Best Parks in Aurora
The full Aurora shortlist: strongest playgrounds, trails, splash pads, and family park picks across the city.
Splash Pads in Aurora, Colorado
Aurora has two free city splash pads: Great Plains Park and Red-tailed Hawk Park. Both are full family parks with playgrounds, shade, and parking, so the sprayground is the cool-down and the rest of the visit takes care of itself.
Below: the verified 2026 hours, the one date they're closed, and an honest read on what each park is actually like to stand at.
Aurora's Two Splash Pad Parks
Both are free city spraygrounds set inside larger family parks, with a playground, shade, and easy parking at each. Here's what each one is actually like.
Pack the gear for a half-day at Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk has the open lawn and space to make an afternoon of it. A few things worth tossing in the trunk turn it from a splash-and-go into a real outing. A bocce ball set and some horseshoes are easy wins on the big lawn while the splash pad cycles.
Make a half-day of it: Southlands is 5 minutes away
Southlands isn't a park, but it's one of my favorite family spots in Southeast Aurora, and it's about a five-minute drive from Red-tailed Hawk. The outdoor shopping center has its own splash pad, so the kids can cool off while you grab an ice cream, eat lunch, or knock out a few errands. It's the easy way to stretch a splash pad morning into a full half-day without much driving.
There's almost always something going on. Summer brings free concerts, family activities, and the Saturday Farmers Market. In winter, the outdoor ice-skating rink takes over. With plenty of open space and seating, it feels more like a gathering place than a strip mall, which is why it earns a spot here even though it isn't a park.
Want the full Aurora park map?
Use the live map to see both splash pad parks with locations, plus filters for playgrounds, trails, dog parks, and the full city browse.
Aurora Splash Pad FAQs
Are Aurora's splash pads free?
Yes. Both Great Plains Park and Red-tailed Hawk Park spraygrounds are free city splash pads, with no tickets or reservations, unlike the city's paid aquatic centers.
What are the 2026 hours?
Open daily 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the 2026 season, which runs May 22 through September 7, 2026.
Are they ever closed during the season?
Yes. Both splash pads are closed June 22, 2026 for a planned budget-reduction closure. That's the one date to plan around.
Do kids need supervision?
Children 6 and under must be supervised within arm's reach by a guardian who is at least 18 years old.
More Aurora Park Guides
Best Playgrounds in Aurora
Toddler-focused, splash pad stops, and the strongest Aurora playground picks for repeat family outings.
Dog Friendly Parks in Aurora
Every Aurora park with a dog park or off-leash area, flagged for families bringing kids and dogs together.
Splash pad info change for 2026? Let us know at jason@findeverypark.com