Guide to Kiwanis Sprayground Splash Pad in Dunedin

YOUR GUIDE TO THE KIWANIS SPRAYGROUND SPLASH PAD IN DUNEDIN

The Kiwanis Sprayground is located in Highlander Park in Dunedin, Florida. The splash pad is only one of the many kid-friendly amenities you’ll find at Highlander Park, which is also home to multiple playgrounds, sports areas and a community pool.

We recently visited Highlander Park to check out the Kiwanis Sprayground splash pad and it did not disappoint. The splash pad is free and definitely worth the drive if you have little kids.

There’s so much at Highlander Park that in this article focused specifically on the Kiwanis splash pad. Stay tuned for a future guide to the whole park!

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Kiwanis Sprayground!

Looking for more splash pads to check out? Visit OuR list of 10 great splash pads in THE ST.PETE-CLEARWATER AREA.

Kiwanis Sprayground Splash Pad Location & Hours

Picture of the Kiwanis sprayground sign
Kiwanis sprayground sign and splash pad in background

Hours

Kiwanis Sprayground hours changes throughout the season. They are more limited during the shoulder seasons between March-May and August-October. The splash pad is open all day long during the summer. Here are the 2023 opening times:

  • MARCH 11 – MAY 26, 2023
    • Monday – Friday: 10am-12pm, 3pm-6pm
    • Saturday – Sunday: 9am-5pm
  • MAY 27 – AUGUST 6, 2023
    • Monday – Friday: 9am-6pm
    • Saturday – Sunday: 9am-5pm
  • AUGUST 7 – OCTOBER 21, 2023
    • Monday – Friday: 10am-12pm, 3pm-6pm
    • Saturday – Sunday: 9am-5pm

Holidays and Closures

The Kiwanis splash pad is open the following holidays from 9am-5pm:

  • Memorial Day
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day

The Kiwanis Sprayground is CLOSED the following days:

  • April 1st (for the Highland Games hosted at the park)
  • Easter
  • Juneteenth
Posted sign of the hours of operation of the kiwanis sprayground splash pad
Kiwanis sprayground hours of operation sign

Best Features of the Kiwanis Sprayground

Kiwanis sprayground splash pad including pirate skip water slide
Pirate ship water slide at the Kiwanis splash pad
  • Free!
  • Fun and extensive water features
  • Fully fenced
  • Water slide
  • Easy parking
  • Nearby amenities like covered picnic tables, playground and bathrooms

We really loved our visit to the Kiwanis Sprayground in Dunedin and will be visiting frequently this summer. It had a great variety of water features so there is something for kids at any level. I appreciated the smaller fountains for our baby who was tentative about the whole experience.

I also loved the small water slide which was clearly the hit of the splash pad. It was well designed so even though it was always busy, it is small enough that the kids could cycle through it very quickly without a long wait.

The splash pad also had some nice details, like being fully fenced in so kids can run around without escaping. There were benches around the perimeter with canopy shading for parents. The water was also well contained so there was space for kids to take a break from the water.

Since it is located at a park, there are also nearby amenities like a pavilion with picnic tables directly across from the splash pad. There is also a neighboring playground, which I saw many families go to after the splash pad. I especially appreciated this alternative being available for little kids who may find the splash pad overwhelming.

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Parking at Kiwanis Sprayground

Parking for the Kiwanis sprayground splash pad was free and easy. There is a sizable parking lot adjacent to the splash pad.

Tips Before You Visit

smaller fountains at the kiwanis sprayground splash pad in dunedin FL
Smaller fountains at the Kiwanis sprayground

Here are a few tips before you visit the splash pad.

1. Pack towels & swim diapers

I know this one is obvious but I was dumb and forgot to bring a towel into the splash pad on our first visit. The cognitive load of getting tiny people out the door is heavy so hopefully this reminder helps!

Swim diapers are required for any child under 3 who is not potty trained. There are swim diapers for sale at the pool lobby if you forget.

2. Bring a chair or stroller at busy times

There are a limited number of benches so you may want a chair or stroller to put your stuff on. Keeping your things off the ground helps increase the chances that they’ll stay dry.

The water flowing from the fountains is well contained and the perimeter stays dry; however, kids are kids and I watched toddlers with buckets pouring water in the “dry areas” during our visit.

3. Don’t forget sunscreen

There is no shade over the splash pad so remember to sunscreen up before your visit.

4. Watch for overwhelm

There are is a high level of activity and stimulation at the splash pad that may be overwhelming for some little kids. From the random buckets of water splashing down, kids running everywhere, and the noise, it can be a lot on the senses.

I observed a number of babies and toddlers crying during our visit. Our baby lasted about 15 minutes before she wanted to sit on the sidelines and watch. And our toddler wasn’t the only kid I saw freak out after a big splash to the face.

Frequently Asked Questions

kiwanis splash pad in dunedin
Water features at the Kiwanis splash pad

Is the Kiwanis Sprayground stroller-friendly?

Yes, you can bring your stroller into the Kiwanis splash pad. While we visited, there were many strollers parked along the fence. I wish we had brought ours and used it as a place to keep our things off the ground so they stay dry. There are benches around the splash pad but on a busy day, they can get full.

Since the splash pad gets busy, I’d recommend opting for a single stroller instead of a double if possible for easier maneuvering and parking.

Is the Kiwanis Sprayground shaded?

No, the majority of the Kiwanis Sprayground splash pad is not shaded. There are umbrellas over the benches but their shade does not reach to the water play area.

Do you have to wear shoes at the Kiwanis Sprayground splash pad?

No, you do not have to wear shoes while in the splash pad area of the Kiwanis Sprayground. The posted rules do not specify that shoes are required and I did not see any kids in shoes (I ended up taking off my kids water shoes because they were the only ones in shoes).

Are swim diapers required at the Kiwanis Sprayground?

Yes, swim diapers are required for any child under the age of 3 who is not potty trained. Swim diapers are available for purchase at the pool lobby, according to posted signs.

Are chairs permitted at the Kiwanis splash pad?

Yes, you are permitted to use chairs along the perimeter fence at the splash pad (per posted signs).

If you know you’ll want a place to sit, I think bringing your own small folding chair is a great idea. While there are benches available, the splash pad can get busy.

We went on a weekday morning in March right when it opened and the benches were already full of other people’s things (though many people were up chasing kids so you could find a corner of a bench to sit).

Is the Kiwanis Sprayground dog-friendly?

No, dogs are not permitted in the Kiwanis splash pad. The rule signs around the sprayground state that “animals are not permitted in the water or within the fenced area.”

Can you bring food or drinks in the Kiwanis Sprayground?

No, food and drinks are not permitted at the Kiwanis Sprayground splash pad. According to posted signs, food and drinks are “not permitted in the water or within the fenced area.”

There is a covered picnic table around immediately outside the splash pad fence door so it is easy to take a break for lunch or snack.

Is the Kiwanis Sprayground busy?

Yes, the Kiwanis splash pad can get busy. For example, we visited on a weekday right when it opened and there were already a good amount of people in the sprayground. While it got busy, it is a good sized splash pad so our kids were able to play everywhere they wanted.

Is there a maximum capacity at the Kiwanis Sprayground?

Yes, the Kiwanis splash pad works on a first come, first serve basis. According to the City of Dunedin website, the maximum capacity is 60 people. The posted rule signs at the splash pad list the capacity as 90 people.

Kiwanis Sprayground Rules

The picture below is of the posted rules for the Kiwanis Sprayground splash pad.

posted rules at the kiwanis sprayground in highlander park
Kiwanis Sprayground posted rules

Here are some important rules to remember:

  • Adult supervision required
  • Swim diaper and swim suit required
  • No toys, food or drinks
  • Don’t drink the splash pad water
  • Stay home if you’re sick

Is it Worth the Drive?

fencing around the kiwanis sprayground splash pad
Perimeter fencing around the Kiwanis splash pad

The Kiwanis Sprayground splash pad is definitely worth the drive, especially for families with kids who are too little to swim. It is a perfect way to beat the Florida heat with toddlers. And best of all, it is totally free and parking is easy.

While you’re at the Sprayground, you can also visit the other playgrounds in Highlander Park or swim in the community pool during open season. Highlander park also is home to sand volleyball courts, tennis courts and softball fields.

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