Thursday

06-26-2025 Vol 2003

Beat the Texas Heat: Your Guide to Summer Fun in Dallas-Fort Worth

As summer approaches in Texas, the sweltering sun signals the perfect season to make a splash in Dallas-Fort Worth.

This vibrant area boasts a diverse range of lakes, pools, water parks, and splash pads, making it easy for families and friends to soak up some summer fun and find relief from the heat.

Before embarking on an adventure, it’s wise to check the specific venue websites for current schedules, possible weather closures, and updates.

Here’s a breakdown of the top water attractions in D-FW to explore this summer.

### WATER PARKS

For those in search of exhilarating water attractions, the region has several popular water parks.

**THE COVE AT THE LAKEFRONT** is a fantastic indoor waterpark featuring thrilling attractions such as the FlowRider Double Surf Machine, a lazy river, rock ledge, play pool, and multiple water slides.

Those seeking calmer activities can enjoy water aerobics or lap swimming.

Visit The Cove at 417 Lakefront Dr., Little Elm, which is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Admission is $14.

**HAWAIIAN WATERS GARLAND** invites you to immerse yourself in a tropical atmosphere.

This water park features a 16,000-square-foot wave pool, a lazy river, and exhilarating water slides like the Bonsai Pipeline and Pineapple Plunge.

It operates in the summer from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can find Hawaiian Waters at 4550 N. Garland Ave., Garland, with daily admission prices ranging from $24.99 to $39.99.

**EPIC WATERS INDOOR WATERPARK** combines indoor and outdoor fun with rides and pools for all ages.

The park’s newest ride, Locura, promises an exhilarating 360-degree horizontal loop, alongside other attractions like the Aquanaut and Texas Twist.

Epic Waters is located at 2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, and welcomes guests Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Weekday admission is $44 while weekends are $54, with free entry for children aged 3 and under.

If you’re heading over to Six Flags Over Texas, don’t miss **HURRICANE HARBOR ARLINGTON**.

This water park boasts attractions like the new Splash Island, which includes a tipping bucket and slides suited for kids.

You can catch Hurricane Harbor at 1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $25.

Another great option is **NRH20**, a 17-acre water park filled with 23 attractions.

With amenities ranging from swimming pools to sand volleyball courts, it’s a perfect family spot.

The standout slide here is the Green Extreme, known as the nation’s longest uphill water roller-coaster.

NRH20 operates on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., located at 9001 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills.

Ticket prices vary from $15.99 to $33.99 based on height and day of the visit.

### LAKES

For those who prefer the natural beauty of lakes, D-FW has several stunning options.

**LAKE CAROLYN** in Las Colinas offers a picturesque experience with its 2.8-mile trail around the 87-acre lake.

You can enjoy walking, biking, or even taking a gondola ride. Water vehicle rentals such as paddleboards and kayaks are available.

This tranquil spot is located at 1050 Lake Carolyn Parkway, Irving, with free access for walking; rentals range from $30 to $55.

**BURGERS LAKE** in Fort Worth is ideal for a family day out with its two sandy beaches, diving boards, and inflatable trapeze.

This 30-acre spring-fed lake is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1200 Meandering Road, Fort Worth, and it costs $20 for admission.

**JOE POOL LAKE** provides opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and swimming in designated areas.

The lake borders Cedar Hill State Park. You can visit daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill, with a vehicle admission rate of $15.

**LEWISVILLE LAKE** is one of the notable lakes in the region, covering 29,000 acres.

From fishing to water skiing, there are plentiful activities to partake in. Beaches and hiking trails add to the appeal.

It operates daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 600 Sandy Beach Road, Lewisville, with a vehicle admission fee of $10.

**LAVON LAKE** is a 21,400-acre reservoir known for its great fishing spots, hiking, biking, and camping facilities.

Visitors can enjoy a day relaxing on the beach or exploring the parks surrounding the lake.

Access is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 3375 Skyview Dr., Wylie, with a vehicle entry fee of $5.

### POOLS

There are also several community pools to help you cool down during the hot summer days.

**WORLDSPRINGS DALLAS** offers a unique experience with its mineral hot springs, allowing visitors to soak for hours while enjoying the healing properties of the water.

Reservations can be made for massages and facials as well.

You can find it at 3240 Plano Pkwy., The Colony, open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Soak prices range from $24 to $34 for ages 3 to 17, while adults pay between $49 and $79.

**FOREST PARK POOL** is one of Fort Worth’s historic pools featuring eight 50-meter lanes, a children’s interactive area, a waterslide, and tanning spots.

It is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., located at 2850 Park Place Ave., Fort Worth, with admission pricing at $6 for adults and $5 for children.

**KIDD SPRINGS COMMUNITY AQUATIC CENTER** is another great way to keep cool.

Families can enjoy the main pool, a toddler area, as well as waterslides and diving boards.

This facility is operational Tuesday through Sunday from 12:30 to 7 p.m. at 807 W. Canty St., Dallas, with admission fees ranging from $11 to $14 depending on height.

### SPLASH PADS AND SPRAY PARKS

For those looking for free options, splash pads and spray parks across D-FW provide great spots to cool off.

**RIDGEWOOD SPRAYGROUND** is a city-operated spray park that offers free access, complete with a playground for children.

It is open Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 6818 Fisher Road, Dallas.

**CELEBRATION PARK SPRAYGROUND** features an extensive play zone ideal for children, offering water jets, tipping buckets, and fun aquatic features.

This attraction is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at 701 Angel Pkwy., Allen. Note that it will close from June 23-29 for the Market Street Allen USA Celebration.

Finally, **OLD TOWN SPLASH PARK** boasts over 90 interactive spray elements for an engaging experience.

You can enjoy this refurbished splash park daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 535 W. College St., Lewisville, and entry is free.

Dallas-Fort Worth has no shortage of ways to keep cool this summer.

From exciting water parks to serene lakes and family-friendly pools, residents and visitors alike have countless options for enjoying the hot Texas weather.

Don’t forget to check out the Go See DFW calendar, a collaborative effort between KERA and The Dallas Morning News, for more activities and updated information on all these attractions.

image source from:keranews

Abigail Harper