The summer in Austin can be brutal, but there are several ways to cool off around town. One of the best resources parents have when spending the day out with their kids is the bevy of splash pads in the city. In addition to providing the perfect way to battle the rising temperatures, splash pads are a lot of fun, so check out our list of the best splash pads in Austin where your kids can have fun in the sun while beating the heat.
The Pease Park Splash Pad is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Austin. The water automatically turns off after 15 minutes and can be restarted by a button on the adjacent poll.
There is also an abundance of shade trees surrounding the splash pad, making it a great place for parents to hang out and watch their kids. This splash pad and each of the others on this list are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 14 through September 23.
Eastwoods Park is located near the The University of Texas and a favorite place of Longhorn students for studying and relaxing. The splash pad itself is operated by a metal disk in the center and is a fun thing for kids to stomp on.
There is a nearby playground as well as a picnic area and restrooms available for park goers. This is one of the lighter-used splash pads in town, so it makes a great stop if you think another one might be too busy.
At Bailey Park in Bryker Woods, there are several tubes that gush water from above. Kids love running under these pipes, and there is also a fun mock car wash that younger children like going through.
Space in the shade around the splash pad is limited, but this park never gets too crowded. There is also a shaded picnic area next to the on-site playground.
East Austinites often make their way to Lott Park because there is a host of different recreational activities at the park including basketball courts, a picnic area, and playground.
The Lott Park Splash Pad has a fairly simple design, but kids enjoy playing in it all the same. The only drawback to spending an extended period of time in this park is that there are no bathrooms.
The Liz Carpenter Fountain is a landmark attraction in downtown's Butler Park. This water feature invites people to splash around who have been walking around the park.
If you visit the fountain from dusk to 9:45 p.m., you can see the colorful light show that takes over. While many of these splash pads are only open seasonally, the Liz Carpenter Fountain is open year-round.
Find the perfect Austin splash pad for you and your family this summer, and register on 512area for even more things to do in Austin this summer.
Cover photo courtesy of PxHere
