Playgrounds are our finest amenity in this city; I have so many fond memories of my children exploring all of these resources. These are my top five splash pads at local playgrounds. I’ve also included recommendations by age group at the bottom. (By the end of June, I will have a guide to all the splash pads by neighborhood. Follow my Instagram never to miss a post.)

Water Lab @ Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park | Brooklyn Heights

Water lab has a mystical quality to the play area. There are several different zones and its’s great for experimentation and creative play. This play area gets very crowded; I recommend arriving strategically, either first thing or during a common nap time. It also doesn’t have an easy area to plop a young baby and is better suited to ages 3+. (Younger children would still enjoy, but the crowds make it a little bit more precarious.)

This is a bucket list type playground that every Brooklyn family or summer tourist should visit at some point!

Splash Pad @ Lefrak Center Prospect Park| Prospect Lefferts Gardens

The Splash Pad at Lefrak is very unique in its setup. There is no other one in Brooklyn or Manhattan that I’m aware of with a “very shallow pool” throughout. This makes it an excellent option for kids of all ages. Babies can sit and splash their hands in the water; older children can run around and refill their toys with ease. I’d also recommend remembering to use the bus to get to this location. The B41 drops you off very close.

Domino Park Playground | Williamsburg

The fountains at Domino Park are great for all ages (though they can also get quite busy). I love to bring buckets and possibly even inflatable or collapsible pools to a splash pad like this. With a little one who can’t walk yet, a little pop-up pool is very special at places like this. I couldn’t find any pictures of my children there, so I borrowed some from their Instagram.

J.J. Byrne Playground | Park Slope

J.J. Byrne has a really fun combination of water features, including the rolling brook, pop-up fountains, and the large water blaster (will these ever work again?). This playground is wide open, which means that it can handle crowds well. It does lack shade; I tend to avoid this playground in the afternoon on peak summer days.

James A. Forten Playground aka Underhill Playground aka Toy Playground | Prospect Heights

I’m definitely biased towards this one since it’s my default playground. The unique part of this splash pad is how children interact with the toys and the water. Whether it’s pushing a car through the fountain or creating a make-shift pool, the joy and creativity abound here.

Looking for a new home near one of these playgrounds?

Browse below or reach out to Katie, a real estate agent at Corcoran and a local mom.

Best Splash Pads for Children who Can’t Walk | Playgrounds for those children under 18 Months

Lefrak Center at Lakeside - Because of the very shallow pool, there is plenty of space for them to sit. It’s also a large area, so there is less concern about larger children running them over.

Pacific Park Fountain - This is a relatively new resource that not many people are aware of. There is plenty of seating nearby and the ground is nice and level. Bring a pool to fill it up, and the space is quite relaxing.

Best Splash Pads for Two to Four-Year-Olds | Playgrounds for Preschoolers

Underhill Playground- In my experience, this age group loves the toys left at Underhill. They will explore every remnant that might feel past its prime, and the water makes that even more fun.

PS 20 Mini Pool - This 3-foot-deep pool is excellent for children who can maneuver but cannot yet swim, providing water exposure. Beware, it follows public pool rules, so it’s a bit more challenging to enter than your average playground.

Best Playground for Five to Eight Year Olds | Best Playgrounds for Elementary School Children

Water Lab @ Pier 6 - An older child who you don’t have to supervise as closely is the ideal fit in this space. Let them roam and climb on the rocks, creating their own ecosystem.

Domino Park Playground- The school-aged children will run around with reckless abandon at these fountains. The sheer velocity of water will guarantee a great time.

My oldest child is eight so I can’t give a recommendation for older than that. Stay tuned for more advice for the older ones.

Best Brooklyn SplashPads