As summer reaches its climax of heat and humidity, keeping active little bodies entertained and cool becomes a challenge. "Spraygrounds," or fountains where playing and getting wet is encouraged, are a great way to burn off some youthful energy, while also staying cool and having fun. Below is a list of some great "spraygrounds" throughout the area. Most spraygrounds are free and operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Citygarden
Citygarden, 8th and Market streets, St. Louis
www.citygardenstl.org
Fountain operates from sunrise to 10 p.m.
The Citygarden spray plaza includes 102 vertical jets, playfully projecting water up to eight feet in the air. The bluestone surface of the plaza is slip-resistant. Controlled by an on-site computer, the nozzles can spray in ever-changing patterns. In the evening, the fountains are illuminated to create a delightful show of lights and water.
(Photo courtesy of Citygarden)  

Tower Grove Park
4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis
314-771-4484
stlouis.missouri.org/parks/tower-grove
Open 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays
The Muckerman's Children's Fountain at Tower Grove Park features multiple pop-jets and a large central water bowl that continuously fills to create a spilling curtain of water. During the summer season, the fountain and jets are on everyday. A nearby wading pool is also open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Creve Coeur Park
Creve Coeur Park, 2143 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland Heights
314-615-4386
www.stlouisco.com/parks
Creve Coeur Park has two spray fountains. The first one is located at the main shelter, or Corporate Site No. 1, and is adjacent to both the playground and restroom. Operated by a motion sensor along the border of the structure, children love turning the water on and off. This feature is only functional on weekends and holidays in an effort to conserve water. The second feature, located at Corporate Site No. 2, includes a bucket-dumping feature that's unique to most spray fountains. The bucket repeatedly fills with water and splashes down over the entire play area. This play area also includes ground spray fountains.
(Photo courtesy of St. Louis County Parks)

Sylvan Springs Park
300 Halsey, St. Louis
314-615-4368
www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks
Fountain operates from noon to 8 p.m.
With a push of a button, the sprayground at Sylvan Springs Park goes through a random series of spray features. With more than 10 features, kids enjoy running through water arches and playing with water bubbles that erupt from the ground.

Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden
Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis
314-577-5100
www.mobot.org
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. Splash area hours vary depending on weather.
Water splashes, dumps and flows in the splash area at the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden. Children can jump on jets and anticipate where the water will emerge next. While at the garden, young children will also enjoy splashing in the playful raccoon water feature, located by the Kemper Home Center for Home Gardening. For more on the Children's Garden, read our review.
(Photo courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden)

Tilles Park
Tilles Park, 9551 Litzsinger Road, Ladue
314-615-4386
www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks
Fountain operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Spray Pool in the Children's Playground has more than a dozen water bubblers for kids to run through. There's plenty of room to run and play, but it's small enough to keep a good eye on your children.
 

This article was originally published in July 2010. It was updated July 2011.

Mom to an active two-year old boy, Jen Hatton enjoys spending time exploring St. Louis. As a lifelong St. Louisan, she relishes the opportunity to experience the region again through the eyes of her son. A former newspaper reporter, Hatton continues to write and blog about her life as a mother. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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