Guide to Fun Water Attractions for Dallas-Area Families

Keeping the kids outside during the summer and away from the television can be a challenge, especially when the heat sets in. Here in the Metroplex, there are a number of water attractions, both free and fee-based, where you can take the kids, get wet, and keep cool while enjoying the sun.

Your choices range from large water parks, which cost more but offer the most elaborate attractions, to free "spraygrounds" in area parks. There are even a number of city-owned water parks that offer discounts to local residents. The city-owned parks are cheaper, usually offer free parking, and are closer to residents, saving gas.

The obvious local choice for water parks is Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, but admission will set you back around $25 a person. Ask anyone who goes, and they will tell you it is worth it. Bahama Beach, at 1895 Campfire Circle (off of Hampton Road near Highway 67), is a water park owned by the city of Dallas that offers tubing and water slides. Admission is $8 for anyone under 48 inches, and $12 for anyone 48 inches or taller. NRH2O in North Richland Hills is a large, elaborate park with a big following. Admission is $18 for anyone under 48 inches and $22 for anyone 48 inches and over. Parking is free and you can even bring coolers.

The City of Rowlett operates Wet Zone Waterpark, at 5304 Main Street, right behind Rowlett High School. Featuring a number of great slides, play areas, and even free wi-fi, Wet Zone is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the summer. Admission for Rowlett residents is $8 for adults and $7 for kids. Non-residents will pay slightly more. Every Friday evening during the summer, patrons can enjoy an outdoor movie from their float or lawn chair.

In Bedford, residents can keep cool at Bedford Splash, located off of Hwy. 183 at 2801 Forest Ridge Dr., next to Boys' Ranch Park. Slides, sprays, and water umbrellas await you. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children. Garland Parks operates Surf and Swim at 440 W. Oates, and offers a wave pool and spraygrounds. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for kids. The city of Denton offers Water Works, with a huge water slide, a beach volleyball court, and a lazy river for tubing. It is located at 2400 Long Rd., off of FM 428. Admission ranges from $5 to $10 for Denton residents.

Hawaiian Falls is a chain of water parks with three locations in the Metroplex: North Garland (4550 N. Garland Ave., south of the Bush Tollway), The Colony (4400 Paige Rd., north of Hwy. 121 and Plano Parkway), and Mansfield (490 Heritage Pkwy.). Each park has a variety of large and small pools, slides (including one over 60 feet high), spray zones, wave pools, and much more. For parents, there are shaded places to eat and relax.

In Dallas County, seven local parks offer a free "sprayground," or play equipment with fountains and watersprays. During the summer, spraygrounds operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be found at the following parks: Danieldale (300 W. Wheatland Rd.), Mildred Dunn (3322 Reed Lane), Janie Turner (6424 Elam Rd.), Umphress (7616 Umphress Rd.), Camphill Green (6600 Parkhill Dr.), Ridgewood (6818 Fisher Rd.), and Lake Highlands (9940 White Rock).

Sandy Lake Park in Carrollton (Exit 444 off I-35) offers a huge pool and water play area, as well as carnival rides, an arcade, and a miniature train. It's one of the area's oldest and best amusement parks. If you live in Ft. Worth and just want to get your feet wet, the renovated Water Gardens downtown still beckon.

Nearly every park that charges admission offers discounts of various kinds, so check with each establishment for any special offers. Since the parks cater to kids, they do offer amenities to keep parents occupied and happy, so be sure to ask.