Splash pads and wet parks provide the perfect way to cool down while having maximum fun for free in warm weather (or otherwise) and in Birmingham we happen to be blessed with quite a few such spots within splashing distance of the city. We might not have an easily reachable beach in Brum, but if you’ve got cash to spalsh too, add Aztec Adventure’s inflatable water adventure course and 40m water slide in one of the prettiest parks in the city and we’ve got a wet n wild water wonderland. Also see our feature on Wild & Outdoor Swimming Spots near Birmingham here.

Aquaglide Aquapark inflatable water adventure course at Aztec Adventure.
For 3 months only from Jul 6 – Oct 1 you can take this awesome water challenge of massive inflatables on a lake (near Bromsgrove) whatever the weather. Costs apply for this one with sessions £15pp for an hour long session with wetsuits available for a further £5. Special sessions for kids aged between 5 and 7 years old. Discounts for groups and parties. See here for full details.

Bosworth Water Park & Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon Beach is the best beach you’ll find within 45mins of Birmingham, built in 2015 the water park also has a cafe, a pirate adventure playground, pirate crazy golf course, paddling spots and pedalos as well as sailing, windsurfing, dinghies and model boats for hire and even camping. At just a couple of quid entry, it’s a superb place ro paddle and splash when the sun comes out.
Bosworth Water Park, Wellsborough Road, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 6PD. Tel: 01455 291876. 8am – 8pm daily. Parking £1.50/£2 per hour and visitors on foot £2 adult £1 child per day. www.bosworthwatertrust.co.uk

Gheluvelt Park Splash Pad, Worcester – Free
A decent sized splash pad with nice features like natural rocks, paddling spots, showers and sprays in a pretty park with picturesque surrounds and great facilities including cafe. The maintained park also sits next to a wildlife area. All ages are welcome from toddler to teen and water-loving adults can enjoy it too.
69 Waterworks Rd, Worcester WR1 3EY. Tel: 01905 722233. 11am – 4pm April – mid July and 11am – 6pm from mid July to August. www.worcester.gov.uk

Walsall Arboretum Splash Pad – Free
A gorgeous water park set in amongst 170acres of historic parkland and built in 2013 to replace the traditional lido. It links to the park’s playground in this lovely leafy spot, allowing for endless warm-weather play and a perfect place for families to come and splash about and cool down on hot days.
Sat 27 May – Sun 3 Sep, 11am – 3pm week days & 11am – 5pm weekends and school holidays. Free. www.facebook.com

Brintons Park Water Park & Playground, Kidderminster – Free
Well-maintained wet play area in a pretty public park, especially good for young children with little wet slide and boat-themed play area to splash about in. Opens daily 10am-6pm from Friday 14th April to 8th September 2017.
Sutton Rd, Kidderminster DY11 6QT. Tel: 01562 732928 www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk

Dartmouth Park West Bromwich next to Sandwell Valley Country Park – Free
Urban oases don’t come much funkier than Sandwell Valley country Park there’s a farm and tea rooms, high ropes course, climbing and zipwire, bike hire and they even host Folk music in the Forest events. And sitting alongside it is this ace urban park with its awesome splash pad complete with water play features, paddling areas, fountains, bridges and stones. The perfect place to escape the heat on a hot day or to cool down after exploring all the other delights on offer in this well-loved green space including a sensory garden and regular community events. www.facebook.com

Mary Stevens Waterplay Park Stourbridge- Free
Beautiful park with splash park and playground, see www.marystevenspark.org