Awesome water play area for kids.
1 / 5

Great Plains Park

4.6
·1k reviews·Aurora, United States

A 54.5-acre Aurora park featuring a popular seasonal splash pad, dual playgrounds, sports fields, and nature trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays after school

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
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Awesome water play area for kids.

Great Plains Park

Best Time

Weekdays after school

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 54.5-acre Aurora park featuring a popular seasonal splash pad, dual playgrounds, sports fields, and nature trails.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"The water park was so much fun for the boys on this hot summer day. I wore the boys out!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Toddler-Friendly Play

Great Plains Park is excellent for toddlers, with dedicated swings and play areas. :child:

☀️ Shady Spots Abound

Plenty of shady areas are available for relaxing or picnicking. [^Review]

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,182 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Splash Pad Fun

Splash Pad Fun

Main park area

Cool off on hot days with this popular seasonal sprayground, a hit with kids of all ages.

InstagramReddit
Dual Playgrounds

Dual Playgrounds

Adjacent to splash pad

Two distinct playground areas offer varied equipment, catering to different age groups.

Reddit
Nature Trails

Nature Trails

Park perimeter

Explore scenic walking paths that lead to a nature walk, offering a peaceful escape.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Great Plains Park

Great Plains Park is a popular spot, especially its splash pad. Weekends and summer afternoons can get packed. Consider visiting on a weekday or after school hours for a more relaxed experience. Instagram

Explore Beyond the Splash Pad

While the splash pad is a major draw, don't miss the park's other features. It offers multiple playgrounds, sports fields, and access to hiking trails for a more diverse visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays after school
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, but busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Great Plains State Park doesn’t get enough love. Just 15 minutes from the Wichita Mountains, it’s quiet, scenic, and full of Oklahoma history. Would you camp here? #GreatPlainsStatePark #ExploreOklahoma #TravelOK #TownsOK #HiddenGem
realtownsok
18 likes • 958 views

🎯 Toddler-Friendly Play

Great Plains Park is excellent for toddlers, with dedicated swings and play areas. Reddit :child:

☀️ Shady Spots Abound

Plenty of shady areas are available for relaxing or picnicking. [^Review]

Great Plains Park in Aurora! 💦 Splash Pad 🛝 Two Playground Sections 🚶‍♀️ Walking path. 🛁 Bathrooms Disclaimer this place gets packed on the weekend! Try going during the week if you can. #aurora #auroracolorado #colorado #coloradoparent #splashpad #visitcolorado #coloradokid #coloradolife #denver #coloradofamily #summer #playground
coloradokidadventures
174 likes • 13.4K views
Our top 🖐🏻 Aurora park finds go to 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁 • Norfolk Glen Park • Hampden Run Park • Great Plains park (& splashpad💦) • Red Tailed Hawk Park (& splash pad 💦) • Tollgate Crossing Park Which ones do you love?? Which ones do you still need to try??!!? @aurorapros #auroraparks #auroracolorado #coloradoparks #coloradofun #coloradolife #coloradolifestyle #getoutandexplore #explorecolorado #coloradical...
merrills.on.the.move
230 likes • 6.2K views

⚠️ Watch for Wildlife

Be aware of your surroundings, especially on paths, as snakes have been spotted. [^Review] 🐍

💧 Splash Pad Peak Times

The splash pad gets very busy on Saturdays; weekdays are much less crowded. Instagram [^Review]

reddit.com

Toddler playground recommendations

I am hosting a get together for about 10 kids under 2. Parents will be there too. What’s a good playground to meet up that is more toddler oriented? The only one I can think of is Mayfair.

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Toddler-Friendly Play

Great Plains Park is excellent for toddlers, with dedicated swings and play areas. Reddit :child:

☀️ Shady Spots Abound

Plenty of shady areas are available for relaxing or picnicking. [^Review]

⚠️ Watch for Wildlife

Be aware of your surroundings, especially on paths, as snakes have been spotted. [^Review] 🐍

💧 Splash Pad Peak Times

The splash pad gets very busy on Saturdays; weekdays are much less crowded. Instagram [^Review]

🚗 Weekday Visits Recommended

For a less crowded experience, aim for a weekday visit, especially after school. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Great Plains Park is a highly-rated community hub, especially praised for its fun splash pad and well-maintained playgrounds, making it ideal for families. Visitors appreciate the ample shady spots and the option for a peaceful nature walk. Some note that it can get very crowded on weekends and that specific accessibility features like disability swings are lacking.

"Today's adventure took us to the Great Plai s Park and it was a really nice place. The water park was so much fun for the boys on this hot summer day. Then we went across the grass to the two play grounds and then back to the water park. I wore the boys out!!"

Mary Catherine Brady

"The splash pad is great! The location is good. Lots of shady places to sit. It's very busy on Saturdays but we went on a Thursday after school started and it was not crowded but a few kids to play with."

Esther Bradley

"I almost stepped on this fella on the concrete path toward the nature walk dirt path. If you have a dog or kids don't let your guard down! This snake was almost 2 whole feet which gives a really long striking distance"

Heathen Actual

What People Like

Excellent splash pad
Great playgrounds
Shady picnic areas

What People Dislike

Very crowded weekends
Limited accessibility equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Great Plains Park is located off Jewell Avenue near E-470 in Aurora, Colorado. It's easily accessible by car. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the park, though it can fill up quickly on busy days. [^Review]

Information on public transport routes to Great Plains Park can be found on the RTD Denver website. [^Search]

Yes, it's located just 15 minutes from the Wichita Mountains, making it a great addition to a day trip. Instagram

The park is situated near E-470 and Jewell Avenue, making it convenient to access from various parts of Aurora. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Great Plains Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. [^Review]

Entry to the park and the splash pad is generally free. [^Review]

The splash pad is seasonal and operates during specific hours, typically in the warmer months. Check the Aurora Parks and Recreation website for current schedules. [^Review]

No, the playgrounds are free to use for all visitors. [^Review]

The park has large and smaller picnic areas, some of which may be reservable. Contact Aurora Parks and Recreation for details. [^Review]

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The park features a splash pad, two playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails. Instagram [^Review]

Absolutely! It's highly recommended for toddlers with dedicated swings and play areas. Reddit

Yes, public restrooms are available at Great Plains Park. InstagramReddit

The park has concrete paths and dirt paths for nature walks, offering varied walking experiences. [^Review]

While the park is well-maintained, some reviews note a lack of specific disability swings or equipment. [^Review]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The park offers several picnic areas, both large and small, perfect for bringing your own food. [^Review]

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. [^Review]

There are various dining options available in the surrounding Aurora area. [^Search]

Information regarding grilling facilities or rules at Great Plains Park would need to be confirmed with Aurora Parks and Recreation. [^Search]

Families often bring classic picnic fare like sandwiches, salads, and snacks to enjoy in the park's shaded areas. [^Review]

📸 📸 Photography

Capture fun moments at the splash pad and playgrounds, or find scenic spots along the nature trails. Instagram [^Review]

Yes, with its green spaces, water features, and playgrounds, it offers many picturesque opportunities. Instagram [^Review]

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds for photography. [^Search]

Drone usage is typically regulated in city parks. Check Aurora's park rules and regulations before flying. [^Search]

The combination of water play, diverse playgrounds, and natural trails provides varied backdrops for memorable photos. Instagram [^Review]

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