Cary officials announced on May 13 that the town’s splash pads, spraygrounds, and water play features are now open for the 2026 season. These amenities will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through September 21 at several park locations.
The seasonal opening provides families and residents with free ways to cool off as temperatures rise. The facilities are located at Downtown Cary Park, Jack Smith Park, Marla Dorrel Park, and Neighborhood Park on Carpenter Fire Station Road.
Residents are advised to check operating status online before visiting because hours may change due to weather or maintenance needs. At Jack Smith Park, Cary’s first sprayground is designed for children ages 12 and under and follows the same daily schedule but will close once each month for routine maintenance on June 8, July 6, and August 10.
Downtown Cary Park offers two water play options: a sprayground at Academy Plaza and a splash pad in The Nest play area. Misting stations are also available at Marla Dorrel Park and Neighborhood Park; these operate with push-button activation during regular hours.
“We encourage everyone to come and enjoy these spaces all summer long,” said Community Recreation and Services Manager Andrew Marsden.
No lifeguards staff the water play areas; visitors must follow posted rules for safety including supervising children closely, wearing proper swim attire (with swim diapers required for non-potty-trained children), avoiding running or rough play in wet zones, keeping food, pets, or wheeled toys out of splash areas, staying hydrated, and helping maintain cleanliness in parks.
