A splash pad is an area for water play that has no standing water. This is said to eliminate the need for lifeguards or other supervision, as there is practically no risk of drowning. Splash pads have been around in the commercial industry for decades, but recently have been hitting it big in residential areas as well as municipalities.

Typically there are ground nozzles that spray water upwards. There may also be other water features such as a water ring (semicircular pipe shower), a blossom shower, or a dome. As well, some splash pads feature water guns and interactive water features to allow users to spray others.

The showers and ground nozzles are often controlled by a hand activated-motion sensor, to run for limited time. Typically the water is either freshwater, or recycled and treated water, that is typically treated to at least the same level of quality as swimming pool water standards.