in Santee. On certain days, Santee Residents can enjoy the pool and splashpad for free. 

Civita Park– small, but free and the playground at the top of the hill is super fun.

The city of San Diego Parks and Recreation department has info about all of the city-run splash pads and pools here.

Groupon has offers for the Southern California area here.

Legoland has a fun waterpark, and the kids and I recently went and had a blast. Here is our review. 

The Plunge at Belmont Park is a fun indoor pool and water playground.

Sesame Place– I was not a fan of this place when we went right after they opened. The water isn’t heated, so on overcast summer days, it can be pretty chilly. Sometimes they have Groupons available.

Our Summer Bucket List (Have you made yours yet?)

Abby H.4 Comments

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Summer is lurking… Can you feel it? I got a sunburn over the weekend, so I can definitely feel it.

The kids and I have already started our bucket list- stuff we gotta do while we’re running wild this summer.

So far Henry has requested:

  • Checking out the soon to be open re-done Kids slash ground and pool at the Santee YMCA.
  • And the splash area at the Tierrasanta Pool.
  • Hunt for shells at Silver Strand State Beach.
  • Swim everyday (he has said this at least once a day for a week).
  • Free Museums at Balboa Park on Tuesdays
  • Using our Zoo and Living Coast Discovery Center passes.
  • Play with friends at the park and have “Free Picnics” (aka free lunch for kids-As soon the websites are updated, I will post them).
  • Lots of crafts- And I’ve got tons for him to do, including shrinky dinks and faux stained glass projects.
  • Go to the La Brea Tar Pits.
  • Go to Legoland solely to go to the waterpark.
  • Family Movie night with the “puffy bed”- Set up the air mattress in the living room and snuggle and watch movies.
  • Special events at our local library- They always have fun stuff for kids during the summer.
  • Ride the coaster and have lunch.
  • Ride the trolley with friends to Seaport Village. Ride the carousel and have ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s.
  • Go to the “Kids Movies”- Regal Cinemas has discount second run kids movies all summer a few times a week. They are just $1.00!

I’d love to hear about your summer bucket list and plans!