The Beach in Little Elm

If you can't make it to a real beach this summer, the beach at Little Elm is a good replacement. It is part of Lake Lewisville and off of El Dorado Parkway.  

The beach is similar to the ones attached to an ocean.  The ocean is 6 hours away from us.  While I love the ocean with it's salt water and waves, the beach in Little Elm is great for a stay-cation.  We always bring our sand toys like shovels, buckets, castle molds, boats, cars, and rakes.  Snacks and drinks are part of our cargo, but there is a mini cafe on-site should you choose to purchase snacks or drinks.  

In addition to this great swimming area, there is a large playground close by as well as a volleyball court.

Cost:

FREE!

Finch Park in McKinney, TX

Finch Park is an older park with a playground and splash pad.  I especially like all of the older, large shade trees that keep the park cooler than most parks during the summer.  Slides and climbing equipment don't burn the kid's skin. 

The splash pad is small, but still refreshing.  Water shoes are a good idea because the trees leave limbs, nuts, etc on the pavement of the splash pad.  Again, like the play equipment, the splash pad is shaded.

Cost:

FREE!

The Village Fountain Fairview, TX

Whether you are looking for something to do in the day time or the night time, the Village Fountain is the place to gather. 

During the day, the fountain becomes a splash pad for kids young and old.  Adults can join in or sit on the sidelines on a bench or at an umbrella table.  Restaurants such as Gloria's, The Purple Cow, Twisted Root Burger and others are close by.

The Beach is right across the parking lot.  You can go to the beach and play in the sand, and then cross the parking lot to cool off in the fountain.  Towels are available for use as well.

In the evening, the fountain lights up and choreographed music plays on the hour: 7:00pm, 8:00pm, and 9:00pm

Cost:

FREE!

Dive-In Theater Dolphin Tale in Frisco, TX

Dolphin Tale is a true and endearing story about a beautiful dolphin who loses his fin and the people he touches in the process.  It is a movie that the whole family can enjoy.  Even my 5 year old was engaged throughout the entire movie. 

Now, you can see the movie while you swim!  The Frisco Athletic Center is offering a dive-in movie showing on June 28 from 8:00pm to 10:30pm.  You will be able to watch the movie from the comfort of the pool, and get in at a discounted price! 

Cost:

$5.00 per person

Hawaiian Falls in The Colony, TX

It's getting hot out here!  It is time for a big splash!  Hawaiian Falls has enough to cool you down and satisfy your swimming urges.  Hawaiian Falls has several locations in the area including, The Colony, Garland, Mansfield, and Roanoke.

There are slides for all ages from toddler to senior, and plenty of slides for those in between those stages.  The large slides vary from twisty to fast, and they will get your adrenaline pumping for sure.

For a relaxing time, the wave pool is the place to be.  There are tubes to slip into.  You can lazily lay down in a tube and ride the waves for hours.  The lazy river offers the same with tubes and a relaxing ride through the water.  Both of those I just love!

There is a large kids area with pulleys, fountains, puddles, water guns, slides, dumping bucket, and climbing apparatus.  The kids will never run out of things to do there!  Plus, there is a DJ that play games with the kids in addition to playing family friendly music. 

There are picnic tables, lounge chairs, bar stools, and more... If you plan to sit down while you are there, get to the park early to stake your claim.  We didn't sit on the seats, so we didn't worry when they were all full.  You can rent a cabana for the day as well.

Watch out for special events.  Last year, they had a kids club with crafts and activities one day a week and movie night.

Cost:

Adult and kids 48" and taller: $24.99

Child: $19.99

Season pass: $89.99

3 or more Season passes: $79.99

Natatorium in Allen, TX

The Natatorium in Allen is a great place to swim without having to worry about putting on sunscreen.  The pool starts at 0 depth, so it is even a pool I would take a baby to.  There are plenty of pulleys and water gadgets for the kids to play with as well as slides. 

You can not bring any floats into the pool with you, but they do have life vests available for use.  Children 7 and under must have an adult in the water with them at all times, and there must be no more than 3 children under 7 years old per adult. 

This pool is always very clean.  There are lockers, changing rooms and showers available.  There is no outside dirt or leaves floating in the water. 

The one thing that I do not like about this pool is that it doesn't open until 1pm. 

Cost:

Adults: $5

Children 3-17: $4

Children under 3: FREE!

You can check out the web-site here: Natatorium

The Splash in Sherman, TX

Today is the opening day of the Splash in Sherman!  I am so glad the pools are finally opening back up!  Texas is hot, so you will love this activity. 

I will be posting several water activity options over the next month or so, but this one is one of my favorite places to go.  It is perfect if you have little children because there is a zero-depth entry where they can safely step into the water with ease.  There is a small slide there for the little ones, as well.  Life jackets are free to use, so take advantage of that option if you need it. 

The pool starts at zero-depth and goes to 3 feet.  Then, there is a deeper end where the slides are including a drop slide and two longer swirling slides.  There is a diving board and a lazy river.  Umbrellas and chairs abound, but get there early to stake your claim.  There are lockers available to rent if you need to stow valuables. 

Price:

Adult 16 & up: $4

Children 3-15: $3

Children 2 and under: FREE 

Visit the web-site: The Splash

Celebration Splash Park in Allen, TX

With temperatures in the 90's, it is definitely time to get wet!  Beat the heat at Celebration Park in Allen.  This is the largest splash pad I have ever seen.  There are dumping buckets, shooters, and sprinklers.  You will get soaked for sure! 

It is open from 9am to 9pm but closed on Wednesdays.  We have stopped by on a Wednesday before and found out the hard way, so just know that there is no water on that day. 

There are shade trees on the grass and covered areas with tables.  All of these spaces get filled up quickly, so plan accordingly.  You may find yourself without a seat.  We bring a picnic blanket just in case. 

Cost: FREE!

For more information about the park, visit the web-site at: Celebration Park

Sea Life Aquarium in Grapevine, TX

Tucked in a space at Grapevine Mills Mall, you will find Sea Life.  Stop for a visit, and you will be surprised at how much they were able to put into that space.  This aquarium is packed with sea creatures including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, turtles, seahorses, eels, clown fish, and more!  After our visit they added an octopus.

If you want to learn something while you are there, you have several opportunities.  There are talks and feedings at regular intervals, so make sure to pick up a schedule when you arrive.  You can, also, hold a starfish or hermit crab in the rock pool.  We watched a film about conservation there on the upper level.  For a little extra money, you can take a behind the scenes look at the feeding and care of the animals.

Our favorite part was the 360 degree tunnel.  We stood in there watching the turtle, rays, sharks, and fish swimming for a long time. 

Overall, we had a great time, and I feel like we went away with a little more knowledge.  The staff was completely attentive and ready to teach us what they knew.  We stayed for about 4 hours, and we definitely got our money's worth.   

Cost:

Adults age 13 and up: $20.56

Children age 3 to 12: $16.24

Online Adult age 13 and up: $15.43

Online Child age 3 to 12: $12.18

After 5pm for everyone: $13.53

Behind the Scenes Adult: $5

Behind the Scenes Child: $4