Davis Gets a New Splash Pad for Kids and Families
There is finally a splash pad in Davis for kids! Natalie’s Corner in Central Park marks the very first splash pad in the city of Davis. In general, there are not many splash pads in Yolo County, so Natalie’s Corner helps fill a much-needed void. The splash pad is free for all to use.
Having brought my kids here, I will tell you that this is one of the best splash pads in the Sacramento area. Keep reading to learn why.
Check out the Natalie’s Corner splash pad in my Instagram Reel!
About Natalie’s Corner
Natalie’s Corner honors Davis police officer Natalie Corona, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty. This splash pad brings the community together to play and celebrate joy, while honoring Natalie and reflecting on the mark she left in the Davis community.
If you want to learn more about Natalie’s story, there is a placard near the splash pad in Natalie’s Corner that details her contributions and how the splash pad is in honor of her.
Where is Natalie’s Corner?
The new splash pad in Davis is in Central Park, one of the most popular landmarks in the city of Davis. It is centrally located, making it easy to combine with other things to do in Davis. Central Park is also home to the reputable Davis Farmers Market.
The splash pad lives in a fenced-in area within the park. Prepare for it to be busy as it’s new, awesome, and in the heart of Davis.
Features of the Splash Pad
Natalie’s Corner is truly a gorgeous splash pad. There is something for kids of all ages to enjoy water play on a hot day. Older kids were playing at the splash pad alongside my one-year-old, but everyone was very respectful of each other.
I also love how vibrant and colorful this splash pad is. Many splash pads have a ground floor, but this splash pad’s floor is attractive with bright blue and green elements.
The entire splash pad features garden-themed elements, including flowers that sprout up and sprinkle water, as well as water sprayers in the shapes of a ladybug, frog, mushroom, and bunny. The water sprayers range in size, and little kids can enjoy the smaller ones.
One of the biggest highlights of the splash pad is an interactive water table. Kids couldn’t get enough of it! Three different interactive water tables are attached, ranging from water flowing down a mountain to water swirling in a whirlpool. It’s a fun and unique feature that you don’t usually see at splash pads.
With a flowing waterfall to run through and ongoing dump buckets, kids are going to get soaked at this splash pad and will love all the exciting water features.
Splash Pad Highlights
- Dump buckets
- Interactive water table
- Various water sprayers and sprinklers
- Waterfall kids can run through
- Water cannons
- Outdoor shower for kids to rinse off after using the splash pad
Is There Any Shade?
There are a handful of picnic tables with shade cover that surround the splash pad. However, they get taken fast, particularly due to the popularity and newness of the splash pad. Depending on the time of day, there might be some shady patches along the turf lawn area that you could lay a blanket on. Central Park has shady areas and many trees. Shade is in the park, but it is relatively limited at the splash pad.
What are the Hours?
As of 2025, Natalie’s Corner is open daily from 10am to 7pm. Currently, there is no closing date for the season. The splash pad just opened in mid-August, so the city of Davis is seeing how things go in the community before determining when to close the splash pad for the season.
Other Amenities in Central Park
Pedal-Powered Carousel
Central Park is home to the iconic pedal-powered carousel in Davis, otherwise known as “The Flying Carousel of the Delta Breeze of Central Park.”. It’s next to the entrance of the splash pad. This carousel is human-powered and acts like a bicycle. Kids need to pedal for it to rotate. It’s only open during the Davis Farmers Market and Picnic in the Park. There is a small fee to ride the carousel, which supports the Davis Schools Foundation.
Playgrounds
Multiple play structures are in Central Park. Two play structures are near the splash pad. There is a third farm-themed play structure, which has a climbable tractor and hay. It’s next to where the Davis Farmers Market takes place.
Davis Farmers Market
The Davis Farmers Market is one of the best farmers’ markets in the Sacramento area. It occurs year-round on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
Picnic in the Park also takes place seasonally from May through September. Picnic in the Park is on Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 8pm. This beloved seasonal event has kid-friendly activities, including face painting and a clown. Plus, there are food vendors and live music.
Restrooms
Restrooms are in Central Park, near the splash pad.
Where to Park
There is a parking lot at Central Park that has 90-minute spaces. On a popular day like Saturdays during the Davis Farmers Market, you’ll likely need to find nearby street parking.
Food Options near Central Park
Davis has no shortage of delicious kid-friendly food options. You can easily walk to a wide range of eateries, dessert shops, and coffee shops from Central Park.
1. Cafe Bernardo
If you want a fast, yet delicious meal, Cafe Bernardo is an easy walk from Central Park. It’s a quick-service restaurant where you order at the counter and wait for your food to be brought to you. It has an upscale feel, but it’s actually casual. Cafe Bernardo is part of Paragary’s Restaurant Group and focuses on a seasonal farm-to-fork menu. I’m still thinking about the peach and prosciutto pizza I ate there! They don’t really advertise it, but they do have a kids’ menu at the restaurant.
2. Paesano’s
Paesano’s is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in the Sacramento area. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere with comforting Italian food. The Davis location is one of three locations, in addition to Elk Grove and Midtown Sacramento. Paesano’s has a kids’ menu. On Tuesdays, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree (call to confirm the deal, as sometimes they rotate this promotion).
3. Davis Creamery
If you don’t want a full meal and prefer a sweet treat, Davis Creamery is where to go. This is artisanal, small-batch, handmade ice cream made fresh every day. They always have nine standard flavors that are in the store; otherwise, the flavors rotate daily. Treat yourself to an ice cream flight or time your visit with an ice cream happy hour special.
Davis Splash Pad Tips for Families
- Arrive early to grab a shady spot or picnic table
- Bring extra clothes for little ones, especially if you plan on making a day of it in Davis
- Keep an eye on younger children near stronger water features such as the water cannons or dump buckets
- Bring sunscreen as the splash pad is in full sun
- Don’t forget towels as the kids will get soaked at this splash pad
Address: Natalie’s Corner at Central Park | 5th St & B St, 401 C St, Davis, CA 95616
