Summer weather in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex sometimes seems to extend nine months or more -- the periodic heat waves can send residents and visitors in search of aquatic relief. In addition to recreational lakes and reservoirs, the Metroplex contains a selection of full-featured water parks. One park in particular stands out for its size and range of attractions, while other options make water park fun accessible to every part of the DFW area.
The largest water park in North Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington spreads across 47 acres, with over two dozen rides for guests of all ages. Thrill seekers can enjoy some of the tallest, fastest water slides in the country, such as Tsunami Surge, which plunges guests through a 68-foot tunnel onto a 40-foot wave slide. Younger guests can engage in watery adventures at Hook’s Lagoon Treehouse, a play area with slides, water cannons and climbing nets. Families who want to spend the day in the park can rent private cabanas and eat at a selection of on-site restaurants.
Bahama Beach, just 9 miles from downtown Dallas, welcomes the entire family with attractions like a 45-foot tall water slide, a water playground, two zero-depth-entry swimming beaches and a lazy river. Hawaiian Falls, located in Garland in northeast Dallas County, has fast-paced water slides, family-friendly areas like the well-shaded Splashwater Reef, and Waikiki Beach, which features a 16,000-square-foot wave pool. Located in the Dallas suburb of Rowlett, Wet Zone caters mainly to families. Many of this park's attractions have no height restrictions, and guests can bring their own flotation devices for the swimming pools.
The Mid-City area between Dallas and Fort Worth has two full-featured water parks easily accessible from around the Metroplex. Arlington's Randol Mill Family Aquatic Center is a smaller park that still has a range of amenities, including a water slide, vortex pools and children's play areas. NRH20 in North Richland Hills has high-octane, enclosed slides like the Blue Twister and one-of-a-kind experiences like the Green Extreme, an 1,160-foot uphill water-coaster. Guests at NRH20 also enjoy Beachside Bay, a 5,300-square-foot swimming pool with a white sand beach.
Pirate’s Cove, located south of Fort Worth in Burleson, is a family attraction with a water park component. The pirate-themed Wet Fun area has seven water slides and an outdoor lounge modeled on a ship’s deck. Guests can also enjoy Pirate’s Cove’s other attractions, which include a large selection of arcade games and the Lazer Frenzy glow-in-the-dark playground. Water Works Park, located north of Dallas in Denton, features a lazy river, four water slides and a children’s pool. Water Works also has plenty of open green space with picnic areas, and allows guests to bring coolers.
