Splash Pad, Splash Park, Aquatic Park, Spray Park, Spray Ground, Play Fountains whatever you call ‘em, they’re free family-friendly fun and DFW is ripe with them, thank goodness!
Splash pads are a great way to keep it cool in the hot North Texas summers. These (mostly) zero-depth interactive water parks typically sport colorful, dynamic timed spray elements, fountains, misters, geysers and water columns. Fun and refreshing for folks of all ages, they are especially well suited to younger children because they do not present the same drowning hazards as swimming pools. The water sequences are typically activated by touch so that water is only running while the splash pad is in use, making them a water-wise way to have fun in the sun, which is one of the things we really like about them.
DFW Splash Pads & Fountains:
Dallas
Klyde Warren Park
Throughout the park you will find Interactive Fountains. Two interactive fountains at each side of the park at the entrance and a bigger interactive fountain behind the stage. And a very cool interactive fountain that lights up in different colors in the Children’s Park area perfect for babies, toddlers and younger kids. Older kids will probably enjoy the fountains behind the stage but really all ages can have fun at any of the fountains at the park.
Hours: Park hours are from 6am-11pm
Location: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway Dallas, TX 75201
Continental Avenue Bridge
If you enter the Continental Avenue Bridge from West Dallas (between Canada Dr & Signleton) and mosey toward downtown along past the geometric climbing play area, past the chess table and the Bocce court, you’ll come to the play fountains. Touch-activated, if they’re not already on, look for the button on a stand across from the lounge chairs. Push to activate the ground-level misters and spouting fountains. It’s nothing too fancy but it definitely does the trick on a hot day and kids love it none the less. The lounge chairs aren’t shaded, so, be sure to bring along sun protection.
Hours: Park hours are from 5am-11pm
Location: Continental Avenue Bridge and West Dallas Gateway is located at 109 Continental Avenue Dallas, Texas 75208. The area can be accessed on the Downtown side off of Riverfront and Core Street and on the West Dallas side between Canada Dr and Singleton.
Dallas Aquatics
Spraygrounds are open annually from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, seven days a week, and will be open weekends only from Labor Day through September 25th. The following 13 spray grounds are by Dallas Aquatics and are Free to the public:
Beckley-Saner Sprayground
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Thur 2pm-8pm
Location: 114 W. Hobson Dallas, TX 75224
Campbell Green Sprayground
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Fri 2pm-8pm
Location: 16600 Park Hill Dr. Dallas, TX 75248
Danieldale
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Thur 2pm-8pm
Location: 300 W. Wheatland Rd. Dallas, TX 75232
Ferguson
Hours: Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Mon 2pm-8pm
Location: 1900 Gross Rd. Dallas, TX 75228
Lake Highlands North
Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Fri 2pm-8pm
Location: 9940 White Rock Trail Dallas, TX 75238
Mildren Dun
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Tues 2pm-8pm
Location: 3300 Carpenter Ave. Dallas, TX 75215
Pemberton Hill
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Wed 2pm-8pm
Location: 6424 Elam Rd. Dallas, TX 75217
South Central
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Wed 2pm-8pm
Location: 4753 Fellows Dallas, TX 75216
Ridgewood
Hours: Tues, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Mon 2pm-8pm
Location: 6818 Fisher Rd. Dallas, TX 75214
Umphress
Hours: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Wed 2pm-8pm
Location: 7700 Umphress Dallas, TX 75217
Willie Mae Butler
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm, Tues 2pm-8pm
Location: 3700 Dixon Ave. Dallas, TX 75203
Addison Circle Park Interactive Fountains
The park features a pavilion, restrooms, public display fountains, water features, two stages, an impressive pergola, benches, and off-street parking.
Hours: Open daily
Location: 4950 Addison Circle Dr. Addison, Tx 75001
Fort Worth
Sycamore Sprayground
When the kids aren’t ready for the pool, but they need a place to cool off, head over to the spray ground at Sycamore Community Center. Swimsuits are required for those playing at the spray ground, which features 15 colorful water features and nearby picnic tables. Water features include a mushroom fountain, water cannon, filling-splash water buckets, spray rings and ground fountains. Free to the public.
Hours: May 24 – Sept. 1, Noon-7pm Monday – Sunday
Location: 2525 E. Rosedale St. Fort Worth, TX 76105
Marine Park Pool
So, this one isn’t a zero-depth sprayground, it’s a pool with some fancy sprayground-esque water features in shallow water. It’s also not free but low cost ($5 under age 17, $6 over) and it’s fairly new. so, We thought we’d mention it because if it’s not already on your radar, it should be. It also has a plume water slide, swim lanes and a submerged deck area with lounging chairs, a good option for parents with kids that span a wide range of ages.
Hours: 12:30-6:30 p.m.
Open weekends only: May 23-25, May 30-31, Aug. 29-30 and Sept. 5-7
Open 7 days/wk: Jun. 6-Aug. 23
Location: 303 Nw 20th St, Fort Worth, TX 76106
Fountains at Sundance Square
Sundance Square’s fountains is a 50 x 60 foot space, with 216 jets and .25″ depth, set before an impressive classic Texas cattle mural. The dancing vertical water jets, which are programmed at varied heights from 6 inches to 6 foot and are beautifully lit at night.. We were contacted by Sundance Square who emphasized that the fountains are NOT a splash pad, they were designed and classified as viewing fountains. Still, they are a delight and worth a visit. Seating is available beneath shade umbrellas around the fountain and nearby restrooms are convenient.
Hours: 2pm–6pm Mon-Fri, 1pm–6pm Sat & Sun
Location: 2525 E. Rosedale St. Fort Worth, TX 76105
The Watering Hole
Much smaller than the fountains at Sundance, this sweet little water feature includes 6 dancing sprays pointing to a larger central fountain set in the courtyard between the National Cowgirl Museum and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The Cowgirl Museum welcomes guests to use their restrooms but please bring a towel to dry off outside first.
Hours: Open daily 10am-7pm except during cold season
Location: 1720 Gendy Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107
The Burbs
Celebration Park in Allen
Celebration Park is known as a beautiful setting, with a duck pond, playing fields, green belt and a wonderful handicapped accessible playground next to the spray ground. Designed for use by children ages 2 to 12 years old the splash pad includes several colorful water features, such as filling buckets, mushroom fountains, water cannons, spray rings and ground fountains. There are nearby shaded picnic tables. It’s a bit of a walk to the nearest restrooms, but there are restrooms, and clean at that.
Hours: open during the summer from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. (except for Wednesdays). The sprayground is closed for weekly maintenance every Wednesday.
Location: 701 Angel Pkwy Allen, Tx
City of Arlington Parks & Recreation
City of Arlington Parks and Recreation Department’s offers three spray parks:
Don Misenhimer Park, 201 E. Lonesome Dove Trl.
Super-cute little park with climbable dolphin, whale, turtle water sculptures, a palm tree and dancing ground fountains. Sand pit with digger, covered slide playground and shaded picnic tables nearby but no restrooms.
California Lane Park, 2001 California Ln.
Colorful water rings, vertical fountain jets and other sprayers. Covered slide nearby, shady ground spots perfect for a towel or picnic blanket. Norestrooms.
Brantley Hinshaw Park, 2121 Overbrook Dr.
A fairly simple little spray ground with water rings and spray jets. Nice shaded picnic seating, with 3 tables nearby. Large playground adjacent. No restrooms.
Hours: All three are open from 10am–8pm daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and then on weekends through the end of the month.
Levitt Pavillion Interactive Fountains in Arlington
The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts is inside Founders Plaza. Founders Plaza is the crown jewel in the revitalization of Downtown Arlington and has become a favorite place for an impromptu picnic lunch, community gatherings and celebrations. The park includes a spacious lawn, walkways, seating walls, beautiful trees and flower beds. The interactive water fountain generously donated by the Junior League of Arlington, is available for kid-friendly frolic daily until 4pm. The fountains are turned off during the Levitt’s concert performances.
Hours: Turned on until 4pm daily and from 12–4pm on Wednesdays.
Location: Downtown Arlington at 100 W. Abram St. on the corner of Center and Abram streets directly across the street from city hall.
W.J. Thomas Splash Park in Carrollton
Super-cute splash pad with whimsical water features including a purple mushroom and rainbow spray rings, palm tree coconut water drop, water cannons and more. Tap the silver sensor on the fire hydrant to start the water features, which will start flowing slowly. Appropriate swim attire is required, including swim diapers for young children, and water shoes are recommended. The park itself is lovely, with mature shade trees, a wooden deck with picnic tables, plenty of parking, lawns and a playground. Restrooms are available.
Hours: Daily Water Feature Hours – 9 am to 8 pm (May 1 – October 15)
Location: 1955 N. Perry Road Carrollton, TX 75006
Hillside Village Interactive Fountains in Cedar Hill
Hillside Village is an open air shopping mall in Cedar hill. It’s centerpiece is an interactive fountain with ground-level vertical spray jets, which are beautifully lit at night. The splash pad is surrounded by umbrella covered tables and wooden rocking chairs. Designed for children ages 10 and under, please note that the maximum height to play in the fountain is 48″ regardless of age. Adults can be in the outer ring when monitoring a toddler.
Hours: The fountain is open daily from 9:00am-10:00pm.
Location: 305 W. FM 1382 Cedar Hill, TX 75104
McPherson Park Splash Pad in Colleyville
McPherson Park features a playground, picnic and restroom facilities, splashpad, Lyman Whitaker wind sculptures, open play areas, a hike and bike trail, demonstration gardens, a wildflower area, tree farm, and the renovated Rock House. The park occupies land that formerly housed one of the major dairy farms in Colleyville and showcases the history in its park amenities. A renovated dairy barn features photos and replicas of an actual milking operation. While the former Dunn/Tirk log barn, built in the late 1800’s, lets visitors peek into the past by raising the shutter openings on either of the barns two primary pens. This barn is one of the few existing log structures remaining in Tarrant County.
Hours: Daily 6am- 10pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Location: 240 West McDonwell School Road
Splash Island at South Euless Park in Euless
A simple yet effective splash pad, the magic touch bollard turns on the fun. Interactive spray elements are timed so water only runs when the spray ground is in use. There are several water effects for all children to play in including a raining bucket, an in-ground spray fountain, poles, a colorful misty arch, geysers and a spray column all located on a blue rubber surface. The tropical landscaping includes banana trees and hardy hibiscus. Two benches and a beach hut shade structure provide a variety of places for parents to stay dry and supervise while children play. A playground and pool with restrooms are also located at this park.
Hours: Mon – Sat: 9am – 8pm, Sun 2 – 6pm (Open May 1 to September 30)
Location: 600 S. Main St. Euless, Tx
The Village Fountain in Fairview
An interactive fountain with vertical jets set in The Village open air shopping center. The fountain is on the north side of the development, behind the Purple Cow Restaurant, which is also popular with kids. The fountain also shows colorfully lit dancing waters choreographed to well known musicians such as Celine Dion and Michael Jackson, with show times daily at 7pm, 8pm & 9pm.
Hours: open daily from 9am – 9pm
Location: 329 Town Place Fairview, Texas 75069
Frisco Spray Parks:
The City of Frisco has 3 spray parks conveniently located across the city. Spray parks may close due to water restrictions, maintenance protocols or during cool weather.
Frisco Commons Spray Park – This park utilizes a well water/pond recycling system and is not usually subject to drought water restrictions. Amenities: Restroom facility, large pavilion and additional shade features
Hours: open daily 8am – 8pm (May 15 – September 30)
Location: 8000 McKinney Road Frisco, TX 75034
J.R. Newman Spray Park – The spray park is one of many elements located within this neighborhood park. The park’s farming and barn theme capture the heritage of the Newman Family which once owned the property. To activate the spray features, touch the sensor located at the top of a blue pillar on the southern portion of the splash pad. Please note that while this is a great park serving the resident on the west side of Frisco, the neighborhood park does have a picnic pavilion but does not have a restroom facilities
Hours: open daily 8am – 8pm (May 15 – September 30)
Location: 8211 Twin Falls Drive Frisco, TX 75034
Shepherd’s Glen Spray Park – Located at 12012 Shepherds Hill Drive, the spray park serves the residents on the east side of Frisco. The spray park is one of many features included in this 13 acre neighborhood park. To activate the spray features, touch the sensor located at the top of a blue pillar on the western portion of the splash pad. Please note, this neighborhood park does have a picnic pavilion but does not have a restroom facility.
Hours: open daily 8am – 8pm (May 15 – September 30)
Location: 12012 Shepherds Hill Drive Frisco, TX 75034
The Splash Factory in Grand Prairie
Splash Factory is not free but a very affordable interactive water park by the city’s Parks & Rec. department. It features fun, age-specific play areas including a water wall, ground sprays, play structures, a magic touch water gun, spray cannons and power geysers. Six touch buttons allow children to interact with the play features. Staff monitor and enforce age requirements for the different play areas. There are shaded areas and this splash pad is near the Charlie Taylor Rec center, so, we’re assuming there are bathrooms nearby. We’ll have to make a special trip out to confirm this, so, be forewarned.
Hours: Summer Hours Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm (May 28-Aug 28) Cost: $2/person
Location: 601 E. Grand Prairie Road, just south of Jefferson and west of Beltline behind Charley Taylor Recreation Center
Spraygrounds in Grapevine
Splash It Up at Parr Park Spraygound and Dove Park Spraygound! Both Spraygound facilities are FREE to everyone (residents and non-residents). Water shoes are encouraged at both spraygounds!
Hours: open daily 8AM – 8PM (May 1 – September 30)
Location: Dove Park, 1509 Hood Lane and Parr Park, 3010 Parr Ln.
Spraygrounds in Haltom City
Haltom City has two spraygrounds at Broadway Park and Whites Branch Park. Hours will be subject to change due to water restrictions, weather, or unforeseen repairs.
Hours: open daily 10AM – 8PM (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Location: Broadway Park, 4839 Broadway Ave. and Whites Branch Park, 5290 Western Center Blvd.
Spray Parks in Irving
The city manages two seasonal spray parks, which are free and open to the public. , is closed on Mondays; , is closed on Tuesdays. These modified hours help support the city’s water conservation efforts.
Hours: open daily 11AM – 8PM, Northwest Park closed on Mondays, Southwest Park closed on Tuesdays (Memorial Day – Labor Day)
Location: Northwest Park, 2800 Cheyenne St. and Southwest Park, 2800 Shady Grove Road
Spray Pads in McKinney
Splash pads are located in seven McKinney Parks
Hours: plan to open in late May. The park hours will depend on the status of the stage three water restrictions.
Locations:
Ash Woods Park, 10301 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Aviator Park, 1201 Monticello Dr.
Finch Park, 301 West Standifer St.
Horizon Park, 401 Flatrock Dr.
Inspiration Park, 4212 Shawnee Dr.
Sonntag Park, 1849 Reagan Dr.
John M. Whisenant, 3701 Hudson Crossing
Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Complex, 2, 2701 North Brook Dr., playground is wheelchair accessible
Cannon Parkway in Roanoke
This park not only has a Splash Pad but many other awesome amenities such as; Large Open Field for Kite Flying, Soccer, Playground Equipment, Pavilion with picnic tables, Splash Pad, Basketball Courts, Tennis Courts, Skate Park, Sand Volleyball Courts, and Walking Trail (0.34 miles long).
Hours: open daily 8am-10pm
Locations: 750 Cannon Parkway
Fox Chase Park in Rockwall
10-acre park with the following features; Sprayground, pond, water fountain, pavilion, climbing boulder, playground, trails, fishing pier.
Hours: open daily 8am-10pm
Locations: Tubbs / Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, Texas 75032
Have we missed any splash pads or play fountains? Leave us a comment below and let us know.
