With warmer weather on the horizon, often felt in Houston as early as February, splash pads become ideal spots for family fun! These vibrant, safe, and shallow areas are perfect for little ones to enjoy splashing around in South Houston.
And if you're visiting major attractions like Space Center Houston or planning a trip to Galveston Island, plan some pit stops at these refreshing locations to keep everyone cool and entertained along the way!
1. Dolphin Lagoon at Clear Lake Park, Seabrook
Where: 5001 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX 77586
Admission: Free
Splash Pad Season: first Saturday in April through the last Saturday in October
This park has been such a beloved spot for my family over the years! Even though we’ve moved far away, it still holds a special place in my heart. First off, let me tell you, it’s a HUGE park right by the water. There’s so much to do that you can easily spend an entire day having fun there! It’s truly a top destination in the area, and for good reason—its convenient location near the Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center.
The park has two amazing playgrounds, a splash area for the kids, and tons of open space for running around, walking, or just soaking in the beautiful water views. It’s truly a hidden gem! You’ll also find a boat ramp, a pier for fishing, plenty of parking, and so many lovely picnic spots throughout the grounds. And trust me, the sunsets here are absolutely priceless! You definitely want to include this place in your plans for spring and summer outings. It’s a fantastic destination for kids and families. And it's always in great shape! If you’d like to learn more about the park, check it out HERE!
- Two awesome and safe playgrounds for kids to enjoy
- A huge area for running, walking, or just relaxing by the sea
- A fenced-in splash area for hot summer days
- A boat ramp for water enthusiasts
- Ample parking space for visitors
- A covered party area with gated access for guests
- Clean restrooms
- A picnic area with tables and chairs under a shaded roof
- Another playground, walking trails, sports fields, and fitness stations are located right across from the Clear Lake Park.
Cons:
- The play equipment offers little shade, making it very hot during summer.
- The park becomes crowded on weekends and major holidays.
- There is no dog park, limiting options for pet owners.
2. Monroe Field Splash Pad, Seabrook
Where: 2528 Repsdorph Rd, Seabrook, TX 77586
Admission: Free
Season: April 1 - Last weekend in September
Closed: Mondays
This is an off-the-beaten-path splash pad. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, away from high-traffic roads, it features a nautical-inspired splash pad, small playground, fitness stations, and a short nature trail under a mile long. Kids will love the sailboat with a steering wheel, the giant pelican pouring water, and the thrilling tipping bucket!
Additionally, we've often discovered kindness rocks nestled in the tree branches; if you love the kindness rock project, you can take a rock home, leave one behind, or re-hide it. To find this gem, look for the pelican statue at the entrance to the park. This spot truly is the best-kept secret for locals.
- Less busy than other splash pads in the area
- Perfect for smaller kids
- Restrooms on site
- Fenced-in and very clean
Cons:
- Limited seating for caregivers
3. Texas Avenue Park, Webster
Where: 17100 N Texas Ave, Webster, TX 77598
Admission: Free
Season: March – October
Closed:
This is a wonderful, secluded, and beautifully laid-out park. The park has numerous family-friendly amenities situated along its winding shaded walking trail. Upon entrance, you'll come across a nice playground with a spacious covered pavilion nearby. Further along the trail, you'll find a sports-themed splash pad complete with baseballs, arches, dipping elements, and in-ground sprinkles! While it's not overly large, there is ample space for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the splash pad includes artificial grass and umbrellas at its perimeter for added shade.
Just a heads up, this park is a real nice spot to visit at Christmas! They have beautiful holiday displays that are free and great for families.
- Playground and picnic tables available
- Shaded area at the splash pad for caregivers
- Less busy than Dolphin Lagoon at Clear Lake Park
- Shaded walking trail
- Easy to keep an eye on kids due to the splash pad's layout
Cons:
- Splash pad is on the smaller side
- Sometimes closed due to maintenance issues, so check their social media before heading there
4. Stevenson Park Splash Pad, Friendswood
Where: 1100 S Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546
Admission: Free
Season: From the second week of March until the end of October
Closed: For maintenance dates, check their social media
Stevenson Park is perfect for all seasons! I can't tell you how many fun activities they have that you just won't find anywhere else. The splash pad is awesome in the summer, with its nice dipping elements, fun in-ground sprinkles, an adorable froggy arch, and the cattails.
But you also have to check out the fairy trail! It’s such a magical activity for the kids as they hunt for all the adorable fairy houses hidden throughout the park.
Whenever we needed a break from our usual stomping grounds—like Clear Lake or Bay Area Parks—we always found ourselves drawn back to Stevenson. The layout is fantastic, with a lovely shaded walking trail that takes you past a playground, some quirky art sculptures, sand volleyball courts, and a fabulous pollinator garden. Honestly, it’s such a lovely place to spend the day!
Pros:
- A fun splash pad with lots of cool features perfect for little ones!
- A shaded playground nearby that’s great for kids of all ages.
- There's a pleasant, shaded walking trail.
- There are some really unique activities you won’t find anywhere else, like a magical fairy trail where kids can hunt for hidden fairy houses and a beautiful pollinator garden that blooms in the spring!
Cons:
- The splash pad doesn’t have any shade.
- There isn't much seating available for parents and caregivers at the splash pad, so it's a good idea to bring a blanket to spread out on the grass.
- It’s a little bit of a hike from the parking lot, so be ready for a short walk!
5. Centennial Park Splash Pad, Pearland
Where: 3219 McLean Rd., Pearland, TX 77581
Admission: Free
Season: April 1 through October 1
This splash pad is just a short walk over the bridge from the playground, and while there's a separate parking lot, we would park at the playground and take a nice stroll to the splash pad. The walk is lovely, with fun educational displays about local wildlife along the way!
The splash pad has many exciting water features like a flower fountain, overhead buckets, semi-circle sprayers, and lots of water spouts splashing around. There are a few shaded seating areas, but bringing a lawn chair or two is a great idea. Plus, you can enjoy all that Centennial Park has to offer, including a tennis court, baseball fields, a basketball court, picnic tables, and renovated playgrounds!
Pros:
- The splash pad is usually not too crowded.
- The playground equipment is designed with younger kids in mind and features soft AstroTurf, which is great for little ones!
- You can enjoy a lovely walking trail around the park where you might spot turtles, ducks, and even some herons.
Cons:
- Both the splash pad and playground are in full sun, so bring sunscreen!
- If you park near the playground, be prepared for a short walk across the bridge to reach the splash pad.
- Some of the splash pad elements are starting to show signs of wear and tear.
6. Jenkins Park Splash Deck, Baytown
Where: 4334 Crosby Cedar Bayou Rd, Baytown, TX 77521
Admission: Free
Season: Open from spring break week until the end of October
This splash pad is like a fun water park at no cost! We often visited it several times a season, because we couldn't resist its adorable spray features. This marsh-themed splash pad features a crocodile slide, cattails, in-ground sprinkles, and overhead features, all just a short walk from the parking area and a large playground.
Jenkins Park is huge, offering plenty of space to explore. In addition to the splash pad and playground, you'll find a variety of fun amenities, including an 18-hole disc golf course, fitness stations, a skating ramp, a dog park, soccer fields, and basketball courts.
- The Splash Pad is like a mini water park with no entrance fee, featuring many unique water elements.
- There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the park.
Cons:
- The park is somewhat tucked away from the main roads, making it less accessible.
- Older children often create a crowd, so it's important to supervise smaller kids very closely.
7. Bay Area Park, Houston
Where: 7500 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
Admission: Free
Season: Open April through October
The splash pad at Bay Area Park opened in late summer 2022, and it quickly became the go-to spot for some splashy summer fun! Right next to it, you’ll find an awesome playground with zip lines and picnic tables. There’s a fishing pier and a beautiful garden nearby that’s perfect for spring and summer photo shoots!
Kids of all ages will have a blast with the fun features like colorful arches, cool dumping buckets, shooting water flowers, cattails, and playful water frogs. Little ones can also enjoy their very own corner where water gently shoots up from the ground.
With the area partially shaded by large nearby trees, it’s a great place to relax while watching the kids play. The splash pad is fenced-in and well-kept! The park has also basketball and tennis courts, a dog park, and is next to the Armand Bayou Nature Center for an added educational experience.
- It's conveniently located right next to a lovely, partly shaded playground that kids will enjoy!
- The park has a great variety of activities for everyone to explore from a fishing pier to a dog park.
- The splash pad is also partially shaded by trees and features fun water elements that are perfect for all ages!
Cons:
- There have been quite a few maintenance days in the past.
- Sometimes, it's hard to find any updates on the park's social media about when maintenance is happening or if the splash pad is open. It would be great to have more information!
8. Fairmont Park Splash Park, La Porte
Where: 10216 1/2, Hillridge Rd, La Porte, TX 77571
Admission: Free
Season: Open April until October 31
We love the Fairmont Splash Park for its beautiful exotic bird water features, including flamingos and toucans. This charming park is a great addition to our lineup of outdoor activities. It's important to note that the splash pad is in open sun, so be sure to plan accordingly; fortunately, there is a small playground nearby that offers some shade.
- Great splash pad with unique and various water features
- Less busy than splash parks at Clear Lake and Bay Area Parks
- A short walk from the splash pad leads to a sprawling old oak that’s perfect for climbing, allowing kids to explore and enjoy nature while tackling its low-hanging branches
Cons:
- The splash pad is in the open sun, so plan accordingly
- The adjacent playground could use some sprucing up and is primarily suited for younger children
9. Monarch Park Splash Park, La Porte
Where: 9801 Rustic Gate Rd., La Porte, TX 77571
Admission: Free
Season: Open April until October 31
You absolutely can't miss this adorable neighborhood splash park! During our visit, we were thrilled to find it spotless and in great shape. Nestled in a quieter area on the border of La Porte and Pasadena, the park features cute water elements like dumping buckets, playful arches, and whimsical critters that spray water, making it a super fun spot for kids. Plus, there's a charming butterfly-inspired playground right next to it for added enjoyment. Just remember to plan your visit during the cooler parts of the day and pack some sunscreen and hats for a perfect, sunny adventure!
- Opened later in 2022, this splash park is sparkling and fresh
- There's a butterfly-themed playground nearby, right across from a green field
- Convenient covered seating for caregivers at the perimeter of the splash pad
Cons:
- Both the playground and splash pad are in the open sun, which could be quite warm during peak hours, so sun protection is a must!
- As it's a neighborhood splash pad, please note that there are no restroom or changing stations on site, so plan accordingly.
10. Sunset Park Splash Pad, Pasadena
Where: 914 W Hart Ave, Pasadena, TX 77506
Admission: Free
Season: Open May until October 1 (weekends only during September)
This splash pad is such a fantastic place to have fun! It features a variety of interactive elements, like a sail you can spin to point and shoot sprays of water. There are also gentle in-ground sprinkles that are perfect for the little ones to enjoy some splashy fun. Overall, it’s a bright and sunny spot, and even better, it’s right next to an inclusive playground where everyone can play together!
- Bright spot with a variety of water features
- Located next to the inclusive playground
- Geared toward all ages
Cons:
- Located in the open sun
- Limited availability (only open on weekends in September)
11. Dow Park Splash Pad
Where: 610 E San Augustine St, Deer Park, TX 77536
Admission: Free
Season: April 1 – October 1
You’ve got to check out the splash park’s coolest feature—a gigantic 12-foot tall replica of the San Jacinto Monument! It’s such a fun addition to the playground vibe. While the kids are splashing around, they can enjoy all sorts of fun water elements. For some epic splashes, there's a cannon ball activator and the spinning bear spray—it’s a blast to twist and watch those magical spirals. Adorable animal features would be perfect for little ones to play with. This splash pad if perfect for a fantastic day of summer fun!
Pros:
- Spacious, partly covered splash pad
- Great adjacent playground for all ages
- The park also features a lovely shaded trail and rose garden
- Super friendly squirrel that approaches visitors for peanuts; locals often bring a bag for them
Cons:
- It's somewhat away from the area's major attractions like the Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center.
- Water features are primarily geared toward younger kids.
I hope you enjoy this roundup of splash pads for summertime! Grab your swimsuits, pack those snacks, slather on some sunscreen, and don’t forget the water bottles—it’s almost time to make a splash! If you think I missed any of your favorites, just shout!
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