It's nice to cool off in the Summer...
When the summer heat kicks in, there’s no better way for the family to cool off than a splash pad! Kankakee County is home to several fun and family-friendly spots where kids can run through fountains, dodge spraying water, and enjoy a refreshing day outdoors. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a lively park with plenty of space to play, we've rounded up the top four splash pads in the area to help you plan your next water-filled adventure!
Legacy Park in Manteno
Legacy Park is hands down a local favorite. Located in Manteno, Legacy Park is a 66-acre park that features walking trails, a year-round skate rink (roller blades in the summer, ice skates in the winter), and of course, a splash pad.
Manteno really handles their parks well, so there are plenty of picnic tables for snack time, indoor restrooms, and an amphitheater where they occasionally show movies in the park. There’s plenty of shade, so you know you can post up and plan to stay a while, all while your kids go between the splash pad, playground equipment, and more.
Lil's Park in Bradley
Opened in Summer 2025, Lil's Park splash pad has a lot of great features. First of all, there are family changing rooms and private all gender restrooms, which is really helpful when getting the family ready, or getting the family ready to leave after a long, fun day. The entire splash pad is enclosed in a fenced in area with only 2 ways in or out, so its pretty hard for little ones to wander away.
The splash pad itself has spray structures that resemble playful rocks, large blades of grass, cattail plants, a rainbow, and more. There are lounge chairs as well as additional seating with permanent umbrellas over each table. Just outside of the splash pad area is a massive gazebo with tons of seating as well.
Directly next to the splash pad is a handicap accessible playground with a long and wide ramp up to the structure that ensures children of all abilities can play. There is also a circular track that wraps around the play area, which is a nice place to stretch your legs or push a stroller while bigger kids play at the splash pad or on the playground.
The Grove in Bourbonnais
One of the newest splash pads in the area is at the Grove in Bourbonnais. The Grove is a 12-acre park with a very large, brand new playground for ages 2-12. Directly connected to the playground is the splash pad. There’s fountains spraying out of the ground, water raining from above, and best of all, there are bathrooms where you and your children can change into and out of your wet clothes.
Diamond Point Ballpark in Rural Bourbonnais
Diamond Point is located on Career Center Drive, between Bourbonnais and Manteno. It boasts a half-dozen baseball fields, a sand volleyball pit, and a splash pad right in the center of it all. There’s a playground adjacent to the splash pad, pavilions, and picnic tables throughout the facility.
Splash Valley in Kankakee
Ok so Splash Valley is a bit more than a splash pad, but we would be remiss if we did not include it in this list. Splash Valley in Kankakee is a vibrant water park that offers fun for the whole family. Located near Kankakee Community College, Splash Valley features a variety of interactive water features, including fountains, water sprays, and splash zones, perfect for keeping kids entertained on hot summer days.
The park also has a large pool area and water slides, making it an ideal spot for both active play and relaxing by the water. With shaded picnic areas, concession stands, and ample seating, Splash Valley is a great place for families to spend the day enjoying the sun and water.
