Surf and Swim in Garland, Texas: Ride the Waves at this 4-Star Water Park

Imagine this: You are floating in the quiet water of a spacious pool, sitting in a large crystal-clear plastic inner-tube, surrounded by many other people bobbing gently in the same type of tube. Suddenly, a warning bell trills, and the crowd squeals and screams! Grip the tube handles tight, because the mega-wave assault is about to begin. Powerful, surging waves emanate from the pool's deep end, tossing the floaters and You about like human corks, bashing the tubes together like aquatic bumper-cars.

You are in the wave pool at Surf and Swim in Audubon Park (located at 440 Oates Road, Garland Texas, 972-205-3993). Surf and Swim is a great place to take the kids and beat the Texas summer heat.

For the younger kids there is a nifty splash pool. It features jet squirters on pivoting seats, bubble-jet fountains, a carousel with bouncing baby-seats and a tall water-sculpture that (surprise!) will suddenly dump bucketloads of water on you. The splash pool has an over-arching sunshade for the kids, and tables with sun-umbrellas and chairs for the parents. For added safety, there are float-jackets for kids

Both the wave and splash pools are well attended by lifeguards and other staff of the Garland Parks and Recreation Dept.. The grounds are well kept, clean and landscaped. The tubes and float -jackets are provided free of charge with admission. On the sides of the pool are nice lawns with shade trees that are great for spreading out the picnic blankets and lawn chairs for a lengthy stay.

There is a a well-stocked concession shop and also vendors selling ice cream and drinks from stands. For five bucks you can buy a "super squirter", a strange sort of pressure tube that is filled from nozzles at a tall fountain. Once filled, they release a water stream when squeezed. Actually, my kids had more fun blasting the unsuspecting passers-by with the jets from the fill-nozzels. Also, on the super squirter fountain, there is a jet nozzle on top that can be activated by pushing a pad on the side. This is fun to hit at random when anyone gets close to the fountain, especially if they are new to the park - kersplash! - right on their head. There's a lot to do all-round and we ususally stay for hours.

So pack up the swim gear and sunscreen, bring a picnic lunch and we'll see you there!

Hours of Operation: Daily - 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday - 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
General Admission: 60 inches and up $6 - Under 60 inches $5 - 2 Yrs & Under Free with paid admission
May 26th thru Sept 3rd.