Our Favorite Houston Area Splash Pads!

It’s coming y’all … that infamous Houston heat has already started making its ghastly appearance, complete with dripping humidity reminiscent of the deepest, darkest corners of the rainforest.

There are mornings when I walk out my door, kids in tow, and feel like I’ve walked straight into Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, “The horror!  The horror!”

The kids and I have managed to find a little relief in the joy of a good splash pad. The hours are usually much more liberal than community pool hours, allowing for early morning and late evening visits, which is perfect if you are one of those parents who is paranoid about the sun and can never seem to slather enough zinc oxide on her children to keep them from pinking up.

Our Favorite Houston Splash Pads! | Houston Moms Blog

And the joy y’all, the joy on my kids’ faces while they romp through the sprayers, the fact that all three of them, varying in age from 2 to 11, find a way to play – if only I had jumped on this bandwagon several years ago!

But where to go?  Many communities have their own splash pads that are not available to the public, so there are limits there, and nobody wants to pump the kids up and drive across town just to find a disappointing trickle flowing out of a glorified garden hose, so I went to my most trusted source to find the best splash pads around Houston … my girlfriends.

So let’s pretend we are all sitting down together over a glass of wine cup of coffee while the kids strangle each other and steal toys play peacefully nearby and chatting about our favorite splash pads with our best group of girls … because that’s what we at HMB want to be for you.

Our Favorite Houston Splash Pads! | Houston Moms Blog

Inner Loop

{Jaycee Park} – This park is a favorite of contributor, former Heights resident, and mother of two Kristine.  “It’s a simple splash pad that fulfills the need to cool off during the summer heat without having to head into Downtown or Discovery Green.”  The splash pad is equipped with timed spouts and oversized butterflies and leaves as well as benches for parents.  Additional selling points are that it’s easy…easy parking and easy on the wallet {it’s free} and the adjacent playground is a great option if you have a child that isn’t in the mood for a spray zone.

Located At :: 1300 Seamist Drive, Houston, Texas 77008

Our Favorite Houston Splash Pads! | Houston Moms Blog

{Levy Park} – My children have not historically been huge splash pad fans.  My middle child is especially sensitive to being sprayed with water, dumped on by water, surprised in any way by water, yep, you get the idea.  When we found Levy Park, I was surprised to see his hesitation slip away as he just could not resist joining in on the fun.  This splash pad is great for children who don’t like surprises, as the water basically flows in a steady stream from large, architecturally appealing spray structures.  Astroturf hills and swift slides lurk in the immediate vicinity of the splash pad as well as play equipment that loses nothing in fun and functionality from the fact that it all looks more like art than a playground.

Located At :: 3801 Eastside Street, Houston, Texas 77098

{Houston Zoo (The Kathrine McGovern Water Play Park)} – What better way to make a sweltering day at the Houston Zoo more manageable than taking a break in the splash pad?  There is something for all ages and sizes at this splash pad that features its very own sea dragon, not to mention shaded seating and a lifeguard.  The splash pad is included in the cost of zoo admission, but swim suits and swim diapers {if necessary} are required.  Need to change?  No problem!  There are changing rooms available.  The park is in operation from 10:00am to 6:00pm April through October.

Located At :: The Houston Zoo {near the giraffes and the Wildlife Carousel}, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030

Southwest

{River Park Splash Pad} – This bright and colorful splash pad located next to the River Park Recreation Center is equipped with giant fountains, dumping buckets, and a misting rainbow … and it is a favorite of HMB Managing Editor and Sugar Land mother of three, Jenn.  The splash pad is open from sunrise to sunset April 15 – October 15, but is closed for maintenance every Tuesday until noon.

Located At :: 5875 Summit Creek, Sugar Land, Texas 77479

{Smart Financial Centre} – The all new Splash Pad at the Plaza features a zero-depth water play area with fountains that shoot from the ground at random intervals.  The element of surprise makes these fountains fun for even the tiniest tots.  When there are no events scheduled for the evening, the feature transforms into a water show after 4:00pm.

Located At :: 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77479

West Houston

{Nottingham Park} – Located in the Memorial area, Nottingham Park is gigantic, featuring not only a splash pad, but a park, a playground, restrooms {hallelujah}, and a running path.  There is also plenty of parking, which is always a plus in Houston.  The splash pad features in-ground shooting water spouts, dumping buckets and little critters, but, alas, no shade, so bring plenty of sunscreen.  The park is fully fenced, providing an additional layer of assurance for nervous parents.   I’ve got three kids, y’all, and two of them are “bolters” … I appreciate a good fence.

Located At :: 14205 Kimberley Lane, Houston, Texas 77079

Our Favorite Houston Splash Pads! | Houston Moms Blog

{Noah’s Ark Pool}  – One of several swimming facilities located in the Quillian Center, the Noah’s Ark Pool is a must-see for young children in Houston.  It has an ark … let me repeat that so that it sinks in … there’s an ARK … with ANIMALS.  It is more of a shallow pool than a ground-level splash pad featuring slides, tunnels, and sprayers.  The Noah’s Ark Pool is open from 10:00am – 4:00pm through August 25th.  There is a fee for admission, typically $7.50 per person, but various discounts are available for seniors, infants, and special dates and times, so check their website.

Located At :: 10570 Westpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042

The Woodlands

{Waterway Square in Town Center} – This splash pad gets HMB contributor, resident of The Woodlands, and “boy mom” Jaclyn’s vote for Favorite Splash Pad.  The splash pad features ground-level spray fountains and is situated among several restaurants and surrounded by The Woodlands Water Wall.  During the summer, there are concerts within the square called Waterway Nights, featuring live music and strolling entertainers, so not only are the children having a great time, but the parents are too!

Located At :: 31 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands, Texas 77382

{Cranebrook Swimming Pool in the Village of Sterling Ridge} – Another favorite in The Woodlands is the well-known Cranebrook Pool.  Showcasing a central play structure equipped with slides, tunnels, sprayers, and lifeguards {phew!}, this shallow pool is a water extravaganza.  A daily pass to Cranebrook and 12 other pools in The Woodlands will run you a well-worth-it $6.  If you are a frequent visitor, season passes and punch cards are also available here.

Located At :: 11800 Crane Brook Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77382

Pearland

{Centennial Park} – The Centennial Park Splash Pad comes highly recommended by HMB contributor and local Pearland mom, Erica.  Loaded with spray hoops the kids can run through and in-ground water shooters, this splash pad is a favorite place to cool off for locals.  The splash pad hours of operation are 9:00am – 9:00pm, seasonally, April through October.

Located At :: 3219 McLean Road, Pearland, Texas 77581

{Southdown Splash Pad} – Also operated by The City of Pearland, the splash pad at Southdown Park has sprayers at varying heights, appealing to children of a wide age range.  Stick around to catch some live music during Pearland’s Concerts in the Park music series!

Located At :: 2150 Smith Ranch Road, Pearland, Texas 77584

Our Favorite Houston Splash Pads! | Houston Moms Blog

Friendswood

{Stevenson Park} – The splash pad in Stevenson Park was a family favorite of ours when we lived in Friendswood.  The colorful simplicity of it and the ease of access made it a favorite hot weather hangout.  We loved it when we were there, but it has recently undergone an expansion that has doubled its size, offering even more and varied sprayers and dĂ©cor.  And the shade y’all … the shade for parents to sit in. {Can you tell shade is HUGE thing for me?}  The splash pad is open from 8:00am – 8:00pm.

Located At :: 900 Cedarwood {near Sesquiscentennial Pool}, Friendswood, Texas 77546

Southeast

{Kemah Boardwalk} – There is so much to do at the Kemah Boardwalk, and it’s wonderful to have the option to let the kids cool off in the water when needed.  HMB contributor and mom, J.M. loved spending time at this splash pad when her son was younger.  In her own words, you get to “eat some ice cream, listen to live bands, and let the kiddos run around in the water.”  What could be better than that?  Better yet…there’s no entry fee to walk the Boardwalk, so this splash pad is the cherry on top of the aforementioned ice cream.

Located At :: 215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah, Texas 77565

{The Blue Dolphin Lagoon at Clear Lake Park} – Another favorite is part of the absolutely gigantic Clear Lake Park.  This dolphin themed splash pad features shade umbrellas {yes!} and has a beautiful view of the water.  Playgrounds and restrooms are nearby, and there are enough activities at this park to fill an entire day.

Located At :: 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, Texas 77586

{Richwood Municipal Park Splash Pad} – HMB contributor and mother or two, Heather loves this colorful splash pad.  Complete with rainbow colored spray hoops to run through and dump buckets, the splash pad sits among playgrounds and a picturesque landscape of moss-draped trees.

Located At :: 600 Audubon Woods Drive, Richwood, Texas 77531

Deer Park

{Dow Park Splash Pad} – The signature feature of this splash pad is a must-see twelve foot tall replica of the San Jacinto Monument.  A favorite haunt of HMB contributor, Deer Park resident, and mom of three Kyla, the splash zone also boasts surface bubblers, a cannon ball activator, animal features, and an interactive spinning bear spray.  This one is not to be missed!

Located At :: 610 E. San Augustine Street, Deer Park, Texas 77536

Our Favorite Houston Splash Pads! | Houston Moms Blog

Did your favorite make the list?  Anything to add?


Looking for more summer fun? Don’t miss Your ULTIMATE Guide to Summer in Houston below!


Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and various business details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them.  And if you know of any other local splash pads, include them in the comments to continue the list too!

11 COMMENTS

  1. Before I forget again, I wanted to mention that there are two water parks in Baytown. One is Calypso cove. It’s for smaller kids (my 7 and 6 year olds love it) with one zero entry pool and splash pad, as well as a bigger pool with a max of 3′ 6″ depth and a larger slide as well as a water obstacle that the kids can try to cross the pool on. That one is located off market street in baytown. It’s 5 dollars CASH and chime early, they reach capacity quickly. We usually go around 3/4pm and stay until closing which is perfect.

    The other water park is pirates bay. Info can be found on their page on facebook. They open at 10 and reach capacity quickly within hours. It is usually very packed but if that doesn’t bother you, it’s s lot of fun with a zero entry pool with a pirate ship for the littles, a lazy river, several really cool slides, free tubes and your can bring your ice chest. Lockers are 5 bucks. They also usually have events going on, like movie nights and sometimes they are open till midnight.

  2. Hello,
    We came across an outdated link on your webpage:
    https://houstonmom.com/splash-pads

    Nottingham Park
    14205 Kimberley Lane {Houston}
    Hours :: 7am – 10pm

    Precinct Three has a new website and below is the new link back to Nottingham Park.
    http://www.pct3.com/parks/#nottingham-park

    Hopefully this information helps.

    Precinct Webmaster
    Harris County Precinct Three
    Phone: (713) 274-3105
    Fax: (281) 463-8502
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.pct3.com

  3. Can anyone recommend a splash pad area with a party room or just inside area located next to the area for birthday parties . I am planning a birthday for end of August and being outside the entire time might not be the best thing for my adults who will be in attendance .

  4. Montie Beach Park also has a splash pad and picnic tables within walking distance, and a playground.
    915 Northwood St. Houston TX 77009.

  5. Surprise not too see in Southeast Area the Splash Pad with Baseball theme in Webster, TX Its located at 17100 Texas Avenue Webster, Texas 77598
    Its a great park not just for the splash pad but for picnic, softball,baseball field, tennis court, playground, picnic table and grills. Its very close to I-45

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