Earlier this week we made our way down to Delano to enjoy the Delano Splash Pad, and my kids totally had a blast there! When it originally opened, I’d my doubts about driving the 25 minutes from Albertville to Delano and paying for a splash pad when we have one just up the road in Otsego, but we absolutely love being there.

The splash pad is located within Delano’s Central Park (map below), in the same area of town where Delano hosts its popular 4th of July celebration. The splash pad features 15 interactive water structures, from small fountains for the littlest ones to toddle through to huge buckets that dump massive quantities of water onto clusters of giggling preteens.

My 5-year-old enjoyed pretty much everything about the splash pad but fixated most on the animal-shaped fountains and this giant tube of water (right) with tanks and spouts you could control. My toddler loved turning the wheel on the spinning umbrella of water you see below and screeching and giggling as he did flying leaps into my no-longer-dry lap. 🙂

Located within the splash pad area is a concession building, which has several tables for families to rest and enjoy a snack or meal out of the sun (or, heaven forbid, the rain). The building also includes a drinking fountain and a spacious family restroom with a diaper change table.

Mommy’s favorite thing about the Delano Splash Pad is that the entire thing is enclosed by a fence that has a single, toddler-proof gate. My youngest has turned into a “runner” so for me this is HUGE. I basically have heart palpitations at the Otsego splash pad, but here I was completely relaxed. I also very much enjoyed my comfy purple Adirondack chair in the shade. 😉 (Pro tip: Arrive when the park opens if you want to grab your own cozy spot in the shade.)

The Delano Splash Pad is open 7 days a week, hours vary. Admission is $3, and annual passes are also available ($35/person or $100/family). Note: Wristbands are required for anyone who plans to interact with the water. Parents who only plan to supervise get in free.

The splash pad and concession areas are available for private rentals, which would be fun for a summer birthday party or a moms group event. (see website for details)

City of Delano Splash Pad
Located within Central Park
600 River Street N, Delano  (map)
Website: delano.mn.us/community/misc/splashpad
Phone: (763) 972-0550