Honestly, if you're driving through South Jersey with a car full of restless kids, you’ve probably seen the signs for the Cohanzick Zoo. But what most people fly right past—or assume is just a basic sprinkler—is the Bridgeton Splash Park. It is tucked away right next to the zoo on Mayor Aitken Drive.
Most people get it wrong by thinking they can just show up whenever and run through the water. It doesn't quite work like that. Unlike those tiny, free splash pads you find in neighborhood parks that are basically just a glorified hose, this is a gated, managed facility. It has actual sessions. It has rules about your shoes. And yeah, it’s going to cost you a few bucks.
Is it worth the detour? Totally.
Why the Bridgeton Splash Park is more than a sprinkler
The first thing you’ll notice is that this place is huge compared to your average town sprayground. We're talking about 2,000 square feet of deck. Because it sits right next to the oldest zoo in New Jersey, the designers leaned hard into the animal theme. There are about 28 different fixtures. You’ve got water cannons, dumping buckets that will absolutely soak you if you stand in the wrong spot, and water wheels.
The animal-themed sprayers are the big draw for the toddlers. You’ll see kids trying to "ride" the water-squirting animals or dodging the fountains that shoot up from the ground. It’s fenced in, which is a massive relief for parents. You can actually sit on a bench and not worry about your three-year-old sprinting toward the Cohansey River.
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The Session System: Don't show up at 1:15 PM
This is where the "what most people get wrong" part comes in. You can’t just wander in and out. The park operates on a three-session system. Each session is two hours long. If you show up at 1:15 PM, you’re basically paying for 45 minutes of play because they clear the deck at 1:30 PM to reset for the next group.
Here is how the 2026 schedule generally shakes out:
- Session One: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Session Two: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
- Session Three: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
They need that half-hour gap. They use it to check the water chemistry—chlorine and pH levels are a big deal when you have a hundred kids splashing around—and to tidy up the deck.
The Footwear Rule (The Flip-Flop Ban)
Listen, this sounds weird, but flip-flops are banned. Not just "discouraged." If you show up in standard old-school flip-flops, the staff will likely tell you they aren't allowed on the wet deck. Why? Because they’re trip hazards when wet.
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You need footwear with a back-strap. Think Crocs (in sport mode, obviously), Tevas, or those mesh water shoes. If the shoe doesn't stay firmly on the heel, it’s a no-go. You can go barefoot, though. That’s perfectly fine and honestly what most kids end up doing anyway.
Costs and Logistics for 2026
Prices have stayed pretty stable, though there’s always talk in the City Council about small hikes to cover maintenance. Expect to pay about $6.00 per person per session. And yes, adults usually have to pay if they’re going inside the gate, even if they aren't planning on getting drenched.
Pro tip: Bring cash. While the world is going digital, small-town municipal parks are notoriously loyal to paper money. Don't be the person holding up the line trying to find a card reader that doesn't exist.
Making a day of it in Bridgeton
If you’re driving from Philly or Cherry Hill, you shouldn't just come for the two-hour splash. That’s a long drive for a short soak. The move is to pair it with the Cohanzick Zoo. It’s right there. It’s free (though they appreciate donations). You can see the tigers, bears, and monkeys, then hit the splash park to cool off.
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There’s also a concession stand on-site, but it’s mostly snacks—hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream. If you want a "real" meal, you might want to pack a cooler. There are pavilions nearby like the Dr. Berkowitz Picnic Area, but keep in mind you often need a permit for those if you’re bringing a big group.
Real Talk: The Limitations
The park is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If it’s a weirdly hot day in early May or late September, you’re out of luck. Also, the temperature has to be at least 78 degrees for them to open. If there’s even a hint of a thunderstorm, they will shut it down immediately. Safety first, but it’s a bummer if you just paid your admission.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the weather: Make sure it’s hitting that 78-degree threshold before you load the car.
- Verify the footwear: Ensure every kid (and adult) has shoes with a back-strap or is prepared to go barefoot.
- Hit the ATM: Grab $20-$40 in cash to cover admission and maybe some ice cream from the concession stand.
- Time your arrival: Aim to get there 15 minutes before a session starts (10:45 AM, 1:15 PM, or 3:45 PM) to get through the line and maximize your two hours.
The Bridgeton Splash Park isn't a high-tech water park like Morey's Piers, but for a local afternoon that costs less than a movie ticket, it’s one of the best ways to survive a South Jersey July.