Brace yourselves, North Texas, summer is coming, and she’s bringing the heat. The first 100-degree day is barreling toward us like a tumbleweed on a mission.
Thankfully, cities in Collin County and beyond are well-equipped to help you survive the annual melt. And this time of year, nothing hits quite like a splash pad. They're the perfect place to cool off, let the kids run wild and pretend you're at a luxury resort instead of a city park with a wet sidewalk.
So grab your sunscreen, your waterproof shoes and your most aerodynamic beach hat, because here are some of the best splash pads in town:
Windhaven Meadows Park
Where: 5400 Windhaven Parkway, Plano
Cost: Free
Windhaven Meadows is a go-to spot for hot afternoons, thanks to its multiple playgrounds and a seriously fun splash pad. Kids can cool off in streams, jets and a play table with dams, while parents claim a spot on the surrounding boulders for a well-earned break. The splash area spans 1,800 square feet and includes a sensory garden with wooden features. Three zones can be activated by pressing nearby bollards — just hit the button and let the waterworks begin (the fun kind that is).
Plano Aquatic Center
Where: 2301 Westside Dr, Plano
Cost: Ages 3 Years & Older: $3 resident/ $5 non-resident
The Plano Aquatic Center isn’t just for serious swimmers, it’s got fun built in too. Along with its indoor 25-yard lap pool, there’s an outdoor spray ground perfect for kids to splash around. The area has plenty of shade and picnic tables, making it a great spot for families to cool off and hang out.
The Kids Colony Splash Park
Where: 5151 N Colony Blvd, The Colony
Cost: Free
The Kids Colony Splash Park is bursting with splashy surprises, including a ship’s mast rigged with tipping buckets ready to soak unsuspecting landlubbers, and a cheeky spraying fish named Finn who’s always aiming to make a splash (literally).
Oak Hills Splash Park
Where: 1225 Royal Palm Lane, Carrollton
Cost: Free
With multiple slides, tipping buckets and lots of room to roam, Oak Hills is a splash zone built for maximum fun. The water features run automatically during regular hours — no buttons, no fuss. Amenities include a pavilion, picnic tables and grills, all first-come, first-served. Restrooms are available to the public while the splash park is open.
Prestwyck Park
Where: 1617 Prestwick Hollow Dr, McKinney
Cost: Free
With Prestwyck’s above-ground sprayers, it’s the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy some water play. The park also boasts a variety of amenities, including playground structures, covered play areas, fitness and learning stations, a zip line, ping pong and game tables and a basketball court. For those looking to unwind, there are hike and bike trails, along with picnic tables for a relaxing day outdoors.
Aviator Park
Where: 1201 Monticello Dr., McKinney
Cost: Free
Aviator Park’s splash pad takes off with an aviation-themed design that lets kids’ imaginations fly (literally)! Situated near McKinney Airport, the park offers the added bonus of watching planes take flight while the kids cool off in the splash pad. Featuring a fun three-ring water spray, it’s the perfect spot for family fun and a bit of skywatching.
Celebration Park
Where: 701 N Angel Pkwy, Allen
Cost: Free
The sprayground at Celebration Park in Allen may be simple, but it’s packed with fun, offering plenty of spray features for kids to run through and enjoy. Plus, the vibrant, expansive playground is just steps away, making it the perfect spot for a full day of outdoor fun. The sprayground itself is not shaded at all but there is a larger pavilion and shaded areas around the splash pad.
Old Town Splash Park
Where: 535 W College St, Lewisville
Cost: Free
Get ready for another exciting summer at this state-of-the-art interactive spray park. Designed with safety in mind, the park offers a thrilling water experience with 90 unique features and no standing water. Highlights include ground sprays, a sprig sprayer, cattail group, big buckets with a 5-arm assembly, a solar spinner and water coils. Each feature is crafted to deliver a fun and engaging adventure for kids and families alike.
Frisco Commons Spray Park
Where: 8000 McKinney Rd, Frisco
Cost: Free
Frisco Commons Spray Park, nestled within Frisco Commons Park, is the perfect spot for family fun. The park is also home to Hope Park, one of the best playgrounds in Frisco, a scenic pond, a peaceful trail and the Frisco Veterans Memorial. Please note: the splash pad features open on May 15.
Kaleidoscope Park Splash Pad
Where: 6635 Warren Pkwy, Frisco
Cost: Free
Frisco’s newest park is full of surprises, from one of the largest public art pieces in the state to a sprawling playground, there’s no shortage of fun. Now that warm weather has arrived, kids can splash around at the new splash pad whenever the temperature hits 60 degrees or higher.
J.R. Newman Splash Pad
Cost: 8211 Twin Falls Dr, Frisco
Cost: Free
This splash pad may be smaller than some others, but that’s part of its charm — it’s less likely to attract big crowds, making it a perfect spot to relax and cool off for a couple of hours. To start the water features, simply touch the sensor at the top of the blue pillar on the southern side of the pad. Please note: the splash pad features open on May 15.
Shepherds Glen Splash Pad
Where: 12012 Shepherds Hill Drive, Frisco
Cost: Free
Located within Shepherd’s Glen Park, this Frisco splash pad is a refreshing addition to the park’s amenities, which also include a shaded pavilion, playground, practice field and walking trail. To turn on the water features, simply touch the sensor at the top of the blue pillar on the western side of the splash pad. Please note: the splash pad features open on May 15.
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