


City Hall Park
About
City Hall Park's free splash pad is a summer lifesaver for families exploring downtown Burlington. Located right in the heart of the city, this water play area features kid-friendly jets and sprays that provide refreshing relief on hot Vermont days, making it perfect for a quick cool-down during your downtown adventures.
Highlights
- ✓Free admission makes it an budget-friendly cooling option
- ✓Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Burlington
- ✓Multiple water jets and spray features at various heights
- ✓Beautiful park setting with views of nearby Church Street Marketplace
- ✓Perfect quick stop during a day of downtown sightseeing
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring towels and a change of clothes,the water play can get kids completely soaked, and you'll want dry clothes for exploring nearby shops and restaurants
- 2.Apply waterproof sunscreen before arriving as there's limited shade around the splash pad area
- 3.Visit early morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) to avoid the midday crowds and intense sun
- 4.Pack water shoes or sandals with good grip as the wet pavement can be slippery
- 5.Combine your visit with the Saturday farmers market at City Hall Park for a full morning of family fun
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 9-11am offer the best experience with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Avoid weekends during peak summer months (July-August) when the splash pad gets very busy with both locals and tourists.
What to Know
This is a completely free water play area open during summer months only. The park is easily accessible from downtown Burlington with street parking nearby, and you're within walking distance of numerous restaurants and shops for post-splash snacks.
Seasonal Notes
The splash pad operates only during warm summer months, typically from late May or early June through early September, weather dependent. The park itself is open year-round but water features are turned off in cooler months.
Nearby Eats
Head to Penny Cluse Café (3-minute walk) for family-friendly breakfast and lunch with great pancakes that kids love, or try Skinny Pancake on Church Street for crepes and local fare in a casual atmosphere perfect for wet, energetic children.
More Activities Near Burlington
Oakledge Park
Oakledge Park is a Burlington gem offering families the perfect combination of beach fun and park amenities along beautiful Lake Champlain. Kids can splash in the sandy beach, burn energy on the playground, and families can enjoy picnics with stunning waterfront views. It's an ideal spot for a full morning or afternoon of outdoor play without breaking the bank.
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is Burlington's family favorite, offering something for every age right on the shores of Lake Champlain. Kids can cool off in the splash pad during summer, explore multiple playgrounds, and enjoy scenic lakeside trails perfect for bikes and scooters. The open green spaces are ideal for picnics, kite-flying, and letting little ones run free while parents soak in stunning mountain and lake views.
Battery Park
Battery Park is Burlington's crown jewel waterfront destination, offering families a perfect blend of natural beauty and active play along Lake Champlain. Kids can run freely on expansive grassy lawns, explore the sandy beach areas, and enjoy stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains while parents relax in one of Vermont's most picturesque settings.
Birds of Vermont Museum
The Birds of Vermont Museum offers a unique blend of natural history and outdoor exploration that captivates young nature lovers. Kids can discover beautifully carved bird specimens showcasing Vermont's avian wildlife, then explore miles of family-friendly nature trails through the surrounding woods where they might spot the real birds they just learned about inside.