There is nothing better than playing in the water to cool down when the summer days are hot.
In recent years, spraygrounds and splash pads have grown in popularity. Many are free or very inexpensive, making it a win for the kids and parents.
Here's some splash pads and spraygrounds in the Lynchburg area as well as some within driving distance.
Lynchburg Area Spraygrounds
Altavista Splash Park at English Park, located at 206 Pittsylvania Avenue in Altavista, is open from May through September. The Splash Pad is open daily from 10 AM - 7 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day and weather permitting on weekends in May prior to Memorial Day and September after Labor Day. Opening date for 2025 is May 24.
Riverside Park Sprayground, located at 2238 Rivermont Avenue in Riverside Park, is a favorite summertime destination for local families. Sprayground offers zero-depth entry with dumping buckets, spraying lake fish, pop jets, and tulip sprays. Sprayground is open from mid-May through Labor Day from 10 AM - 7 PM. Currently closed for maintenance.
Riverfront Park Fountain, located at 1100 Jefferson Street in Riverfront Park, was closed for construction during the 2024 season. Recent renovations to Riverfront Park include several boardwalks, rain gardens with native wildlife plantings, benches, new shade trees, and a stage area for events. A zero-depth fountain is open seasonally near the stage area for young and old to enjoy. Currently closed for maintenance.
Road Trip Spraygrounds:
Splash Valley Water Park, located at 7415 Wood Haven Road in Roanoke, is about an hour's drive from Lynchburg. Splash Valley opens for the 2025 season Memorial Day weekend. Splash Valley has two 34-foot water slides, a current river, children's sprayground and more. Splash Valley Water Park is operated by Roanoke County's Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Splash Valley is open Thursday through Sunday through mid-August and weekends only from mid-August through Labor Day. Visit the website for the most up-to-date information, including operating hours, special swim days, and season pass information.
Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will open its four spray grounds from May 17 through September 20 for the 2025 season. Spray grounds are free and open daily 9 AM - 8 PM. Spray Ground locations are listed below:
Belmont Park – 725 Stonehenge Avenue
Forest Hills Park – 1022 Forest Hills Avenue
Greenleaf Park – 1598 Rose Hill Drive
Tonsler Park – 500 Cherry Avenue
Danville Parks and Recreation operates three free splash pads, open from May 23 through the summer. Splash pad hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 AM - 6 PM and Friday through Sunday from 10 AM - 8 PM.
Third Avenue Park - 114 Third Avenue
Doyle Thomas Park - 827 Green Street
Ballou Park - 760 West Main Street (opening planned for Memorial Day weekend 2025)
Splash-Spray Grounds at Virginia State Parks:
Pocahontas - The park's Aquatic Recreation Center is open daily from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The center has a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot deep leisure pools, two tubular water slides and an activity pool. Hours vary, so check before you go.
Occoneechee - The splash park area has playground equipment, two charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms and 25 parking spaces. The splash park is open Saturdays and Sundays during May, weather depending. The splash park opens daily for the 2025 season from May 24 through Labor Day weekend. Hours vary, so check before you go.
Looking for more summer water fun? Check out the 2025 Lynchburg Macaroni KID Summer Water Fun Guide, sponsored by Rainbow Forest Recreation Association.
Here's some additional summer fun ideas:
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Lynchburg VA Area Best of Summer 2025 - Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® all summer long!
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Lynchburg VA Area Campground Guide 2025 - Are you ready? Camping season 2025 is here now!
Explore Virginia State Parks with the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest - The Virginia State Parks Trail Quest program is a fun way to visit 40 different state parks!
Lynchburg Virginia Parks Guide - Parks in Lynchburg and the Surrounding Counties
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