Free splash zones in DFW
As the mercury rises, so does this daily summer refrain: “I’m bored.” Beat the heat and the boredom, by taking the kids to one of these free splash zones at community parks in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Here are some of my favorites in an interactive map or read on below for full text :
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Sycamore Spray Ground in Fort Worth
A great place to cool off for children who aren't quite ready for the pool. There are nearby picnic tables so pack a lunch and a water bottle.
Good to know: Proper swimwear required. See pool guidelines.
Hours: Noon to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Where: 2525 E. Rosedale St., Fort Worth, TX 76105
Cost: Free
Info: http://fortworthtexas.gov/sycamoresprayground/
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Cannon Parkway Park in Roanoke
The splash pad is surrounded by other amenities including covered picnic tables, a playground, a basketball court, tennis courts and sand volleyball courts. This is a popular site for birthday parties.
Good to know: Next door is the new Roanoke Skate Park, a 20,000-square-foot park and plaza.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 750 Cannon Parkway, Roanoke, Texas
Cost: Free
Info: http://tx-roanoke2.civicplus.com/185/City-Parks
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McPherson Park in Colleyville
Tucked in a tony Colleyville neighborhood, the Splashpad at McPherson Park is a fun place to play for little one. The park also has a playground and a restroom.
Good to know: The park occupies land that formerly housed one of the major dairy farms in Colleyville. Check out the renovated dairy barn that features photos and replicas as well as the 1800s circa log barn, one of the few existing log structures remaining in Tarrant County.
Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day
Where: 240 W. McDonwell School Road, Colleyville
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.colleyville.com/parksandfacilities.html
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Dove Park Spray Ground in Grapevine
The Spray Ground is next to the community swimming pool. Just north of the pool are basketball, tennis, in-line hockey and sand volleyball courts. You can spend the whole day splashing and playing. In 2013, the city opened Casey’s Clubhouse, an all-inclusive and all-accessible playground.
Good to know: Next to the Spray Ground is the Dove Waterpark, which is open through September 2. The waterpark includes slides, cabanas, spray areas and a snack bar. The fee is $5 for non-residents; $2 for Grapevine residents.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 1509 Hood Lane, Grapevine
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.grapevinetexas.gov/Facilities.aspx?Page=detail&RID=8
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Brantley Hinshaw Park in Arlington
The fun splash park also has a basketball court, bike-and-hike trail, picnic tables and playground.
Good to know: You can activate the park's water features with a touch of the button.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day
Where: 2121 Overbrook Drive, Arlington, TX. 76014
Cost: Free
Info: https://naturallyfun.org/brantley-hinshaw-park
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Klyde Warren Park in Dallas
There's a spray and mist park inside the Children's Park on the grounds of Klyde Warren Park. Aside from the interactive fountains, there are also playgrounds, a storytelling tree and a kid-sized amphitheater.
Good to know: Check the event schedule on the site for educational programs, storytimes, exercise classes and food truck schedule.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
Cost: Free
Info: http://www.klydewarrenpark.org/
Got a favorite free splash pad? Comment below and let others know!
Maricar Estrella, 817-390-7720
This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 5:50 PM.