Spray Parks Around Union County: Where To Cool Off In 2025

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Summer has kicked off in full force in Union County with dangerously high temperatures expected Tuesday and Wednesday.

An extreme heat advisory remains in effect for the Union County area through 8 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service(NWS).

"Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 106" are expected for the area, according to the NWS.

Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert on Tuesday from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.

"A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases, and the elderly. The effects of air pollution canbe minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors," according to the NWS.

Splash parks are also great for kids of all ages, even the tiniest ones who can't swim yet.

We've compiled this guide of local splash parks to help you and your family stay cool this summer.

County-Managed Spray Park:

• Wheeler Park, Linden (view web page about Wheeler Sprayground)

County-Managed Splash Pad Areas:

• Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield
• Mattano Park, Elizabeth
• Rahway Park, Rahway
• Ponderosa Farm Park, Scotch Plains
• Warinanco Park, Roselle
• Rizzuto Park, Union
• Snyder Avenue Park, Berkeley Heights
• Loop Playground, Watchung Reservation, Mountainside

If you know of a great spot we missed, share it in the comments or email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.