When the heat starts turning up, sometimes you just need to find a nearby water fountain to cool the kids off in. Water parks and splash pads are a refreshing place to jump feet first in and splash around for a quick cooling off on a hot Portland day. Here is a list of Portland-area water fountains and small splash pad zones to enjoy a cool down with your family in and around PDX and the Portland Metro area. Most of these spraygrounds and water features are open from Memorial Day Weekend to the end of September, so hit these cool water spots and have fun with the kids!
Portland Water Fountains:
This is a highly popular Portland spot in the summer months with its unique water fountain is great for cooling off. The water cascades from stone platforms down to a shallow tidal pool as it continuously circulates, keeping the water fresh and aerated. You will find benches scattered around to make it an easy place for a nice Portland lunch break or weekend picnic. One of the things that makes this interactive Portland water fountain different from the others is its sheer size, which can accommodate a large crowd on those sizzling hot days. This can also be a little bit of a drawback if you have really little ones and/or pets so consider the crowds on this one.
The Caruthers Park Portland splash pad is a fantastic destination on a hot day when you need to cool off in Portland. A few other amenities give this water feature a unique twist for outdoor fun with its bocce court and paved/unpaved paths that run throughout. Grab your kids, friends and family and head down there for a water-filled, fun afternoon in PDX!
Located in Portland’s Director Park on the Southwest side of Portland is a small splashing place called Teachers Fountain. This is one of the newest water fountains around Portland Metro and it was dedicated to all those who educate and inspire. You will find water jets and low bubblers that run down into a shallow pool that make a good fit for smaller children or toddlers to enjoy the water in safety.
A local architectural landmark that beckons to be scampered through on a warm summer day by the Portland waterfront is the well known Salmon Street Springs Portland water feature. This is the hub of the Portland Waterfront Park and is located among other historical sites, making this water fountain a lovely and popular place to view the Willamette, cool off and enjoy nearby refreshments all in one.
This beautiful architectural water fountain was constructed in Portland in 1966 and was designed by the famous San Franciscan architect, Lawrence Halprin. The cascading water feature is said to capture the spirit of Oregon streams and makes a perfect place to get wet on warm Portland day. So while you can admire the majesty of the architecture and historical memorial, you can also relish this cooling Portland water feature that will bring relief and smiles at the same time.
Portland Metro Water Features:
City Park Fountain – Beaverton, OR
Enjoy the sprays from the water jets as the kids dance from one side of these Beaverton water geysers in the fountain structure to the other. The local Beaverton farmer’s market will be running right alongside this local water feature on specific days. Just find a shady place on the lawn under the huge shade trees, enjoy a snack and enjoy the cool water fountain in Beaverton. Look for special annual events, where different culture and dance groups perform on tiny stages, all held near the water feature.
Cannery Square – Sherwood, OR
This Sherwood water park is set right next to City Hall in Old Town Sherwood. Within it sits a water feature complete with waterfalls and water faucets that shoot up at laughing children jumping through each spray. There are benches scattered throughout the water fountain area and nice grass for taking a little nap in the afternoon shade. This newer Sherwood water fountain has been a hit for our family and we think you’ll enjoy it too!
Magnolia Park – Hillsboro, OR
Splashdown in the Hillsboro water features at Magnolia Park. The beautiful mosaic tiles are a feast for the eyes to see the artwork displayed throughout the entire floor of this Hillsboro water fountain. The playground is right next door along with a completely covered shade pavilion. If you need a bit of shade from the hot sun or a place to cool off in Hillsboro, the Magnolia park water fountain is a great choice.
The Commons Lake – Tualatin, OR
This is an interactive water park in Tualatin has amazing jets that shoot high into the sky and is surrounded by restaurants and a pond. A great spot for a nice outing, a picnic, and fun water features to get you cooled off. Be sure to head down to this unique Tutalatin water feature when they are hosting the annual ArtSplash and the Concerts on the Commons events when you are not playing in the fountain.
Murase Plaza – Wilsonville, OR
This amazing Wilsonville wooded park is located right near the Wilsonville Library and houses a wonderful amphitheater that holds summer events. There are shelters set up for larger gatherings or small family picnics that keep you out of the sun. The best part is that there is even a shelter right near the sprawling interactive water feature that is perfect for holding parties or reunions. You can explore the newly renovated and innovative playground and visit the historical barn that is on the property as well. Get ready to get wet and cool in Wilsonville as you walk down the long corridor of the cascading water fountain staircase and river-like water feature that runs along the top part of the Wilsonville park. Probably one of the most beautiful and fun water parks in the Portland area.
Discovery Meadows Community Park – McMinnville, OR
A classic but “something for everyone” waterpark in McMinnville offers picnic shelters, playgrounds with moving features and challenges and an awesome play structure with towers. The central jewel in the hot summer is the water feature that sits adjacent to playground. A perfect spot to jump and splash in the water before heading back to another activity or taking a break for lunch. A great place to cool off in McMinnville!
Blue Lake Regional Park – Fairview, OR
Splish splash this is a cool off zone for everyone! Whether you want to just splash around in the sprayground, water fountain section or go all the way under the water in the lake, you will definitely be able to chill in these cool surroundings. Look for the Free Metro Park Days to nab some free parking then pack a lunch and stay the entire day to enjoy all of the fun water activities.
Those are just some of the best PDX water parks, water fountains and spray parks you can enjoy. Get these Portland area water parks on your calendar to visit this summer and help the kids cool off and have fun around PDX. Remember when the heat kicks up and the sprinklers just aren’t enough, this list of Portland water fountains will be a lifesaver and provide cool and easy water activities in the Portland area.
