It’s finally June and the heat is on. Now, where to cool off? Head to these local spots to splash!
The David Price Miracle Field and Playground
120 Dejarnette Lane (next to Sports*Com). Murfreesborotn.gov/1490miracle-field
Open: Sun up to sun down, fountain on through October.
Cost: FREE.
This beautiful inclusive playground is a fantastic attraction alone, but add a baseball-shaped water fountain and it’s perfect for those sweltering days when littles need to cool off from the sun.
Fountains at Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
502 SE Broad Street, 615-890-2300. Explorethedc.org
Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fountains on until October.
Cost: Outdoor attractions FREE. Indoor admission is $8/adults and children. Under 2 FREE.
The Wetlands behind Discovery Center offers a cooling respite from summer’s blazing heat with thick foliage and vines, and it’s extra fun when the colorful fountains are misting over the walk ways.
Gregory Mill Park Splash Pad
390 Enon Sprins Rd. E. Smyrna, 615-459-9773. Townofsmyrna.gov
Open: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m- 6 p.m; Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE
All ages will love getting drenched at this bright splash pad with its dump buckets and spray tunnel.
Lucky Ladd Farms Splash Pad
4374 Rocky Glade Road, Eagleville; 615-274-3786. Luckyladdfarms.com
Open: April- November, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $12.99. Under 2 FREE
There are more than 30 ag-adventure attractions at the state’s largest petting zoo, but when the temps are high take the kids to camp out at their splash pad and bubble blast for cool, soapy summer fun.
Murfreesboro City Hall Courtyard and Fountains
111 West Vine Street, 615-893-5210. Murfreesborotn.gov
Open: Park open year-round, fountains on through October.
Cost: FREE
Wee climbers will love scrambling over the steps and walls of the city hall fountains and gardens, then dabbling their hands in the cold water jets.
Indoor Pool at Patterson Park Community Center
521 Mercury Blvd. Murfreesboro, 615-893-7439. Murfreesborotn.gov
Open: Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m.- 12:45 p.m., 2-4 p.m., 4-7 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.- 12 :45 p.m., 2-8:45 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m., 2-6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $4 adults; $3 children.
Beat the heat—and a sunburn—with a session at Patterson Park’s indoor pool, where its triple-loop water slide, zero-depth beach and shallow waters around the play equipment mean that all ages can enjoy the water safely.
The Splash Pad at the Fountains at Gateway
1500 Medical Center Parkway; 615-890-4651. Facebook.com/fountainsatgateway
Open: Until November, 10 a.m – 10 p.m. daily
Cost: FREE
Come for the Splash Pad, then stay and play awhile at the adjoining astro turf lawn for outdoor games at this popular family spot.
SplashTown
611 Nolan Dr., Smyrna (behind Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center). Townofsmyrna.org
Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday Noon- 6 p.m.
Cost: Seniors, kids 12 and under $5; Adults $6
Smyrna’s public pool behind the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center features a splash pad, lazy river, and fabulous slides.
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.