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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.
** UPDATED FOR THE 2026 SEASON **
Know a mama who could use a little splash pad inspiration?
Share this guide with her and let’s spread the joy of these hidden gems
around the 903 area!
ATHENS
Kiwanis Park & Splash Pad
607 W College St, Athens, TX 75751
Memorial Day – Labor Day | Free
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.
CARTHAGE
Davis Park
209 Community Dr, Carthage, TX 75633
May 1 – September 30 | Free
Located at 200 Community Drive, Davis Park is the oldest park in the City. It has a playground and picnic tables near the splash pad. Bring a cooler with lunch and treats to make a day of it.
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!
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.
JACKSONVILLE
Nichols Green Park Splash Pad
1215 Heritage Dr, 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.
KILGORE
Lazy Splash Ranch
Kilgore City Park – R32284, Kilgore, TX 75662
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.
Park over on Wood St.
*A 903FAMILY favorite
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.
LONGVIEW
Jack M. Mann Splash Pad
2000 S. Mobberly Ave, Longview, TX
Opens April 1 | Free
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!
Closed every Wednesday
*A 903FAMILY favorite
Armstrong Splash Pad at Broughton Park
801 S. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Longview, TX
Opens April 1 | Free
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
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.
Stamper Park Splash Pad
400 Fair St, Longview, TX
Opens April 1 | Free
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!
MINEOLA
Mineola Civic Center Splash Pad
1150 N Newsom St, Mineola, TX 75773
Opens 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.
*A 903FAMILY favorite
Mt. VERNON
Oaklawn Splash Pad
312 W Pleasant St, Mt Pleasant, TX 75455
Opens April 1 | Free
This park features tennis courts, basketball courts, two playgrounds, and a baseball field. Families can also enjoy a covered pavilion and a walking trail, making it a great spot for kids to play and explore outdoors.
Mt. Pleasant
Little Creek Park
305 S Kaufman St, Mt Vernon, TX 75457
Opens April 1 | Free
The park was recently remodeled and now features a splash pad and several new playgrounds for kids to enjoy. It also includes tennis courts, basketball courts, a baseball field, a covered pavilion, and a walking trail.
Caldwell Park
Van Buren Ave. &, W 2nd St, Mt Pleasant, TX 75455
Opens April 1 | Free
The park is located close to the police station, which adds an extra sense of safety for families visiting. One of the highlights is the splash pad, where kids can cool off and run through the water on hot days. It’s a good-sized area and a fun place for children to play and enjoy some outdoor time.
PALESTINE
Reagan Park Splash Pad
400 N Queen St, Palestine, TX 75801
Opens April 1 | 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.
PITTSBURG
Fair Park And Splash Pad
303 N Texas Street Fair Park Pittsburg, TX 75686
Opens April 1
Daily Pass: All children six months and older and all adults must purchase a wristband to enter.
$3 per child and $3 per adult.
Season passes:
$100 for a family of 4.
$10 each additional family member: Max 3 additional persons.
A fun park with a playground, wide open fields, and a pond where kids can feed the ducks. After playing, families can cool off at the splash pad.
Quitman
Governor Jim Hogg City Park
101 Gov Hogg Pkwy, Quitman, TX 75783
Opens Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day | Free
Families can also enjoy a nearby playground, basketball court, and a short 0.5-mile nature walk that begins at a historic pony-truss bridge. Check out the Quitman Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which are free to explore, though donations are welcome.
SULPHER SPRINGS
Pacific Park
413 Beckham St W, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Opens Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day | Free
A large pavilion provides a shaded spot for a picnic lunch. The park also features wide open fields and a splash and spray ground where kids can cool off and play.
Hopkins County Town Square
100 Gilmer St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Opens TBA | Free
Water jets in the Town Square next to the viral mirror bathrooms are a must-try on a warm day. While you are there, take a moment to visit the Veterans Memorial and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants around the square.
TROUP
Joe Layne Family Splash Pad
Troup Municipal Park, Troup, TX
Opens March 19 | 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.
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 May 26 | 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 Memorial Day
$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
VAN
Van City Park
301 Wyoming St. Van, TX 75790
Opens May 25
A covered pavilion and picnic tables provide a great spot to relax and enjoy the park. Families will find a colorful splash pad, a playground with swings, a skate park, and plenty of green space for football, cornhole, or frisbee. The park also offers a water fountain and clean restrooms for visitors.
WHITEHOUSE
Whitehouse City Park & Splash Pad
309 E Main St, Whitehouse, TX 75791
Opens May 25
$3 admission (Free for Whitehouse residents, bring a water bill to City Hall to pick up a pass)
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.
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.
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.
*A 903FAMILY favorite
Find the pool nearest to you with ease by checking out this
handy Google Map!
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!
Looking for more ways to beat the summer heat?
Check out our list of summer movie spots where your family can enjoy a cool activity together.
If the sun’s just too much, we’ve got you covered with a list of Indoor Play spots where your kids can burn off energy in a cool, climate-controlled environment.
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!
