Splish splash pads open for fun

Summer is heating up. Time to get wet.

Splash pads are available throughout the Midlands. They offer a great alternative to going to a pool.

The City of Columbia offers splash pads at many city parks. All splash pads are free of charge.

There also are several splash pads open in Lexington County.

Drew Park – 2101 Walker Solomon Way

Mays Park – 4100 Trenholm Road

Sims Park – 3500 Duncan St.

Heathwood Park – 800 Abelia Road

Emily Douglas Park – 2500 Wheat St.

Roy Lynch Park – Lincoln and Abbeville streets

Pinehurst Park – 2300 Pinehurst Road

Lorick Park – 1600 Lorick Ave.

Edisto Discovery Park – 1914 Wiley St.

Pacific Park – 200 Wayne St.

St. Anna’s Park – 1315 Liberty Hill Ave.

Hampton Park – 117 Brandon Ave.

Melrose Park – 1500 Fairview Road

There is a splash pad at Palmetto Falls, the water park at Fort Jackson, which is open to the public Tuesday through Friday (unless you hold a season pass). $9.50 a person, children younger than sixth grade must have an adult present. Driver's license, registration and proof of insurance is required to enter the gate. (803) 751-4056

Felton C. Bention Park Splash Pad – 2915 Platt Springs Road, Springdale

Corley Street Park – 210 Corley St., Lexington; open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

NorthWest YMCA – 1501 Kennerly Road, Irmo; open noon-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Free to members; nonmember children, $5.

Willie B. Caractor Park – 804 Hendrix St., Lexington

Saluda Shoals Splash Pad – 5605 Bush River Road; open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission is $3, available at the park entrance