Does anyone over 18 really enjoy splash pads?

I have recently realized I have a love/hate relationship with Splash pads. To be honest I don't really remember going to them as a child. They either didn't exist or perhaps were just a couple of small fountains spouting out of the ground? I did remember there used to be a lot more outdoor public pools in the 80's and the splash pads of today definitely seem to use more advanced technology than the small fountains of the past.
However, with temperatures soaring, no access to a pool and two small children I find myself packing up bags, jumping in the car and heading out to these places. But to be honest getting blasted in the face by streams of water is not really my idea of a good time. I find the whole experience kind of chilly and uncomfortable. The disgusting inevitable used band aids that litter these places also kind of turn my stomach - especially when your 10 month old decides to put them in his/her mouth and chew them like they are a free snack.
Not sure if it is genetic or what but my own two kiddies aren't overly big fans of being sprayed and heaven help me when they get a stream of water full on in the face. What they do seem to enjoy is splashing around in the puddles and activating all of the water sensors.
The reason I torture myself at these kind of places is because happy toddlers equals happy mama! On occasion I must also admit that when the humidex climbs its way over 35 the cool water misters are enjoyable for all!

Beach Bonanza

Call me crazy...but my mama guilt finally get the better of me and I managed to wrangle a vacation day off work to go on a field trip with my son's preschool class.
This time the daycare boarded the bus to take us to an indoor beach volleyball centre. Although a couple of beach balls did randomly make their ways over the net it was mostly just a trip for the kiddies to play in the MASSIVE sandpit. The best part was there was no constant worry of water or reapplication of sunscreen.
It was interesting for me to view the daycare dynamic as my days are filled with analytical adults.
I enjoyed watching the good cop/bad cop exchange between the caregivers and their charges. What was eye-opening for me was the appalling behaviour of 2 of the children. The kids sat in "time out" more times than I can count for throwing sand or running away. While the kids did sit in time out it seemed to do little to change their behaviour.
The best part of the day was that my son was just so unbelievably happy to have me there. I know that time is running out with regards to him wanting to have me around so I am grabbing them while I can. Now if only I could get rid of all of this sand in my hair:)