Splash pad Q&A: air-quality

Splash pads usually stay open during air-quality alerts but officials advise reducing outdoor exposure. Code Orange (AQI 101-150) is OK for short visits; Code Red (151+) means kids and sensitive groups should stay home. Wildfire smoke shifts the calculus — keep visits very short.

Splash pads rarely close for air quality alone — most stay open even at Code Red. Closures usually happen only during extreme wildfire smoke (AQI 300+) or industrial accidents triggering shelter-in-place orders. Closures are inconsistent across cities; check your specific parks department.

Generally no. Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5 particles that water spray cannot filter, and outdoor exertion increases inhalation. If AQI is over 100 from smoke, keep visits to 15 minutes or less. Above 150, skip the splash pad entirely and stay in air-filtered indoor spaces.