Cooling Off in North Jersey: Top Splash Pads and Water Features for Summer Heatwave

As the summer heatwave continues to push temperatures into the high 90s and possibly 100 degrees this week, it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep children indoors now that school is out. Fortunately, there are numerous free outdoor parks and spaces with water features and splash pads that offer a cool escape for both children and adults. Here's a list of North Jersey splash pads and parks with water features to visit this week and throughout the summer months:

1. Paramus - The splash pad at Van Saun County Park reopened last summer following some renovations. The safety flooring was upgraded and the water sprinklers were fixed with a new control system. It's free to use and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Labor Day. Address: 216 Forest Ave.
2. Elmwood Park - There is a large spray pad in Borough Park in Elmwood Park with ground sprayers, elevated sprayers, mini dumping buckets, and more. The splash pad is fenced in for added safety and is all abilities accessible. A day pass costs $5 for Elmwood Park residents and $10 for non-residents. Season passes are available for $70 for borough residents and $80 for non-residents. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Address: 500 Mola Blvd.
3. Garfield - Jewell Street Spray Park is back with colorful sprays from the air and the ground. Register in person at 466 Midland Ave., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours: Monday to Friday from 1 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, the park is closed. It costs $20 for ages 6 and up and $60 per family for season passes. Address: Jewell Street and Lanza Avenue.
4. Hackensack - The city has two splash pads in Polifly Park and Carver Park, both of which are free to use. Both will open seven days a week beginning June 30, until then they are only open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Address: Carver Park 294 Second St., Polifly Park 59 Polifly Rd. These splash pads and parks are perfect for families looking to beat the heat this summer, so be sure to check them out and enjoy the cool water features!