Splish. Splash. Are you craving some water fun?

Looking for a place to swim?

Need a break from the heat?

The Houston region has numerous places for families to enjoy a day playing in the water and cooling off on a steamy day. Come, check out the sampling I've found to share with you.

Splash Pads and Spraygrounds

Little ones of all ages will enjoy running through the water sprays and stomping in the puddles around the splash pads. Even the adults will thrill in cooling off on a hot day.

Nottingham Park Splash Pad, 14205 Kimberley Ln, Houston

This splash pad has water shoots, fill-and-dump buckets, pipe tunnels, and tall sprays. There is also covered seating for parents to enjoy while watching the kids play, and a playground nearby for anyone needing a break from the water.

Splash Pad at Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land

Constellation Field has a splash pad that overlooks the playing field and gives kids a chance to cool off and burn some energy while taking in some minor league baseball. Note: Use of the splash pad is free with purchase of Sugar Land Skeeters ticket.

Monroe Field Splash Pad, 2528 Repsdorph, Seabrook

Aye matey, the pirate ship with wheel that sprays the children is the highlight of this splash pad. Featuring a fenced-in play area with shaded seating area for the adults.  

Brookglen Splash Park, 3324 Somerton, La Porte

Featuring a large, rainbow-colored dragon, dumping buckets, and animals that spray water from their mouths makes this a water play area your kids won't want to miss.

Texas Avenue Park, 17100 Texas Avenue, Webster

This baseball-themed splash pad will appeal to your little slugger. Baseballs spout out water and there are even bases to run around, making this water play area a home run.

Wading Creeks and Deep Swimming Holes

When you want to take in some nature plus get away from the public swimming pool then heading to a nearby creek for wading to even checking out a favorite swimming hole is the answer. Give one of these spots a try. These refreshing places to play and swim are all within a two-hour drive from Houston.

Raven Lake, off I-45 between Huntsville and New Waverly

Come explore the 210 acres located in the Huntsville State Park where families can swim, fish, hike, or camp. After swimming you may want to rent a canoe, paddleboat, or kayak. Entry is $7 for ages 13 and up.  

Lake Houston Wilderness Park, 2 5840 FM 1485, New Caney

The shallow waters of Peach Creek are perfect for the children to splash and wade or even enjoy swinging from the various tree swings along the waterside. Entry is $3 for ages 13 and up.

Lake Longhorn, 2 391 Gun Range Road, League City

The depth of this lake is part of the reason why it serves as a scuba diving and triathlon training facility. You’ll enjoy the swimming and may want to take up a new hobby learning scuba diving. If you tire of swimming, you can rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or explore the surrounding 30 acres during a hike. Lake entry is $15.

Woodsy Hollow Campground, 248 Woodsy Hollow Rd, Goodrich

This campground and RV park on Sleepy Hollow Lake offers day passes for swimming, kayaking and paddle boating. Swimming entry is $5 per person.

Sandy Beach Fun

When you’re craving sand, sun, and the waves, choosing to spend some time at the beach is where you need to be. Check out one of these prime locations.

Sylvan Beach, along Galveston Bay, La Porte

Just a short 30-minute drive from Downtown Houston you can be at the beach in minutes. Sylvan Beach also offers a skate park, boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area and playground for children.

Quintana Beach County Park, 330 5th Street Quintana

This pedestrian-only sandy beach in Brazoria County is great for families. In addition to swimming, the park offers RV campsites, cabins, picnic tables, volleyball and a playground. Entry is $5 per car.

This is a small sampling of what’s within a two-hour drive of Houston. Looking to live near enough to have some water fun weekly? I’d be happy to help you find a beautiful home. Let’s get the conversation started.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.