This weekend we were introduced to the Ancaster Village Green Park splash pad by some friends and we are so happy to add it to our list of afternoon adventures! This splash pad has two things going for it that ensure you can make an afternoon out of your visit-- there is lots of shade, so you don't need to worry as much about turning your toddler into a lobster, and it's right behind the Ancaster Branch of Hamilton Public Library! You can totally turn it into an afternoon by visiting the library and grabbing some books for HPL's TD Summer Reading Club and then let the little ones burn off some steam at the splash pad and park!
As I mentioned, there is lots of shade at the Ancaster Village Green Park splash pad. There are quite a few picnic tables in the shade, and the rocks surrounding the splash pad where all the parents tend to sit are also in the shade. In fact, even some of the splash pad is shaded which is perfect for the little ones who want to spend all of their time having fun! On a 32 degree day it was a much appreciated change from some of the other splash pads we visit that are newer and therefore don't have mature trees to provide an escape from the sun!
Also handy is the fact that the play equipment is pretty much steps away from the splash pad so parents can rest easy as their little ones rotate between climbing and splashing. There's no need to pack up the gear and move to different areas of the park because it's small and enclosed by a fence for the most part.
My little one liked some of the water features that were different than the ones at our local splash pad, like a clear tube that showed a water vortex as it released water, and a big huge ball that acts as a sprinkler. He also got the surprise of his life as he explored and one of the big buckets of water came very close to completely drenching him.
Before you head out to Ancaster Village Green
Park, here are a few tips I thought of during our visit:
Bring water shoes or shoes with good traction that you don't mind getting wet for your little one. Kids were wiping out one after another, including my little one who did have water shoes but ended up falling flat on his face, and his friend without shoes slipped onto his back. We will probably try a different pair of water shoes next time to see whether they have better traction. I'm actually interested in these Slip Stops carried by Carousel Kids in Waterdown.
There are no washrooms, so plan accordingly. My little guy still wears a swim diaper so he doesn't suddenly need to use the washroom, but in case of an emergency make sure you have a change pad and plenty of wipes to clean up any unexpected accidents!
Pack snacks and lots of water! Sometimes I just shove a Simply Balanced fruit strip in our bag for little one when we're out and about, but for our trip to the splash pad I packed a bento box of goldfish and assorted berries for him and his friend to enjoy. And they totally devoured it! When they're playing hard they eat a lot!!
If you're looking for an afternoon adventure that will wear your little one out, and where you don't have to worry too much about the sun we highly recommend Ancaster Village Green Park & Splash Pad!
So far this summer we've checked out Bruce Park, Gage Park, and Dr. William Connell park's splash pads. Which one should we check out next and why? Leave a comment below!
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