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Summer break is wonderful, but twelve weeks is a long time when you are trying to keep kids entertained day after day. One of my favorite simple solutions is heading to the water. Living in the 903 means we are surrounded by beautiful lakes where kids can swim, splash, skip rocks, and burn off that endless summer energy.
Over the years I have made it my mission to find the best lakes in East Texas for families, especially the fun lake beaches in East Texas that make an easy outing. This guide brings them all together so moms searching for family friendly lakes near Tyler TX have an easy list of places to take the kids and turn an ordinary summer day into a memory.
The Boulders at Lake Tyler
Cost: Free at the public swimming area
Description:
At The Boulders at Lake Tyler, the public swimming hole is one of those simple summer spots that makes a family day feel easy and fun without overthinking it.
Tucked just off to the right of the boat dock and ramp area (which stays reserved for boats and is not open for swimming), you will find a grassy shoreline that gently leads into a shallow, kid friendly swim zone. It is the kind of place where little ones can wade, splash, and play in cool lake water while parents stay close by and actually relax for a minute.
The water stays shallow near the edge, making it a great introduction to lake swimming for younger kids or cautious swimmers who just want to dip their toes in and enjoy the outdoors. It is less about deep water swimming and more about laughter, floating, and easy summer play in a natural setting.
For families searching for free swimming spots in Tyler TX or kid friendly lake swimming in East Texas, this hidden little stretch of shoreline offers a laid back way to cool off after hiking, boating, or exploring the property.
It is the kind of stop that turns a full day at the lake into something memorable, especially when paired with sunshine, bare feet in the grass, and kids who are happily worn out by the end of the day.
Address: 16822 McElroy Rd, Whitehouse, TX 75791
Phone: (903) 839-5581
Daingerfield
Daingerfield State Park
Cost: Texas State Park entrance fee typically $4 per adult (ages 13 and up). Children 12 and under are free.
Description: This small swimming area does not have a sandy beach entrance, but swimmers can enter the water and swim out to a floating platform, which kids always think is an adventure.
Address: 455 Park Rd 17, Daingerfield, TX 75638
Phone: (903) 645-2921
Website/Facebook: Texas Parks & Wildlife – Daingerfield State Park
Eustace
Purtis Creek State Park
Cost: Texas State Park entrance fee typically $5 per adult (ages 13 and up). Children 12 and under are free.
Description: The park has a small land-entry swimming area along the lake, and families love that it sits close to a playground so kids can easily go from splashing in the water to climbing and playing.
Address: 14225 FM 316 N, Eustace, TX 75124
Phone: (903) 425-2332
Website/Facebook: Texas Parks & Wildlife – Purtis Creek State Park
GARRISON
Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park & Campground
Cost: $5 per person during Wednesday Family Time.
Description: This spring-fed swimming area is a favorite for families, with clear water that stays cool even on hot East Texas afternoons and plenty of space for kids to splash and play.
Address: 4675 Co Rd 153, Garrison, TX 75946
Phone: (936) 564-8888
Website/Facebook: Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park & Campground
GLADEWATER
Cost: Free
Description: Lake Gladewater has a sandy beach-style swimming area where families can wade, splash, and enjoy a relaxed day by the water.
Address: 802 S Tyler St, Gladewater, TX 75647
Phone: (903) 845-2196
Website/Facebook: City of Gladewater
GRAPELAND
Salmon Lake Park
Cost: 4 yrs & under: Free | 5 yrs & up: $8
Description: Family owned campground and event center featuring a lake for swimming, water slide, docks, and outdoor recreation, making it a fun East Texas getaway for families and groups.
Address: 247 Salmon Lake Rd, Grapeland, TX 75844
Phone: (936) 687-2594
Jacksonville
Cost: Free
Description: This newly renovated lake swimming spot has a sandy shoreline where families can wade into the water and enjoy a simple beach style day by the lake.
Address: Byrd Rd, Jacksonville, TX 75766
Phone: (903) 586-3510
Website/Facebook: City of Jacksonville – Lake Jacksonville Campground
TYLER
TYLER STATE PARK
Cost: Texas State Park entrance fee typically $6 per adult (ages 13 and up). Children 12 and under are free.
Description: Families love splashing near the swimming hole area or swimming out to the platform.
Address: 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler, TX 75706
Phone: (903) 597-5338
Website/Facebook: Texas Parks & Wildlife – Tyler State Park
WHITEHOUSE
Hill Creek Park
Cost: Free
Description: Hill Creek Park is a quiet lakeside spot where families can enjoy the water and wide open space along Lake Tyler. Families should plan ahead since there are no restroom facilities at this park.
Address: Slack Rd, Whitehouse, TX 75791
Website/Facebook: City of Whitehouse Parks & Recreation Facebook Page
TYLER LAKE MARINA
Cost: Free
Description: The marina area offers access to the lake, where families can splash along the shoreline.
Address: 18183 Concession Rd, Whitehouse, TX 75791
Website/Facebook: Tyler Lake Marina Facebook Page
Winona
Stillwater Resort
Cost: $30 per person Monday–Wednesday | $35 per person Thursday–Sunday (includes WIBIT inflatable lake obstacle course).
Description: Pass includes Lake swimming area featuring a large WIBIT inflatable obstacle course where visitors can climb, slide, and splash across floating obstacles. Also included is access to pools.
Address: 11684 Barber Rd, Winona, TX 75792
Phone: (903) 483-4414
Website/Facebook: Stillwater RV Resort
Looking for more ways to beat the summer heat? Check out our Splash Pad Guide to find even more water-filled fun for the whole family.
If the sun’s just too much, we’ve got you covered with a list of summer movie spots where your family can enjoy a cool activity together.
And of course, no summer day is complete without a sweet treat. Head over to our Cold Treats Guide for the best ice cream, snow cones, and frozen goodies across East Texas.
Whatever you choose, there are plenty of ways to stay cool and make lasting memories this summer… but the secret to actually enjoying it? Having the right essentials packed and ready.
Tap to see the full Summer Essentials list you’ll wish you had sooner
If I missed any pools, feel free to drop the details in the comments, and I’ll be sure to add them to the list!
