Splash pads are a safe and cheap way to cool off this summer.
City Of Arlington
There’s no better feeling than cooling off with cascading water as the hot Texas summer dials up to triple digit temperatures.
Splash pads are not only safer than pools, especially for younger children, they’re also less costly than water parks — and they’re just as fun.
We’ve compiled a list of (mostly free) splashpads in Tarrant County that you and your kids can enjoy during the hot weather. Admission is free unless otherwise noted.
Brantley Hinshaw Park
Brantley Hinshaw Park, Arlington
2121 Overbrook Dr
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend and only on weekends through September
The new Beacon Recreation Center has a splash pad with covered shelters available for rent. Shelters are $25/hour to rent and can hold up to 10 people. The splash pad is available for rent with or without the water on for $100/hour and can hold up to 100 people.
McPherson Park features a splash pad, playground, three pavilions, wind sculptures, open play areas, a hike and bike trail, a wildflower area, and the 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, one of the few existing log structures remaining in Tarrant County. No glass containers, food or drinks are permitted on the splash pad.
Bicentennial Park is a large regional park located in northeast Crowley. It has hills, creeks, forested areas and open space to explore. One of its most popular features is the 18-hole disc golf course and summer Splash Pad, in addition to the public city events held there. Upcoming events at the park include a Teen Nerf Night on June 17 at 6 p.m. and the Celebration of Freedom Event on July 9 at 5 p.m. The splash pad is cleaned a minimum of two times each week. Pets are not allowed on the splash pad. Water balloons, toys and glass containers are not allowed on the splash pad.
To use the splash pad, press the top of the yellow bollard to start the water features. Interactive spray elements are timed so water only runs when the sprayground 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 hibiscus. Two benches and a beach hut shade structure provide a variety of places for parents to stay dry and supervise while children play.
Opened in 2018, the splash pad is a focal point of Heritage Park. The 2,000 square foot shaded splash pad includes sculpted concrete boulders, shaded seating areas, 14 unique water features and a separate area for toddlers. The splash pad holds a total of 4,000 gallons of water, and pumps approximately 773 gallons of water per minute.
Safari Splash Jeremy Enlow
Safari Splash, Fort Worth
1989 Colonial Pkwy
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open daily now for the season through Labor Day. After Labor Day, it will only be open on weekends and officially closes on Sept. 25.
Safari Splash is a 14,000-square-foot water play area equipped with four slides, a water dump tower, a fill wall for your water toys, animal-shaped water cannons and a designated toddler play area. For an additional $5 with Zoo admission, enjoy Safari Splash before or after a trip through the Fort Worth Zoo.
When the kids aren’t ready for the pool, but they need a place to cool off, head over to the splash pad at Sycamore Community Center. Proper swimwear is required for those playing at the splash pad.
Splash Factory is a water playground located just south of Jefferson and west of Beltline behind Charley Taylor Recreation Center. The Splash Factory features 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. At maximum capacity, the Splash Factory can pump 2,000 gallons of re-circulated water per minute, enough to fill an average in-ground backyard swimming pool in 11 minutes. To conserve water, the city installed a swimming filter and chlorination system that re-circulates water through the park. Staff monitors enforce age requirements for the different play areas.
Dove Sprayground, Grapevine
1509 Hood Ln.
Monday–Thursday from 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
May through September
$3/person for residents and $6/person for non-residents
Right within Dove Park, as part of the Dove Waterpark, you’ll find a water spray playground that’s open all summer long. You can rent a cabana within the facility, or just outside of the fenced-in sprayground. Casey’s Clubhouse Pavilions are available to rent. With covered shade areas, benches, and a huge dump bucket, you’ll have no trouble keeping cool in the hottest of summer weather.
The Parr Park Sprayground is right next to the playground, providing multiple options for fun. The sprayground also offers cabanas and pavilions to rent. Covered picnic tables, benches and big shade trees keep you cool even when you’re not in the water.
Haltom City sprayground
The Sprayground at Whites Branch Park, Haltom City
5290 Western Center Blvd.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. every day except Tuesday for maintenance
Whites Branch Park is a 20-acre park that features two playgrounds, a water sprayground and a picnic pavilion. The sprayground utilizes a recycling water system that is also used for irrigation of the park grounds. No water balloons, glass containers, bicycles, skates or skateboards are allowed in the spraygrounds. Pets aren’t allowed in the spraygrounds.
Sonora Park splash pad
Sonora Park, Kennedale
263 S New Hope Rd.
Weekdays 8 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m., and weekends 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The splash pad at Sonora Park is open all summer. To turn on the splash pad, press the button on top of the short red pole directly in front of you as you enter the gate.
Bicentennial Park, Pantego
3206 Smith Barry Rd.
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Opened Memorial Day weekend and closes Labor Day at 8pm
Walking trails, a creek, a playground, picnic areas and a seasonal splash pad are some of the features you can enjoy at Bicentennial Park, a small community park founded in 1976. Two pavilions and a gazebo can be reserved by Pantego residents as well as Pantego neighbors.
Bicentennial Park is one of Southlake’s largest parks and is home to baseball fields, the Liberty Gardens, the Southlake Tennis Center, a new playground and The Marq Southlake. Along with a splash pad, the park features a concession stand, a fishing pond, a hockey court, trails, picnic tables and tennis courts.
Cherry Park Pool featuring a splash pad
Cherry Park, Weatherford
119 Palo Pinto St.
Monday-Friday 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday: noon to 7 p.m.
Cherry Park, one of the most popular parks in Weatherford, has something for every age. Older kids can enjoy the spacious swimming pool while the little ones use the splash pad. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, a community building, a walking trail, a basketball court, and an outdoor stage.
The new Watauga Splash Pad, which opened last summer, not only offers tons of fun water structures and a spacious area for kids to play, it hosts events like movie nights and character meet and greets.
Love Street Park is the host of one of Kennedale’s two splash pads. The playground has three separate age appropriate structures, along with two swing sets. Love Street Park also has a pavilion available to rent and a pond with new fish being put in once a year. The park offers other recreational activities including a walking trail, a basketball court, and a field. Notably, Love Street Park is the location of the annual NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick competition.
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