Splash & Play – The Best Splash Pads and Water Features in Dallas-Fort Worth

Any city in the metroplex worth its salt will have a splash pad or five. But if you’re looking for ways to beat the heat in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in between, there are a few that stand out from the crowd, like the ones in our ultimate guide to splash pads and water playgrounds in DFW. Here are our favorite free splash pads perfect for a hot day with kids:

1. KidMania Sprayground at Celebration Park – Allen

2. Nancy Best Fountain at Klyde Warren Park – Dallas Arts District

3. Safari Splash at the Fort Worth Zoo – Fort Worth

Stay Indoors – Free & Low-Cost Indoor Activities with A/C

Free indoor activities are always awesome, but when you’re looking for things to do during a heat wave in Dallas-Fort Worth, they’re a game-changer. Here are some of our favorite free indoor spots and affordable indoor playgrounds perfect for kids.

4. NorthPark Center – Dallas

5. The Play Place at Galleria Dallas – North Dallas

6. Kidz Indoor Playground at Prestonwood Baptist Church – Plano

7. Watermark Tree Fort – Dallas

Chill Eats – Kid-Friendly Places With Cold Treats & Cool Vibes

8. Monster Yogurt – Lakewood/Casa Linda and Richardson

This spot is a dream-come-true collab between a kids’ play space and a frozen yogurt shop. Let the kids run, slide, and jump in the Monster Cave while you enjoy free Wi-Fi. Don’t forget to treat everyone to a yummy frozen yogurt sundae from the 80 rotating flavors and 75 toppings available when playtime is over.

9. Cauldron Ice Cream – Frisco, Dallas, Carrollton

This popular ice cream joint flash-freezes its ice cream in liquid nitrogen, which creates a smooth texture. Additionally, they serve it up in “puffle,” a Korean-style egg waffle. With three locations in the metroplex, it’s definitely worth a visit.

10. Tongue in Cheek Ice Cream – Richardson, Plano, Lewisville

An ice cream shop with swings? Serving up sarcasm alongside their hand-crafted scoops? Yes, please! This locally-owned business offers up to 28 flavors, including vegan and non-dairy options. The ice cream alone is what caught our eye, but the swings at the Plano location sealed the deal.

11. Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream & Soda Shop – Denton, Grapevine, Carrollton

If you’re looking for nostalgia, you’ll find it at Beth Marie’s. You’ll find over 150 flavors of ice cream; each location has anywhere between 45-65 flavors at a time that change seasonally. You can go for a simple cone or go big with a banana split. They also offer milkshakes, even ice cream sodas, and egg creams.

Dinos + AC = awesome afternoon at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Dallas 

DFW’s Coolest Museums & Attractions for Hot Days

12. Fritz’s Adventure – The Colony

13. KidZania – Frisco

14. Perot Museum of Nature & Science – Uptown

15. Fort Worth Museum of History and Science – Fort Worth Cultural District

Stay Cool at Home – Low-Cost Hacks for Heat Wave Days

Don’t feel like packing up the kids during a North Texas heat wave? With a little creativity, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat in Dallas-Fort Worth without even leaving your home.

• Set up a frozen toy dig: You have everything you need for this fun activity. Freeze tiny toys like LEGO minifigs, dinosaurs, insects, or anything you can find in a plastic storage container. Pull it out a day later and let the kids "excavate" using tap water or kid-friendly tools. 

• Have a water gun battle: If you've got Nerf Blasters at home, this one is for you. Have the kids wear white t-shirts, send them outside with their water blasters, and let them loose. 

• Make water piñatas: Fill up a few water balloons, attach a string, and hang them from a tree outside. Blindfold your kids and watch them swing away. Imagine the surprise once the balloons burst! 

• Keep wet towels in the freezer: When they come in from the heat, having a chilly towel to place on their foreheads or necks is a smart way to cool them off. 

Pro Parent Tips for Keeping Kids Safe in the Heat

• Plan your outings for the early morning or early evening: Which time you choose depends on your kids, their naps, and your schedule, but you'll feel the difference! 

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Water is key to keeping kids from overheating in the summer sun. If you don't have insulated water bottles yet, consider buying a few. The water will stay ice cold for hours at a time. 

• Avoid dark-colored clothing: When it's hot outside, opt to dress your kiddo in loose, light clothing. If they insist on wearing that Spider-Man costume, just pack extra clothes in case they get too hot. It's not worth the battle! 

• Find the shade: When you head to a splash pad or anywhere outdoors in the summer, set up camp under a tree or shade structure. The temperature drops dramatically and is much more enjoyable for everyone. 

FAQ – Heat Wave Tips for Parents in Dallas-Fort Worth