weatherair-qualitysafety
What happens during air quality alerts at splash pads?
Quick answer
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 pad facilities don't typically close for air-quality alerts, so the decision falls to families. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the key reference. AQI 0-100 (Code Green/Yellow) is fine for typical play. AQI 101-150 (Code Orange) means sensitive groups — kids with asthma, kids under 6, anyone with cardiac or respiratory conditions — should reduce extended outdoor exertion; short splash visits are reasonable. AQI 151-200 (Code Red) means everyone should reduce outdoor exposure; skip the splash pad. AQI 200+ (Purple/Maroon) means stay indoors. Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5 particles that water spray does not filter — splash pads offer no respiratory protection. Check AirNow.gov before going. Watch for coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and leave at the first sign.