Saturday the little dude went to a birthday party at Central Park Splash Deck in St. Anthony. You might think that gray skies and rain would deter such activities, but you’d be wrong. He had a big ol’ blast. After all, water is water whether it’s coming from the sky or a big bucket that’s about to dump on your unsuspecting curly-topped head.

Truth is, even though he’s gotten to be a pretty good swimmer, he seems to have more fun at the splash deck than he does at a big pool. It might have something to do with the motion sensor that kids quickly discover and become just plain giddy to reveal this big “secret.” Then there’s the bucket high up top, slowly filling with water. When will it tip? You’d better stand right underneath it and find out!

Skin shriveling up all prune-style? There’s a nice little playground right next to the deck for a quick water break.  Not to mention some pretty sweet benches facing the deck (great for catching up on reading while the kiddos get soaked). It’s the perfect place for summer birthday parties, what with it being free and all. Plus there’s a shelter with clean bathrooms and plenty of tables to serve up your snacks and cake. Water shoes are recommended. It’s a simple fact: Kids can not be around water and not run. I saw a few kids slip and fall on their bums with bare feet (ouch!).

And don’t feel like you have to wait for it to be 85 degrees to make the trip (or sunny for that matter) either. Trust me, your kids won’t care.

Central Park Splash Deck
3532 Silver Lake Road NE
St. Anthony, MN 55418