Historic Fourth Ward Park Splash Pad: A Local’s Guide to Cooling Off in Atlanta

The Historic Fourth Ward Park splash pad is one of Atlanta’s most popular places for families to cool off when the weather heats up. Located along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, it’s a kid-friendly water play area surrounded by green space, playgrounds, and skyline views — all just minutes from downtown and Midtown.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are planning a BeltLine day, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about enjoying the splash pad and the surrounding park.

Where the Splash Pad Is and How to Get There

The splash pad is part of Historic Fourth Ward Park, a 17‑acre park on Atlanta’s east side.

General location:

• Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward
• Near: Ponce City Market & the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Park address (for GPS): 680 Dallas Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  (This is the main park address; the splash pad is on the northern side near the BeltLine and playground.)

Getting There by Car

Historic Fourth Ward Park is close to major intown roads like North Avenue, Ralph McGill Boulevard, and Boulevard NE.

Parking options typically include:

• Small park lots around the park (often fill up on weekends and hot afternoons)
• Street parking on nearby residential streets (watch for permit-only and time-limited zones)
• Paid decks/garages near Ponce City Market or along North Avenue, then a short walk along the BeltLine

Because parking can be tight, many Atlanta families plan to arrive earlier in the day or later in the afternoon, especially on summer weekends.

Getting There via MARTA and the BeltLine

You can also get to the splash pad without driving:

• MARTA rail:
  • Ride to North Avenue Station or Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station
  • Connect by bus, scooter, bike, or rideshare to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• BeltLine access:
  • Walk, bike, or scooter along the Eastside Trail.
  • The park sits between Ponce City Market and Freedom Parkway, with several entrances into the park from the trail.

This makes the splash pad a convenient stop if you’re already exploring BeltLine favorites like Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market, or Inman Park.

What to Expect at the Historic Fourth Ward Park Splash Pad

The splash pad is an open-air water play area with ground-level spray jets, fountains, and plenty of space for kids to run around.

Key features:

• Interactive fountains & water jets coming up from the ground
• Flat, open play surface (great for toddlers and younger kids with supervision)
• Benches and nearby seating for adults to watch comfortably
• Adjacent green space and playground, so kids can rotate between water play and dry play
• Views of the skyline and park lake, which add to the “only in Atlanta” feel

The splash pad is not a pool — there’s no standing deep water, and it’s all about running, splashing, and cooling off in the sprays. Many Atlanta parents choose it as a lower-stress alternative to swimming pools, especially for younger children.

Hours, Season, and Operation

The splash pad generally operates seasonally, during the warmer months. In Atlanta, that typically means late spring through early fall, but exact dates and daily hours can change.

Because schedules may vary from year to year, it’s wise to:

• Check with City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Main office: 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone (central switchboard): 404‑546‑6788
• Look for posted signs on-site at the park
• Expect closures during:
  • Lightning or severe weather
  • Maintenance or cleaning
  • Off-season/winter months

If you’re planning a special outing or meeting friends, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case the water is off when you arrive (like the playground, BeltLine walk, or nearby indoor spots at Ponce City Market).

Amenities Around the Splash Pad

One reason families love the Historic Fourth Ward Park splash pad is that it’s not just water jets in a random corner — it’s surrounded by amenities that make longer visits easier.

Nearby Playgrounds and Green Space

Right next to the splash pad you’ll typically find:

• Play structures for different ages
• Slides and climbing features
• Open lawns for picnics, blankets, or casual games
• Paved walkways that are stroller-friendly

This setup makes it easy to:

• Start at the playground
• Cool off at the splash pad
• Take a snack or rest break in the grass
  …all without moving your car.

Restrooms and Shade

The park includes:

• Park restrooms (usually in designated buildings or near key park areas)
• Trees and shaded areas around walking paths and lawns

On very hot days, many caregivers alternate between water play and shade breaks to avoid too much sun exposure. Light cover-ups, hats, and water shoes are common sights.

Food and Drinks Nearby

Historic Fourth Ward Park itself doesn’t operate food concessions, but you’re just a short walk from:

• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE) – a large marketplace with eateries, coffee, and treats
• Smaller cafes and restaurants along the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Many families:

• Pack snacks, water bottles, and a small cooler
• Or play at the splash pad first, and then walk to Ponce City Market for lunch or dessert

Keep in mind that glass containers are typically not allowed in city parks.

What to Bring to the Splash Pad

To make your visit smoother, especially during Atlanta’s hot, humid summers, consider bringing:

• Swimwear or quick-dry clothes for kids (and maybe a change of clothes for the ride home)
• Water shoes or sandals with good grip (the surface can get slick)
• Towels or lightweight blankets
• Sunscreen and hats for added sun protection
• Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated 💧
• A small bag with snacks, wipes, and basic kid essentials

Some local families also bring:

• A lightweight folding chair for caregivers
• A stroller if you’re walking along the BeltLine before or after
• A waterproof bag or plastic bag for wet clothes

Basic Rules, Safety, and Etiquette

The City of Atlanta and park staff aim to keep the splash pad safe and enjoyable for everyone. While posted rules may vary, common expectations include:

• Adult supervision required:
  Children should always be actively supervised by a responsible adult or caregiver.
• Appropriate swimwear:
  Standard swimwear or quick-dry clothing is typically expected.
• No rough play:
  Running is almost unavoidable with kids, but pushing, shoving, and unsafe behavior may be discouraged.
• No glass containers:
  To reduce the risk of broken glass on the play surface.
• Keep food out of the water play area:
  Snacks and drinks are better enjoyed on nearby benches or grass, away from the jets.
• Sick children should stay home:
  If a child is ill, it’s safer for everyone to avoid shared water play.

If you’re visiting for the first time, it can help to walk around the area for a minute, read any posted signs, and go over simple rules with kids before they jump into the water.

Historic Fourth Ward Park Splash Pad at a Glance

Making It Part of a Bigger Day in Atlanta

Because of its central location, the Historic Fourth Ward Park splash pad easily fits into a full Atlanta outing.

Ideas for Locals

• Saturday BeltLine loop:
  • Start at Krog Street Market, walk the Eastside Trail
  • Stop at the splash pad for the kids
  • Finish with lunch or ice cream at Ponce City Market
• After-school or after-work cool-down:
  • Drive or rideshare to the park
  • Let kids burn off energy at the playground and splash pad
  • Enjoy a short walk or bike ride around the lake

Ideas for Visitors

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near Midtown, downtown, or along Ponce de Leon Avenue:

• Pair the splash pad with:
  • BeltLine exploration, including public art and murals
  • A visit to Freedom Park or nearby neighborhoods like Inman Park and Virginia-Highland
  • Shopping or dining at Ponce City Market

This gives you a mix of urban scenery, family-friendly play, and local food without having to drive all over the metro area.

Accessibility and Tips for Different Age Groups

Toddlers and Younger Kids

• The shallow, spray-style setup is often less intimidating than a pool.
• Stay close, as kids this age can slip easily on wet surfaces.
• Many caregivers bring waterproof diapers or swim diapers for little ones.

Older Kids

• Older kids often treat the splash pad like an obstacle course, running in and out of jets.
• Setting clear expectations about sharing space, not blocking smaller kids, and respecting posted rules can help keep things smooth.

Caregivers and Multigenerational Visits

Historic Fourth Ward Park’s paved paths and benches make it easier for:

• Grandparents or relatives with limited mobility to find comfortable spots
• Caregivers to push strollers and carts
• Groups to spread out on nearby lawns and keep an eye on kids from a distance

If anyone in your group has specific accessibility needs, you may want to scout out pathways and seating areas first or plan to arrive at less-crowded times.

Who Manages the Park and Splash Pad

Historic Fourth Ward Park is overseen as part of the City of Atlanta’s parks system, in connection with projects along the Atlanta BeltLine.

For general questions about park operations, maintenance, or city recreation services, you can start with:

City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1700
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404‑546‑6788

Residents sometimes also contact:

• Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. for questions related to BeltLine trails and programming
• Local neighborhood groups or community associations for volunteer opportunities and park cleanups

Spending time at the Historic Fourth Ward Park splash pad is a distinctly Atlanta way to beat the heat: it combines city views, BeltLine energy, and kid-friendly water play in one easy-to-reach spot. With a little planning around parking, season, and what to pack, it can become a go‑to part of your regular Atlanta routine or a highlight of your visit.