Why Splash Pads Are a Summer Outing for Kids

Finding free outdoor summer activities in Dallas-Fort Worth can be a challenge because using playground equipment during the day can be unsafe. Luckily, there are lots of DFW parks with splash pads! They're a low-risk way to cool off, tend to be free to use, and have engaging features that everyone from little kids to tweens can enjoy. There's no drowning risk, so parents can relax a bit while kids play. 

Make the Most of Your Splash Pad Outing

If you are heading to a splash pad in Dallas-Fort Worth, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, water toys if they're allowed, towels, water shoes if you're concerned about kids slipping, and of course, snacks! Make sure to check to see if the splash pad in question has restrooms nearby, and if it doesn't, make sure everyone takes care of business before you leave the house. 

Related: The Best Playgrounds in Dallas-Fort Worth

Top Free Splash Pads in Dallas-Fort Worth 

KidMania Sprayground at Celebration Park - Allen 

This is one of the largest all-accessible splash pads in Texas. It’s got dump buckets, sprinklers, shooters, and more. It covers more than one acre and it’s located next to the playground in Celebration Park.

Price: Free
Age Range: 2-12
Insider Tips: The sprayground has pavilions, picnic tables, and walking trails nearby; you can make an entire day out of your visit. And if you're there on a Saturday, word on the street is that an ice cream truck makes its rounds around noon! 

Nancy Best Fountain at Klyde Warren Park - Dallas Arts District 

This 5,000-square-foot splash pad is big enough for dozens of kids to cool off right in the heart of Dallas. There are “rosebud” bubblers, stainless steel tree misters, and 106 nozzles that create leaf-like designs when working in unison.

Price: Free
Age Range: All Ages
Insider Tips: If you’re there during the day, grab a bite from one of the food trucks or play one of the free games available. If you’re there in the evening, stick around for the light show! After sunset, the fountains come alive with dancing water and a choreographed light show. Visitors can still play in the water during the show.

Safari Splash at the Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth

This incredible splash pad is worth a visit. It’s 14,000 square feet of water play fun that includes animal fountains, dumb buckets, slides, climbing structures, a fill wall for water toys, and more.

Price: $6 plus zoo admission ($5 for members)
Ages: All Ages
Insider Tips: There’s a toddler area so you don’t have to worry about big kids zooming past your little one, plenty of shaded lounge chairs for parents, and you can grab a bite to eat and a cool drink at Splash Snacks. You can also rent a cabana if you have a large group.

Woodhaven Meadows Park Splash Pad - Plano

This splash pad is one of the most unique in DFW! Spanning 1,800 feet, it features streams, boulders, a sensory garden, a water table with dams and faucets, and more.

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages
Insider Tips: There are over 300 parking spaces at Woodhaven Meadows Park, so spending an afternoon at this splash pad is easy. The park also has shaded pavilions, bathrooms, walking trails, a dog park, and a 20,000 square foot playground for evenings or cooler days.

Main Street Fountain - Coppell

Located in the heart of downtown Coppell, kids will love playing in this splash pad. It’s located next to the Farmers Market pavilion, and it’s a great place to meet friends to cool off.

Price: Free
Age Range: 2-12
Insider Tips: The farmers market happens on Saturday mornings, so get up early, do your shopping, and let the kids cool off before you go home. The splash pad is illuminated at night, so the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. Water toys, balloons, and inflatables aren’t allowed.

Heritage Springs Splash Pad - Flower Mound

This 4,500-square-foot splash pad in Dallas-Fort Worth has 14 water features, play boulders that give it a rugged vibe, and a separate area just for toddlers.

Price: Free
Ages: 2-12
Insider Tips: This splash pad and the nearby seating are shaded, and the entire area is enclosed, so little kids can’t make a run for it.

McCord Park - Little Elm

This fun splash pad north of Dallas has a water slide, daisy sprayers, dump buckets, and more. It’s located near the McCord Park trailhead, the shaded picnic area, and the dog park.

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages
Insider Tips: There are no on-site bathrooms at this splash pad, so make sure everyone goes before you get wet.

Pirate Beach at LEGOLAND Discovery Center - Grapevine

After running around LEGOLAND, kids can suit up and head out for an adventure worthy of the high seas. They’ll splash in fountains, shoot water cannons, and if they dare, attempt to reach the treasure chest on the LEGO shipwreck!

Price: Included with LEGOLAND admission fee
Ages: 3-10
Insider Tips: Pirate Beach opens around Memorial Day every year. There are shaded picnic tables around the edge of the splash pad for parents and kids who need to take a break. The splash pad closes 30 minutes before LEGOLAND, so plan accordingly.

Old Town Splash Park - Lewisville

This exciting splash pad has 90 unique features, making it one of the largest water playgrounds in DFW. It features ground sprays, a sprig sprayer, a solar spinner, water coils, big buckets, and more.

Price: Free
Ages: All Ages
Insider Tips: There’s shaded seating for parents, public restrooms, and this splash pad doesn’t get super busy, which means your kids can play for hours without feeling crowded.

Oak Hills Splash Park - Carrollton 

This is another fun splash pad in Dallas-Fort Worth, with two water slides, colorful flower sprayers, and dump buckets.

Price: Free
Age: All Ages
Insider Tips: There’s a shaded seating area, restrooms, and a first-come-first-served pavilion, grill, and tables. Water shoes are recommended.