As summer temperatures soar, few things keep kids amused for hours on end like water. Fortunately for local moms, there are plenty of parks with pools, slides, rides and other outdoor activities designed with quality family time in mind. Some of these venues are filled with thrill features, some offer birthday party packages or treasure hunts, and others are perfect for pure laidback fun. Most have sections tailored for toddlers—offering a respite for the busiest of moms! Check out these parks and fit at least one into your summer staycay (there’s even an overnight lodge in the mix!).
The Place: PARADISE SPRINGS AT GAYLORD TEXAN
The Draw: This 10-acre, western-themed water playground caters to families and features a 600-foot-long winding lazy river, a 6,000-square-foot lagoon with walk-in beach, a 27-foot-tall waterslide. Poolside seating and sunbathing accommodations include family-style rounds.
Frill Factors: A designated toddler pool provides respite for moms; a game pavilion and a full-service pool bar and grill are also on site.
The Fine Print: Resort guests only; packages/room rates from $259 through Sep 5.
Grapevine, 817/778-1000;
gaylordtexan.com
The Place: HURRICANE HARBOR
The Draw: Loads of rides, slides, and ample spots for spraying and splashing. The newest water attraction is the Mega Wedgie, a slide with no sides.
Frill Factors: Food options galore, from Mermaid Megs’ chili cheese dog baskets to Dippin’ Dots ice cream to burgers and more at The Surfside Grill; Hook’s Lagoon has a sprayground and slides for the smallest set.
The Fine Print: General admission $27.99, junior (under 48″) $21.99, 2 & under free, season passes available; 10:30am-6:30pm, open till 7 Saturdays.
Arlington, 817/640-8900;
sixflags.com
The Place: GREAT WOLF LODGE
The Draw: An eight-story northwoods-themed resort with nine huge slides, six pools, a giant water fort, floatable river and more indoors; plus an 84,000-square-foot outdoor water park. The Raccoon Lagoon outdoor pool area ranges from zero-depth entry to four feet and includes water basketball and kids’ activities.
Frill Factors: Dining options cover morning, noon, and evening meals, from Bear Paw Sweets & Eats to Pizza Hut with plenty of healthy options (they’ll accommodate special nutritional needs); for kids under 2 there’s a coloring and craft area and the Cub Paw pool.
The Fine Print: This guests-only retreat has multiple packages, from the Family Suite at $199 to the Grizzly Bear Suite with balcony or patio at $399 (nightly rates).
Grapevine, 800/693-9653;
greatwolf.com
The Place: SANDY LAKE AMUSEMENT PARK
The Draw: The Tree Trail is the newest attraction at this family owned and operated park, which also boasts a huge pool, paddleboats, mini-golf, rides, an arcade, and picnic areas.
Frill Factors: Food is mostly fair fare, with cotton candy, hot popcorn, pizza, hot dogs, Frito Pies, and Blue Bell ice cream. Of the 19 rides the train, merry-go-round, and Little Dipper are geared for the younger (2 and under) set.
The Fine Print: General admission $2 (3 years and under free); June through mid-August hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm, open till 6pm Saturday and Sunday, and closed Monday.
Carrollton, 972/242-7449;
sandylake.com
The Place: HAWAIIAN FALLS WATERPARK
The Draw: While Hawaiian Falls offers exciting slides to thrill tweens and teens, its primary focus is creating an atmosphere where families play together, be it river floating or watching a Dive-In movie at the wave pool.
Frill Factors: Coolers are allowed; birthday picnics are encouraged—you can even download and print Hawaiian Falls invitations; the Maui Moms’ Club is for moms with preschoolers in tow, and Keiki Kove is a play area for small kids.
The Fine Print: Open through September 5; $16.99 (‘Lil Kahuna) to $23.99 (Big Kahuna), and free for keikis (children 2 and under); Discounted rate for ‘lil kahunas available on Tuesdays with printed coupon (visit website for more details).*
North Garland, 972/675-8888;
hfalls.com
The Place: THE WET ZONE
The Draw: Attractions suitable for all ages, including the Water Playground, Swash, Turtle Cove, and Water Wars. Riders must be 48” or taller to ride Haley’s Rapid Ripple and KrrPlunk.
Frill Factors: Dine at Haley’s Hunger Hut; special events throughout the summer include Pirate Play Day, with a treasure hunt and costume contest. An area for smaller children has shallow water and play features.
The Fine Print: 11am-6pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; opens at noon on Sundays and stays open until 7pm Fridays and Saturdays; Adults $10.50, child $9.50, kids under 2 free.
Rowlett, 972/412-6266;
rowlett.com
The Place: SURF & SWIM
The Draw: This giant wave pool offers fun for all ages.
Frill Factor: Coolers allowed; Wally’s Cove for kids 6 and under with interactive bubblers, sprayers, and a rideable whale and frog; party rentals include the Little Wave Package.
The Fine Print: open daily 10:30am-6pm, Fridays till 9pm; adults $6, children $5, kids under 2 free.
Garland, 972/205-3993;
surfandswim.org
The Place: ADRENALINA
The Draw: Adrenalina is the first (and only) retail store to integrate a FlowRider® surf ride feature.
Frill Factors: The FlowRider® generates a thin sheet of water that flows over a stationary wave form, allowing riders to slide down and maneuver up a simulated wave surface; instructors are great with children (must be 42”) and will ride on the board with them.
The Fine Print: 11am-9pm, sessions every half hour up until 8:30pm; $20 for 30 minutes, including board and instructor.
Plano, 469/366-0110;
adrenalinaofplano.com
The Place: DOWNTOWN DALLAS
The Draw: Architecture and history enjoyment for you, fountains and water play aplenty for the kids.
Frill Factors: Surprisingly enough, several kid-friendly water features are located right in the heart of downtown: Fountain Place on Ross Avenue, Founders Plaza on Elm Street, and the AT&T Plaza fountains in Victory Park (in front of American Airlines Center).
The Fine Print: Fountains are open to the public. As always, make sure to keep a close eye on your children.
Downtown Dallas,
yourdspot.com
The Place: DALLAS ARBORETUM
The Draw: Sixty-six acres of outdoor garden attractions on White Rock Lake.
Frill Factors: Tykes can get their feet wet at Toad Corners, which features a quartet of giant bronze toads spouting 20-foot streams of water. There’s also the Lay ornamental garden with water walls and a koi pond and the Palmer Fern Dell, with tropical plantings and cooling misters.
The Fine Print: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $8 for kids, $7 for parking; summer discounts available; open daily 9am-5pm.
Dallas, 214/515-6500;
dallasarboretum.org
