If your summer looks anything like mine, it’s filled with sunscreen, popsicles, and countless trips to the local splash pad. My kids—ages 6, 3, and 1—live for those water-filled afternoons. And honestly, who doesn’t love a chance to let them burn off some energy while staying cool? Splash pads are the perfect mix of outdoor fun and water play, without the deep-end anxiety that pools bring.
But recently, I came across a newly released CDC report published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that made me pause. It turns out that splash pads, while delightful, can also be unexpected breeding grounds for waterborne illnesses. Between 1997 and 2022, the CDC tracked 60 outbreaks tied to splash pads, affecting over 10,000 people. Of those affected, 152 individuals were hospitalized, while 99 required emergency room care. No deaths were reported.
It’s a sobering thought, but understanding these risks—and how to manage them—can help us keep our families safe without giving up this summer staple.
The risk factor: What’s in the water?
Splash pads work by spraying water that either gets recirculated through filters or sent straight to the sewer. Here’s the issue: Recirculated water isn’t always filtered thoroughly, and splash pads attract young kids who may not have mastered hygiene basics (think: diapers, potty-training accidents, and hands-on-everything energy).
The biggest offender in these outbreaks? Cryptosporidium (or Crypto), a chlorine-resistant parasite that causes stomach issues, including cryptosporidiosis, a watery diarrhea that can persist for up to three weeks.
Crypto is particularly tough to kill in splash pad water, even when disinfectants like chlorine are used. Other culprits include bacteria like E. coli and viruses like norovirus, which can cause everything from mild stomach cramps to more severe gastrointestinal illnesses.
Related: Swimming is not just a summer activity: Here’s how swimming can boost your kid’s mental health for the school year
What parents can do
While it’s concerning, you don’t need to swear off splash pads entirely. A few proactive steps can significantly reduce your family’s risk:
- Encourage Bathroom Breaks and Good Hygiene
Take bathroom breaks and check swim diapers every hour. If a change is needed, always do it away from the splash pad. Remember, swim diapers aren’t leakproof—they’re more like “damage control.”
My kids think sitting on those sprayers is the height of comedy, but it’s also one of the quickest ways germs get spread. Sitting directly on water jets or putting mouths near the spray may seem harmless, but it’s best to encourage standing play or running through the water instead—it’s safer and just as fun.
- Educate on Safe Water Use
Teach your kids to avoid swallowing the water—a tall order for toddlers, I know. Still, gentle reminders can help.
- Choose Your Splash Pad Wisely
Look for facilities that post clearly visible maintenance schedules or have signs about water quality checks. Splash pads with proper filtration and routine disinfection are your safest bet.
Related: Pediatrician shares water safety tips for parents amid new CDC data on drowning
Why this matters
Splash pads are designed to be safe alternatives to pools—especially for younger kids—and their popularity speaks to how much families value this type of play. While it’s natural to feel alarmed by these findings, the good news is that these risks are highly preventable. By making small changes to how we use splash pads and choosing thoughtfully managed facilities, parents can help their kids enjoy these summer favorites safely.
A balanced approach to summer fun
As a mom, I get it—splash pads are a summertime staple. Armed with this information, my approach hasn’t been to stop visiting them entirely but to be more mindful. With a little extra awareness, you can keep splash pad days a safe, joyful part of your summer routine.
Sources:
- Splash pads and illnesses in children. CDC. 2024. “Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Splash Pads — United States, 1997–2022.”
