Splash Pads and Swimming Pools

"Splash pads and swimming pools" pretty much sums up the the summer for us so far. We have had very hot, humid weather for all of July and water play is such a relief. Luckily, our region entered "Stage 2" of reopening at the end of June, which included the opening of splash pads and outdoor swimming pools, and we visit one or the other most days. 

We have been sampling different Splash Pads across Mississauga and Oakville. Our favourite is Forster Park in Oakville. It has public washrooms, a refillable water station, lots of big old trees giving ample shade, and is close enough to Kerr Street Cafe that we can stop for a takeaway coffee on the way. It's about a 20 minute drive from our house, which in normal times might seem an excessive drive just for a splash pad. However, n our current life where we are limited in what we can do, a drive doesn't really bother us. In fact the drive is part of the outing! Ollie loves going in the car and is constantly asking if we can go in the car on an "adventure".

Munn's Creek Park has another great splash pad in Oakville. There is a section of smaller water features which are great for Ollie. It is also next to a creek (hence the name) so it's a nice, serene location. No washrooms at this one, however lots of woodland next to the creek if anyone is desperate and needs a "bush wee"!

The splash pad at Postridge Park in Oakville has a shipwreck theme which is really fun for the kids. There is a lot going on at this one - almost a bit too much for Ollie as you seem to be constantly getting sprayed from somewhere. Ella loved it though. Not a lot of shade at this splash pad, or washrooms, which is a bit of a bummer because the splash pad itself is pretty awesome.

In Mississauga the splash pads tend to be a bit less extravagant. Most are just a paved area with water that sprays up from the ground, and very few have colourful water features. We have two that are pretty close by, at Churchill Meadows and Lisgar. Lisgar is further (a proper 45 minute walk) but has more shade. Churchill Meadows is super basic with little shade, but it is only a 20 minute walk/5 minute drive so is the most convenient. Neither are very busy so that is one positive - we don't have to stress about the kids getting too close to others. 

My favourite Mississauga splash pad is at Celebration Square. There is a huge square wading pool  (which is a skating rink in the winter), with fountains around all four edges. The fountains constantly change in size and get so big that even I can run under them. It is really, really fun. There is a limit of 60 people, and if they reach capacity they start doing timed 30 minute entries. It's a good way to make sure everyone gets a turn when it is busy. We've only gone in the afternoon during the week and it has never reached capacity when we've been there, but I think there can be a line up on weekends.

Celebration Square has the added benefit of a huge fake grassy area beside it. This used to be full of festivals and markets during the summer, most of which have been cancelled this year. There are two food trucks there everyday. The quality isn't super great but at least if you find yourself there with starving children and no snacks there are some options for food. There is also a farmer's market every Wednesday. My parents took Ella once, there were only a handful of vendors but Ella was keen to buy some vegetables from the farmers, which meant she was happy to eat them at home. She has taken a real interest in the garden with my mom where they are growing tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, green beans and peppers. 

Our other favourite activity has been going to outdoor public swimming pools. This year we have to book in advance and there is limited capacity at each pool. I'm actually loving this system as the pools are not overcrowded like they would usually be. You just have to be organized! There are family swims that we've been taking the kids to, and seperate adult lane swimming times. Andy and I have started swimming laps again which feels great. And due to social distancing you get your own lane, what a luxury!

Ollie was a little hesitant to get in the pool at first, which was disappointing as he'd been doing so well in his swimming lessons prior to the pandemic. But since we've gone regularly he's really improved and is now happy jumping in and paddling around with a swim vest on. Ella has always loved swimming is basically as happy as she ever is when she's in the water.

I was worried that we'd have nothing to do with the kids for the 10 weeks of summer holidays, but so far it has gone by quite quickly. Having these facilities open has really helped!