Mark's Park Splash Pad
Downtown Waterloo / Riverloop, Waterloo, IA
Free downtown Waterloo splash pad next to the Riverloop Amphitheatre with interactive water features and play structures for kids 12 and under.
Mark's Park offers a compact free splash pad near downtown attractions.
Photo 1 of 4. Mark's Park offers a compact free splash pad near downtown attractions.
Editorial notes
What stands out
A good downtown splash stop for younger kids, especially if you're pairing it with Riverloop walking, an event, or nearby arts and riverfront time.
Good fit
- Younger kids who do best in a smaller splash setting
- Families combining water play with a downtown Waterloo outing
- Quick free cool-down stops
Consider another option if
- Families wanting a large destination spray park
- Visitors who need lots of structured shade
- Parents seeking a fenced space with strong containment
Know Before You Go
- Hours vary with season or weather
- Yes
What to Expect
For kids
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Ground sprays
- Interactive buttons
- Drop-in visits
For caregivers
- Picnic tables
- Benches
- Playground
- Walking trails
- Lake or creek access
- Partly shaded
- Visit type
- Quick splash stop
Read more about this location
Mark's Park Splash Pad is a small but appealing downtown Waterloo spray-ground next to the Riverloop Amphitheatre and near the Cedar River. The city describes it as a free splash area with interactive water features, and the park also includes play structures and picnic seating. It works especially well for younger kids and for families already spending time downtown along the Riverloop. This is more of a quick splash stop than a full-scale aquatic center day.
Hours & Admission
Posted hours
Check posted weekly hours
View full weekly hours
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Accessibility
Considerations
The park uses a flat splash-pad format, but specific accessible route and restroom details were not clearly published
Location
West 3rd Street at Cedar River
Waterloo, IA
Other options nearby
Gates Park Spray Pad
Free seasonal spray pad at Gates Park with an adjacent inclusive playground, restrooms, picnic shelters, and easy drop-in access.
The Falls Aquatic Center
Large outdoor aquatic center in Cedar Falls with zero-depth play areas, sprays, geysers, dump buckets, slides, lazy river features, and pool rentals.
Sources & Updates
3 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 10, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 10, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 3 public sources
Public sources
- Waterloo Leisure Services - Mark's Parkwaterlooleisureservices.org
Checked: name, splash-pad amenity, images, picnic tables
- Waterloo Leisure Services - Riverloop & Amphitheatrewaterlooleisureservices.org
Checked: location context, age guidance, free admission, interactive water features
- City of Waterloo - Cooling Stationscityofwaterlooiowa.com
Checked: daily hours, location description
What changed
April 10, 2026
Created listing from official city park and Riverloop sources.