Hi friends! If you’re involved with kids at all, you know how much they need and love water — plus some daily outside time! Without it, your house (and your nerves!) might take a beating. With summer here and school out, I know we’re all scrambling for ways to keep them busy. One of our favorites? Finding water — pools, splash pads, sprinklers, ANYTHING! So today, I’d love to share with you the local Modesto parks with water that are not only fun year-round, but ESPECIALLY fun during the Summer! I’ll add caveats as well, especially if the park is in a sketchy area!
Modesto Parks with Water Features
- Freedom Park. This park not only has cushy flooring in case the kids take a tumble, but it also has a long walking path that winds its way around the park and THEN some (great for all the wheels!), barbecue pits, and an ice-cream-truck nearly constantly, but it also has probably one of our favorite splash pads in town. We like this splash pad because the water comes out of the ground, and they have made it dip enough so that water pools around the drain and makes a great area to splash in (and let’s face it, we all know how much kids love to sit on the drains! 🙂 ) , may as well make it a desireable feature, lol). The one caveat I’d give to this park is that the picnic tables are often dirty, and the cushy flooring is pretty beat-up in a lot of places. I think the slide might be broken, as well (at least it was a few months ago!). But all-in-all, it works, and keeps the kids entertained 😉 (And it feels like a very safe area of town, which is always a huge plus)
2. Gracaeda Park. This park has AWESOME playground equipment. It’s pretty big, as well, and is good for most ages. The splash pad is creative and fun. The park even has a swimming pool that is open at certain times. This park, however, comes with a caveat. It is not in the best area of town, and if you have kids who have zero fear of walking up to strangers, I would go with a buddy, because oftentimes, there are homeless people there, and sometimes they are somewhat questionable. While my heart 100% goes out to this population, sometimes you come across some that may not be completely mentally stable. So use caution when using this park. That being said, their playground equipment is AMAZING.
3. Marshall Park. This particular park we haven’t tried yet, but its located at 440 Sutter Ave. It’s a little bit smaller from what it looks in the pictures, and maybe a little bit older, but it does have a lot of space in the grass if you wanted to have a picnic or throw a party. Unfortunately, since I haven’t been to this one just yet, I’m going to try it out this summer, and I’ll update you once I do!
4.Ustach Park. This park is actually pretty decent, and it also has a fenced-in area for the little ones who like to run. We utilized this park a few times when our boys were really young, because I was so nervous that they would run away from me. The splash pad is smaller, but decent, and there are two different play areas–one for the younger kids (the fenced-in area) and one for the older kids. It also has a pretty decently-sized picnic area, and if you have kids who like to climb trees, they will probably find a couple to play in 🙂
5. Lion’s Junction at the Virginia Corridor Trail. This is another park that I haven’t been to yet, but I’m planning to this Summer! If you check it out, let me know what you think!
6. Coffee Claratina Park. This is definitely our #1 go-to park in Modesto, year-round. It has two different playgrounds that are somewhat close to each other, swings for all ages, a fun water feature/splash pad, ample grassy space to play sports, trees you can sit under to stay cool in Summer, a bridge the kids can play on and under, and a long pathway that winds around the park. It’s got just a little bit of everything for everyone!
7. Sylvan Park. This is another great option. There is a large grassy area for play, sand on the actual playground (bring your sand toys!), two playground areas (one for the littles, one for 5 and up), big kid swings and toddler swings, trees for shade (YES PLEASE!), a nice walking path, AND tennis courts (extra bonus!).
8. Sanders Park. This park also has a nice splash pad area, a basketball court, plenty of seating (though not much in the shade!), two playgrounds (one for littles, one for 5 and up), clean restrooms, a beautiful playground, climbing blocks, a picnic area, cushy flooring under the equipment, a walking path, swings for bigger kids, and is located in a quiet neighborhood. Some people have noticed some trash around the area, but this seems to be a “sometimes” thing. Go check it out! 🙂
9. George Roger’s Park. I have not personally attended this park, but it may be worth a visit. They have a baseball/softball area, a picnic area, restrooms, two playgrounds (one for littles/one for bigger kids), wood chips on the playground ground, and lots of sun (not much shade!), as well as, of course, a water feature. Maybe we will try it out this summer 🙂
Tell me YOUR faves!!
Hopefully this list is informative for you and helps you make your summer plans! Keeping these kids busy can save your sanity, and taking them to some of these Modesto parks with water features will help keep all of you cool! I’d love to hear YOUR favorite local hot-spots for Summer!
