Splashfest 2026 in Boulder Creek: A Family Guide
There's a stretch in early September when Boulder Creek is still holding onto summer, and for one afternoon Garrahan Park fills up with soaked, delighted kids. That's Splashfest, the end-of-summer water-play party, back on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m., with a quieter low-sensory hour from 11 a.m. to noon. It's built for young children: hands-on, messy, and cheerfully wet, a way to send the warm season off before school pulls everyone back inside.
The Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District runs it alongside Messy Play Kits. Plan on your kids getting wet, and confirm the details with BCRPD before you go.
The quick version
- When: Saturday, September 5, 2026, noon to 3 p.m. The low-sensory hour runs 11 a.m. to noon.
- Where: Garrahan Park, 15555 Highway 9, Boulder Creek.
- Cost and registration: confirm current details with BCRPD. Community park events like this can fill up, so check ahead.
- Bring: a towel, dry clothes, water shoes, sun protection, and water to drink.
What to expect
An afternoon of water play and messy, sensory fun aimed squarely at younger kids. The activities are hands-on and, as the name promises, wet, so plan around soggy children from the start.
The low-sensory hour from 11 a.m. to noon gives kids who do better with less crowd and noise a calmer window to enjoy it. Worth knowing if that fits your family.
Parking and getting there
Garrahan Park sits right on Highway 9, where the highway runs through the middle of town. Parking is limited, so give yourself extra time and follow any event parking directions on the day.
Who is organizing it
Splashfest is presented by the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District with Messy Play Kits. BCRPD runs Garrahan and Junction parks and much of the town's recreation programming.
More to do with the kids
If Splashfest sends you looking for the rest of the weekend, see our guide to a day with kids in Boulder Creek and our roundup of local parks and playgrounds.
Details change. Confirm the date and any cost with BCRPD before you go, and tell us if something's off. Last reviewed July 20, 2026.
