It’s no secret that Texas summers are hot. But you don’t have to brave crowds at a water park or have a backyard pool to get relief. Here are some of DFW’s best splash pads that are open for visitors right now. (There are definitely great splash pads in other communities, but many are closed because of the pandemic.) Before you head out, be sure to confirm each site’s open status, as things can change quickly these days. If you visit, remember to social distance, avoid large groups and follow all COVID-related guidelines.
California Lane Park Spray Ground // Arlington
Location 1931 California Lane
What to know Your kiddos will stay cool as they enjoy a spray tunnel and arch, water jets and a spinning play station. Access to the spray ground is free; splash the day away from 10am–8pm. You can rent the pavilion and its amenities—including grill and electricity access. Restrooms are on-site.
Oak Hills Splash Park // Carrollton
Location 1225 Royal Palm Lane
What to know In addition to dump buckets and sprayers, this splash park features small water slides. Cool down at no cost during the hours of 9am–8pm. A pavilion, tables and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms are available on-site. Swim attire is required.
McPherson Park Splash Pad // Colleyville
Location 240 W. McDonwell School Road
What to know The splash pad at McPherson Park features tipping water buckets, a red windmill that sprays water, an archway in a frog design that sprays kids below, and more. Take a snack and hydration break under the shaded pavilion. This splash pad is free and open 10am–8pm daily through the end of September. Restrooms are on-site.
Bicentennial Park Splash Pad // Crowley
Location 900 E. Glendale St.
What to know Crowley’s Bicentennial Park offers a 2,000-square-foot splash pad for water fun. This free park has a sea theme and is open daily from 10am–8pm through Labor Day. There are restrooms on-site.
Danieldale Sprayground // Dallas
Location 300 W. Wheatland Road
What to know With imaginative water play for the kids and shaded areas and tables for adults, this free splash pad in South Dallas is sure to be a hit. Make hot sunny days a cool adventure during open hours of 10am–8pm daily (except Thursdays, when scheduled maintenance takes place and the spray ground opens at 2pm). Go to the bathroom before you get there, but there are portable toilets on-site if needed.
Lake Highlands North Sprayground // Dallas
Location 9940 White Rock Trail
What to know Cool down in the spray ground at Lake Highlands North Park. It’s free and open through Labor Day (10am–8pm every day except Friday, when the spray area opens at 2pm). There’s not a bathroom on-site, but you can take advantage of benches, picnic tables, a pavilion and other shade. And kids will love the water features, including spray arches and in-ground jets.
Fairview Fountain // Fairview
Location 329 Town Place, at Fairview Town Center
What to know This interactive fountain features in-ground jets that shoot sprays of water into the air. Kids 12 and under are invited to enjoy fountain play at no charge. Swim diapers are required for the littlest visitors, and rubber footwear is encouraged for all kiddos. Parents can watch from nearby tables and benches. Restrooms are available in Fairview Town Center.
Safari Splash // Fort Worth
Location 1989 Colonial Parkway, at Fort Worth Zoo
What to know If your kids need room to roam, give Safari Splash a go. It covers 14,000 square feet at the Fort Worth Zoo and features slides, a water dump tower, animal-shaped water cannons, a toddler area and more. It’s an additional $5 with zoo admission ($4 for zoo members and free for kids 2 and under). Moms and dads can watch from a shaded lounge chair. Safari Splash opens at 10am; closing time is 5pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends. There are nearby bathrooms.
Frisco Commons Spray Park // Frisco
Location 8000 McKinney Road
What to know This spray ground, which runs on a recycled water system, includes a multitude of dumping buckets, interactive sprayers, geysers and more. Proper swimwear is required, including swim diapers if appropriate. The water features are visible from nearby tables, so parents can enjoy some shade while the kiddos play. Access the spray park for free from 8am–8pm daily, with restrooms on-site.
Dove Sprayground // Grapevine
Location 1509 Hood Lane, at Dove Park
What to know This spray ground is part of the Dove Waterpark. With shaded areas, benches and a huge dump bucket, your kiddos will have no trouble keeping cool in the heat. For extra comfort, you can rent a cabana. Water shoes are encouraged but not required. It’s currently open 11am–9:30pm Monday through Thursday and 11am–7pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3 for Grapevine residents and $6 for nonresidents. Restrooms are on-site.
Doubletree Ranch Park Splash Pad // Highland Village
Location 310 Highland Village Road
What to know The splash pad at Doubletree Ranch Park is perhaps the most scenic spray ground in North Texas. The modern design looks like a natural creek and features 15 water features (with 66 sprayers and a waterfall). It’s open from 10am–8pm every day except Tuesday. There’s no charge to play. Restrooms are available on-site.
Clayton W. Chandler Park Splash Pad // Mansfield
Location 1540 N. Walnut Creek Drive
What to know Littles can cool off safely with the non-slip surface at this splash pad. Play in the water sprayers at no charge 10am–8pm daily through Labor Day. Then your kiddos can dry off at the adjacent playground. The park has bathroom facilities.
Frontier Park Splash Pad // Prosper
Location 1551 Frontier Parkway
What to know The splash pad at Frontier Park sits alongside the community-built Windmill Playground. The interactive water features are open through Oct. 1, and the fun is free. There are multiple restrooms throughout the park.
Bicentennial Park Splash Pad // Southlake
Location 450 W. Southlake Blvd.
What to know This Southlake water play area is designed to look like a big dragon. Kids splash around by the giant dragon’s head, frolic in the green water fountains that twist up from the ground and duck under small spraying archways. It’s currently open from 6am–11pm daily, with on-site restrooms.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Zoo.
