Counting down the GTA’s best splash pads

MISSISSAUGA  –  There are no official criteria for this test: just the smiles on the faces of playful kids and the sound of happy screams were used as a measure in this particular test of GTA water parks.

We also relied on some social media for pointers from parents too.

Then there are the crowds at each splash pad  – that was indeed a  factor – on a hot day in July, these public parks were packed with families.

One Scarborough father said that Kidstown was a favourite because, “there’s something for all ages.”

“Big water slides and the buckets that pour on the kids.  We can bring our food and have a little picnic and make a day of it,” he said.

Themes seems to garner points for the kids too. Miki Simkins, an 11-year-old from Oakville, loved the regal atmosphere at Coronation Park.

“All the trumpets and the big entrance – I think its really cool,” she said.

Here’s a list of some of the best family-friendly, and free splash pads in the GTA:

1. Kidstown, 3159 Birchmount Rd., Toronto.

2. Coronation Park, 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W, Oakville

3. Matthew Park, (formerly Vellore Village District ) 1 Villa Royale Ave, Vaughan

4. June Rolands Park, 220 Davisville Ave, Toronto.

5. Ledbury Park, 160 Ledbury St., Toronto.