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East Texas summers are no joke—and if you’re like me, with no pool in the backyard, you’re always on the hunt for ways to keep the kids cool and entertained without spending a fortune.
Cue the East Texas splash pads!
They’re free (or super affordable), easy to access, and absolutely perfect for wiggly little ones who just want to run wild in the water. Plus, they’re some of the best kid-friendly summer activities in East Texas.
This guide is organized by city and packed with all the details—so whether you’re planning a mini road trip or just need to burn some energy after nap time, you’ll find the perfect spot in the 903 area for family activities.
Know a mama who could use a little splash pad inspiration?
Share this post with her and let’s spread the joy of these hidden gems around the 903!
TYLER
Faulkner Park Splash Pad
📍 410 W Cumberland Rd, Tyler, TX 75703
🗓 Opens April 28 | Free
Faulkner Park is a gem tucked into South Tyler with walking trails, baseball fields, and a wooded backdrop that feels like a mini escape. The splash pad is near the main playground and shaded by trees, making it a great option for hot afternoons. Bonus: there’s a nearby fishing pond if you want to extend the fun with dad or grandparents.
Bergfeld Park Splash Pad
📍 1510 S College Ave, Tyler, TX 75702
🗓 Opens April 28 | Free
Historic, beautiful, and shaded—Bergfeld is the heart of Tyler. The splash pad is small but super charming, located right next to the road, so keep an eye on your kids. There is a nearby playground. Pack a picnic or grab lunch at one of the downtown spots nearby.
P.T. Cole Park Splash Pad
📍 1001 S Vine Ave, Tyler, TX 75701
🗓 Opens April 28 | Free
Cole Park is often overlooked, but that’s what makes it perfect for a low-key splash session. The splash pad is modest in size but not usually crowded, so younger kiddos can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. There’s a covered picnic pavilion nearby, which makes it a great option for playdates.
Woldert Park Splash Pad
📍 701 W 32nd St, Tyler, TX 75702
🗓 Opens April 28 | Free
A local favorite in North Tyler, this splash pad is part of a large park that includes a playground and basketball courts. It’s a great all-day destination for your kids to bounce between water and land.
Sola Bread + Splash Pad
📍 6740 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703
🗓 Opens April 28 | Free
Yes, this is a real thing—your kids get to splash while you sip an iced latte and munch on a fresh pastry or grab a pizza for dinner. Located right behind Sola Bread Co., this splash pad is a small but mighty treat. It’s shaded, fenced in, which as a parent, I love.
Fun Forest Pool & Splash Pad
📍 900 N Glenwood Blvd, Tyler, TX 75702
🗓 Opens May 24
💵 $1 residents / $2 non-residents (cash only)
More than just a splash pad—Fun Forest has a full pool, lifeguards on duty, and shaded picnic tables. Great for mixed-age families with toddlers and older kids who want to swim. Heads up: it’s cash only and often busy on weekends, so plan accordingly.
Website
HENDERSON
Fair Park Splash Pad
📍 400 Fair Park St, Henderson, TX 75652
🗓 May 1 – October 1 | Free
🕘 Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
Fair Park is classic East Texas—laid-back, shaded, and easy to access. The splash pad is located near playgrounds and green space, giving you plenty of room to spread out. This is a great option for families who love to pack a cooler and hang out for the day.
ATHENS
Kiwanis Park & Splash Pad
📍 607 W College St, Athens, TX 75751
🗓 Memorial Day – Labor Day | Free
🕘 Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
One of the best-kept secrets in the Athens area, this splash pad is surrounded by open space, play equipment, and shady picnic spots. It’s rarely overcrowded and ideal for younger children learning to navigate splash play for the first time.
WHITEHOUSE
Whitehouse City Park & Splash Pad
📍 309 E Main St, Whitehouse, TX 75791
🕘 Hours: Mon- Sat
💵 $3 admission (includes $2 snack bar credit)
This one’s a win-win for kids and snack-loving moms. The splash pad sits beside a well-kept playground and athletic fields, with bathrooms and shaded pavilions nearby. Keep cash or card on hand for that snackbar run after the kids burn off all their energy.
LONGVIEW
Jack M. Mann Splash Pad
📍 2000 S. Mobberly Ave, Longview, TX
🗓 Opens April 1 | Free
🕘 Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Tucked inside Lear Park, this splash pad offers a variety of water fun with three themed play zones: Sports, Wild West, and Pirates. The area is fully fenced for safety and includes five covered pavilions with plenty of picnic tables. That said, I still recommend bringing a chair for more comfortable seating while the kiddos play. It’s a great spot for a fun-filled afternoon with little ones—just don’t forget to pack a picnic!
Armstrong Splash Pad at Broughton Park
📍 801 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Longview, TX
🗓 Opens April 1 | Free
🕘 Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Right next to the Broughton Recreation Center, this splash pad is ideal for families who love pairing water play with other park activities. There’s a nearby walking trail and sports areas, and the rec center hosts regular community events.
Rotary Park Splash Pad
📍 1400 N. 10th St, Longview, TX
🗓 Opens April 1 | Free
🕘 Hours: Dawn to Dusk
This is one of Longview’s most popular splash spots! With dump buckets, water tunnels, and spraying fountains, it’s always buzzing with energy. There’s a playground just steps away and plenty of room to spread out a blanket and stay a while.
Spring Hill Park Splash Pad
📍 900 Ted Trout Dr, Longview, TX
🗓 Opens April 1 | Free
🕘 Hours: Dawn to Dusk
This quiet neighborhood gem is perfect for families with toddlers or preschoolers. The splash pad is simple but fun, and the surrounding park has shaded seating, sports fields, and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for slow summer days.
Stamper Park Splash Pad
📍 400 Fair St, Longview, TX
🗓 Opens April 1 | Free
🕘 Hours: Dawn to Dusk
A popular spot in South Longview, Stamper Park features a full playground, rec center, and a community-focused vibe. The splash pad has multiple water sprayers and a playful layout, great for kids who like to move fast and get soaked!
PALESTINE
Reagan Park Splash Pad
📍 400 N Queen St, Palestine, TX 75801
🗓 Opens April 12 | Free
This charming splash pad is part of a classic East Texas park setting—mature trees, winding sidewalks, and a storybook kind of vibe. A great place to unwind or let the kids burn energy before or after nap time.
LINDALE
Darden Harvest Park Splash Pad
201 N Main St, Lindale, TX 75771
May – October | Free
A lovely little park in the heart of Lindale. The splash pad is surrounded by benches and open grassy areas. It’s also steps away from a walking trail, playground, and community events pavilion. You’ll want to keep this one on your summer rotation. NOTE: There is no shade over the benches; bring a chair or a blanket to sit in the shade of the nearby trees.
MINEOLA
Mineola Civic Center Splash Pad
📍 1150 N Newsom St, Mineola, TX 75773
🗓 Memorial Day – Labor Day | Free
This splash pad is in the middle of an RV park. But don’t let that deter you from visiting. It’s well-maintained, fenced, shady, and close to restrooms and picnic pavilions. The old-fashioned metal playground equipment close by is a great break from the water fun.
TROUP
Joe Layne Family Splash Pad
📍 Troup Municipal Park, Troup, TX
🗓 Opens April 7 | Free
Named after a beloved local coach, this splash pad honors family and fun. It’s simple and sweet, with surrounding fields and trails that make it perfect for a quick stop or a whole afternoon adventure.
WHITE OAK
White Oak City Park Splash Pad
📍 White Oak Rd, White Oak, TX
🗓 May 1 – Mid August | Free
A classic community splash pad. Bring bikes and scooters too—there’s plenty of open pavement and shady picnic tables for snacks and breaks.
KILGORE
Lazy Splash Ranch
📍 Kilgore City Park
🗓 May 1 – August 18 | Free
Despite the name, this splash pad is anything but lazy! It has fun water sprays, tipping buckets, and colorful features that kids love. It’s right next to the Kilgore library, so it’s easy to pair story time with splash time.
HAWKINS
City Park Splash Pad
📍 City Park, Hawkins, TX
🗓 TBD | Free
We’re still waiting on the official open date, but this newer splash pad is a hit with locals and well worth the wait. I’ll keep this one updated as soon as they announce!
JACKSONVILLE
Nichols Green Park Splash Pad
📍 Jacksonville, TX
🗓 Opens May 1 | Free
This park is spacious and beautifully maintained, with picnic areas, restrooms, and a large playground. The splash pad is shaded and perfect for young kids who don’t want to be overwhelmed by big water features.
YANTIS
W. C. Swearingen Recreation Area Splash Pad
📍 Yantis, TX
🗓 Opens Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day | Free
This splash pad sits lakeside, making it a perfect spot for families looking to mix water play with nature. The park includes pavilions, a large playground attached to the splashpad, covered picnic tables, restrooms, grills, and even a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier.
Got a favorite splash pad around East Texas?
Share this post, and drop your favorite splash pad in the comments—this list is just getting started, and we’d love to add even more places for families to cool off and have fun!
