Splash Pad Fun for your Dogs… and Kids, too!

Summer fun and splashing water are often, if not always, synonymous! You really can’t have one without the other, can you? If you ask your kids or your dogs, they will agree!  One way to cool off during the high temps this summer is to seek out local splash pads.  Due to Health Regulations, many splash pads don’t allow dogs, but we have a solution for that, too! Communities all across the country now have these fabulous splash pads carefully situated in parks and shopping centers, which makes a day of water fun a lot easier than it used to be! Union County, North Carolina is no exception.

We’ve taken some of the guesswork out of the equation for you by creating this quick reference list of local splash pads that you can take your kids to! Don’t worry, our dog-friendly solution is listed at the bottom of this article 

Stallings Municipal Park

Stallings Park is a local neighborhood favorite.  We can definitely see why.  In addition to the splash pad, Stallings Municipal Park has tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic tables, walking trails, restrooms and more. This place is so popular, it was voted, by Charlotte Magazine, as Best New Park for Kids in 2013 and Best Park for Kids in 2014. For more information, check out their website. Pets are NOT allowed at Stallings Municipal Park per the NC Department of Health and Human Services. They must follow the laws for public swimming pools found in 15A NCAC 18A.2500 which prohibit pets in public swimming areas.

Crooked Creek Park

The 2, 464 square foot splash pad at Crooked Creek Park is sure to bring hours of fun for the entire family.  That’s not all they’re known for, either.  They have grills for you to use, picnic shelters, playgrounds, walking trails, baseball fields, a dog park, restrooms and more. Check out their website to learn more about the park. The Town of Indian Trail does not allow dogs in the splash pad. They have two signs listed with their rules and one of the signs states this. 

Due to Health Regulations, many splash pads don’t allow dogs, so please call ahead for the individual park’s pet policies.

Now that you know where to take your kids, let’s talk about WHY and HOW you should replicate the splash pad experience at home for your dog.

Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

During the summer months, the loyal family pooch often gets left at home while the family heads out for day trips and vacations. This sometimes means that our dogs become less active.  Inactivity over time can lead to all kinds of problems.  Exercise promotes strong bones and muscles, helps fight off unwanted pounds, illnesses and diseases, such as cancer.

Reduce Unwanted Behaviors

Boredom and/or lack of exercise and engagement often results in undesirable behaviors. Jumping, barking, chewing on furniture and windowsills are all usually symptoms of boredom and possible separation anxiety.  Seemingly insignificant behaviors can escalate over time into even more serious issues such as your dog chewing on himself! Pent of energy, anxiety or stress will eventually take a toll on your dog’s physical health as well.

Cool Off

Dehydration and heat stroke is no joke when it comes to the soaring temperatures that go hand in hand with the summer months.  In addition to keeping your dog well hydrated and monitoring his time in the sun, water fun is just another engaging way to keep your dog cool, exercised and socialized all at once. Win – win – win!

Now that you know WHY your dog should be able to experience splash pad fun right at home, here’s how you can replicate an experience your kids and dog can experience together.

Create your own backyard splash pad experience for your kids and dogs!

Check out My Splash Pad

My Splash Pad is a “cool” company (no pun intended) that can help you bring the splash pad experience right to your backyard.  Their portable splash pads come in different sizes, which help meet many different household budgets.  The cool thing is that these splash pads come to you direct from the manufacturer and no set up is needed.  Just simply place the splash pad on a flat surface, attach a garden hose and you are good to go! Backed by a ten-year warranty, their products are made with an anti-slip coating, marine-grade fiberglass and without any chemicals. You can also add water play features, such as umbrellas, hydrants, flowers, and mushrooms.

If you’re on a tight budget, why not make your own? 

With a simple sprinkler, water hose, baby pool, and tarp, you’ll have just about everything you need for hours of backyard fun for your dog.  In fact, check out this article if you want to see an easy DIY example that to show you step by step how to create your very own splash pad right in your own backyard.

Whether you go out or stay right at home, there’s plenty of ways for your kids and dogs to enjoy some splash pad right here in Indian Trail, North Carolina. How are you going to keep your kids and dogs cool this summer?

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