Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Houston

Levy Park is a splash pad in Houston's inner loop. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Levy Park is a splash pad in Houston's inner loop. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
6/4/23 - By Rachael Cherry

Splash pads in Houston are there for you through the first heat wave of summer all the way until "fake fall." Splash pads and spray grounds are crucial ways to keep kids cool without locking them indoors, and perfect for families who might not be able to wrangle several small children in a pool just yet.

The free splash pads below are our favorites, making it easy to find your newest summer chill spot.

Be sure to check out these amusement parks, theme parks, and water parks within driving distance of Houston, and our Ultimate Houston Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more things to do in Houston all summer long.

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If you're visiting outside of summer months, be sure to check the park website before heading out. Splash pad and spraypark schedules may be subject to last-minute changes.

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Splash Pads Near Houston: Southeast

Monroe Field Splash Pad

Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am – 8:30 pm in April through September.

The crown jewel of this splash pad in Seabrook is a pirate ship with a wheel that directs a water spray. This splash pad is great for little ones because the entire thing is fenced in, and there are plenty of shaded picnic tables at the edges of the splash pad for parents to hang out while kids run around in the water. While you're there, check out our Insider's Guide to Exploring Seabrook.


Brookglen Splash Park. Photo courtesy of City of La Porte, Facebook 

Brookglen Splash Park

Open all week from 8 am - 9 pm.

Ample space to run around, a rainbow-colored dragon, dumping buckets, and animals that spray water from their mouths make this a water play area your kids won't want to miss. 

Dolphin Lagoon at Clear Lake Park

Open from the first Saturday in April through the last Saturday in October from 9am - 8pm

Aptly named for the several dolphin structures spouting water, this spray ground is located near the boat ramps at Clear Lake Park and gives guests an extensive view of the lake. It also has plenty of shaded areas for parents to sit, public restrooms, and outdoor fitness equipment for those wanting to get in a workout while the kids play. 

Baytown Spray Parks

Prepare to make a day out of a trip to any of the city's six spray parks in Baytown, because barbecue pits, a playground, and plenty of trails make them all a perfect day-cation destination. 

Spray Parks in Baytown include Roseland Park, Bergeron Park, McElroy Park, Pelly Park, Central Heights Park, and Jenkins Park.

Texas Avenue Park Splash Pad
The bases are loaded at Texas Avenue Park Splash Pad.

Texas Avenue Park Splash Pad

Opens on April 1, 2023 from 9am - 9pm.

This is a truly unique splash pad fit to steal any baseball-loving kid's heart. Instead of the traditional water-themed sprays, baseballs spout out water here. There are even bases to run around, making this water play area a home run. 

Wright Cuney Recreation Center

Open Monday through Friday from 10am - 8pm and Saturday from 9am - 5pm.

The spray park at Wright Cuney has water spraying up from the ground and dumping from buckets overhead. The Recreation Center also has a playground, covered picnic tables, and basketball courts. 

Menard Park

After a trip to the beach, you can head on over to the Splash Pad at Menard Park where kids can get out any extra energy they may have while washing off the unavoidable layer of sand that comes with being on the beach all day.

Schreiber Park 

An airplane in the middle of the pad is the defining feature of this spray park. Water shoots straight up from the ground, making it a good splash pad for younger kids, since there is no dumping water and very few frills. There's also plenty of parking, as well as places to sit and public restrooms.

Splash Pads Near Houston: North

This includes North Houston, Northeast Houston, and Northwest Houston.

Zube Park splash pad
Kids cool off at the Zube Park splash pad. Photo courtesy Harris County Precinct 3

Aron Ledet Park

This lovely Houston park is always worth a visit for its shaded trails and playground, but the splash pad, which is up and running in the summer months, is the cherry on top. Depending on the time of day, it is covered in shade by nearby trees. Please note that it is not fenced in. 

Lents Family Park Splash Pad

Open weekends only in May and September and daily from June through August. Open 10am - 7pm.

Nestled in Lents Family Park East is a splash pad kids are sure to love. It spouts water from the ground and has sprays the kids can aim and control as well as pipe tunnels to run through. It's also gated, giving parents reassurance that their kids are safe.

 
May Valley Park Sprayground. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Township, Facebook

May Valley Park Sprayground

Open March 1 through October 1 from 8am - 8pm.

This wooded paradise of a park in The Woodlands features a splash pad under plenty of shady trees. Kids can run amok as buckets full of water dump from overhead and ground sprayers splash up and around. If you have time, check out more of our Top Things To Do in The Woodlands.

Sawmill Park Sprayground 

Open March 1 through October 1 from 8am - 8pm on days the pool is closed. When the pool is open, the sprayground is open from 10am - 8pm.

This splash pad located near Grogan's Mill features plenty of water features that will have your kids loving every moment they spend playing. Water sprays up from the ground, as well as out of large pipes and directional sprayers overhead. 

Timarron Park Sprayground 

Open March 1 through October 1 from 8am - 8pm.

This splash pad has a pipe tunnel that looks like a frog, large flowers that spray water, and plenty of space to play. It also has convenient public restrooms, a covered pavilion, a playground, and seats around the splash pad for parents.

 
Zube Park splash pad. Photo courtesy of Children's Lighthouse, Facebook

Zube Park

Open 7am - 10pm.

It's a bit of a drive into northwest Houston, but we promise it's well worth it. The lovely and shaded park features a splash pad, making it the perfect spot for a day or afternoon out. There is even a steam train that occasionally appears.

Splash Pads Near Houston: West

Nottingham Park Splash Pad

Open 7am - 10pm.

This splash pad has water shoots, fill-and-dump buckets, pipe tunnels, and tall sprays. There is also covered seating for parents to enjoy while watching the kids play, and a playground nearby for anyone needing a break from the water. 

Burnett Bayland Park 

The park, which is also home to a skate park, has lots of trees and picnic areas as well as sports fields and an expansive splash pad surrounded by covered tables.

Inner Loop Splash Pads in Houston

Gateway Fountain at Discovery Green
The Gateway Fountain at Discovery Green. Photo by Katya Horner

Ervan Chew Park Splash Pad

Aside from the splash pad, the park offers numerous amenities kids love. Guests can also take advantage of a dog park, picnic tables, soccer and baseball fields, and a playground, making the splash pad the perfect place to cool off after playing hard. 

Jaycee Park Splash Pad

The Jaycee Park splash pad is the ideal place for cooling off after taking advantage of all the other park amenities, like a walking trail, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground. The simple pad features timed sprays and colorful butterfly artwork. There are port-o-potties available for guests to use. 

Settegast Park Splash Pad

This park offers the traditional simplicity of a splash pad with some extra features that make it fun but not overly flashy. Some of the features kids are sure to love include the bell spray column and ground geyser, while parents love the safe rubber pad surface. 

Tony Marron Park Splash Pad

If you're looking for a splash pad that satisfies the kids and gives you sweeping views of both the park itself and downtown, look no further than Tony Marron Park. Guests have access to public restrooms and drinking fountains, as well as a covered pavilion that's perfect for a picnic lunch. 

Emancipation Park Sprayground

At Emancipation Park, three splash pad areas are located on the property. One is located within the pool area of the park, and the other two are outside of the pool area. Each splash pad area contains water features that have water bubbling from the ground as well as directional sprayers. 


 Levy Park. Photo by Morris Malakoff, courtesy of Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority

Evelyn's Park Splash Pad

The splash pad at Evelyn's Park is located between two large play areas — one with a large rope climbing structure and giant slides down a hill, and one with a sand area and smaller climbing structures for younger children. The splash pad itself is located near covered seating. Restrooms are available.

Levy Park Splash Pad

Open from 8am - 8pm.

Levy Park includes a fun splash pad in the center of its enclosed play area. There are public restrooms on site and plenty of shade and tables for picnicking. The playground also has a rock wall and plenty of other climbables.

Gateway Fountains at Discovery Green

Open from 9am - 7pm.

Jet streams reach up to 14 feet at this Downtown Houston favorite. Infants and toddlers are required to wear swim diapers and water shoes are recommended. Public restrooms are available. 

Hermann Park Splash Pad

Closed for construction until further notice.
Get ready for an entire water experience at the water playground at Hermann Park. The park boasts an adjacent sandy beach, palm trees, and more, which makes it a splash-pad paradise. There is free parking in and around Hermann Park as well as paid parking lots in the surrounding areas. 

Splash Pads Near Houston: Southwest

RiverPark splash pad in Sugar Land

The RiverPark splash pad in Sugar Land. Photo courtesy of City of Sugar Land

Hackberry Park Splash Pad

There are not just traditional water streams at this playground, but also turtles and lily pads that spurt water up in the air. These features plus bright colors and plenty of space to play make this splash pad a hit with kids and parents alike. 

Splash Pad at Constellation Field

Catching a Sugar Land Space Cowboys game? Be sure to pack a swimsuit for the kids. Constellation Field has a splash pad that overlooks the playing field and gives kids a chance to cool off and burn some energy while taking in some minor league baseball. Note: Use of the splash pad is free with purchase of Sugar Land Space Cowboys ticket.

Splash Pad at Smart Financial Centre Plaza

Open from 8 am - 4 pm from mid-April until mid-October.

The water feature at Smart Financial Centre Plaza is a great place to cool off this summer. Features that make parents happy include plenty of parking, seating, and restrooms. After 4 p.m. the splash pad turns into a water feature show. 

RiverPark Splash Pad

Open from sunrise until sunset except for Tuesdays, when it opens at noon.

This well-maintained splash pad boasts colorful pipes, suspended fill-and-dump buckets, and ample space to run and play. There are shaded benches surrounding the pad for parents to watch their little ones, and an adjacent park for the kids to play on before or after their water adventures. There are no restrooms at this splash pad, so plan accordingly.

 

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Gateway Fountains at Discovery Green