Downtown Silver Spring Fountain
The Equipment
With a colorful mosaic base, the interactive fountain in Downtown Silver Spring is a centerpiece of the area, and kids can’t resist a splash through it. Several jets shoot water at varied heights into the air at varied intervals, making it fun to try to anticipate the sprays. My two sons love trying to sit on top of the super high jet in the center. This is a fountain where kids really need swimsuits since it’s almost impossible to not be drenched. The circular mosaic fountain area is level with the surrounding bricks so there are no sharp edges enclosing it, but it also makes it tempting for kids to sprint through the water out onto the slippery bricks. It can be tough to keep little ones safe on the slick surface. And if they wander into the middle of the fountain you can’t reach them without getting yourself soaked. Toys and other objects are not allowed. Swim shoes are permitted, and those not potty trained need swim diapers.
The Scene
The bustling shopping and dining destination gets a lot of foot traffic, so the fountain can be crowded or at least have a lot of onlookers. There is very little shade to be found, but there are some spots to sit on a bench-height wall (there used to be umbrella tables right next to the fountain but they’ve been removed). Ellsworth Drive runs right next to the fountain but is usually closed off to traffic. Eggspectation, Lebanese Taverna Cafe, and Potbelly all surround the fountain area, and other eateries are very close by. Discovery’s headquarters are about a block away (its lobby has a large dinosaur sculpture and other things for kids to see). A farmers market sets up Saturday mornings along the street right next to the fountain. The fountain is on from spring through fall, and hours are 10am to 9pm.
Age Recommendation
All ages
Restrooms
Public restrooms are a short walk from the fountain, down the tunnel for the Wayne Avenue garage. Posted rules mention that children are not to change clothes in the fountain area.
Review and photos by Kathleen Seiler Neary.,
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All ages,
(2 votes),
