Where I'm at in the country it has hit a minimum of 90 degrees everyday for the last two weeks. My little family just isn't used to heat like this in Indiana. In Utah? Sure! After all, Utah is a desert and deserts are hot! But in Indiana? Whoo! We're all drying out, the grass included. Bans have been put in place on fireworks, and moderation is being encouraged when it comes to water consumption. Our lawn is so crispy it actually gave my daughter a splinter. So what do you do when going outside to play isn't really an option?

You find a splash pad.

Splash parks or pads are a fairly recent development (I saw my first 8 years ago.) Most of the splash parks I've seen are giant concrete or rubberized floors with various hoses, buckets and sprinklers coming up from the ground. They're great for little kids because there's no risk of drowning like there is at a pool and they're great for big kids because they can play all the games they're used to while staying perfectly cool under the misting, sprinkling and dropping water. Many malls and shopping areas have also installed fountains that serve as both an artistic feature as well as a great place for families to cool off in hot weather. Depending on where you live splash parks may be elaborate city block setups or a few humble hoses tucked in the corner of a park. No matter what you have access to, any hot kid is going to appreciate the chance to cool off under running water.

So you found a splash park? Here's a few things to keep in mind before you go and while you're there:

• Check around for facilities, it's even better to do this before leaving so you know what you'll be dealing with. Full restrooms? Port a potties? Squatting behind a bush? It's not only good to know what facilities are available for #1 and #2 but also for changing clothes before or afterwards (if you have a big enough car to serve as a dressing room? No worries!)
• It's a good idea to have everyone in shoes that can get wet. Water shoes are probably best, but sandals that strap to your child's foot (not flip flops) are also a good choice. Most splash pads or parks are surrounded by some form of nature, meaning pine needles, mud, trash and random little bugs are all possibilities. Not to mention there's going to be running, and running is safer in a good sturdy shoe.
• When we go to a splash park we always make sure we have plenty of room to crash and snack between sessions. The kids may be getting wet but it's still hot. We lay out extra blankets, distribute water bottles liberally and have plenty of snacks to share among friends, sometimes the picnic part is just as fun as the splash park part.

I forgot the best part of all when it comes to splash parks, they're usually free! FREE! While they do require some prep, it's certainly not nearly the prep involved in going to the pool. I can still hang out with my mom friends in the shade on blankets with our babies while our kids play, unlike the pool where it's all eyes on all the kids all the time (and chances are we'd have to be in swimsuits as well, so much hassle. VIVA LE SPLASH PARK!)

Do you have a favorite splash park or pad near you?