Splash Time!

It’s about that time, when the heat in Austin starts to stifle all thoughts of being outdoors and I scramble to find any source of water I can be around (or in). Growing up in Phoenix where summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees or higher, it’s pretty vital to have a pool and they’re much more common than in Texas. With no pool or neighborhood pool, we’re frequent visitors of Barton Springs and Deep Eddy pool, but since we have a 3-year-old, we also love a good splash pad. I’m sharing a few of our favorites. Pack the cups and buckets for water-filling and don’t forget the sunscreen!

**Check City of Austin & individual park web sites for hours

Fun at Clarksville Splash Pad

Clarksville Splash Pad 1811 W. 11th St.

We love this one because it’s partially shaded, has picnic tables right near the splash pad and there’s a great playground. There are also restrooms right next to the splash pad. It’s located right off the Mopac service road near Enfield. Parking can sometimes be challenging since it’s on a narrow, older street, but it’s usually not a problem if you go early. There’s also a field and we’ve seen a number of birthday parties set up there.

Pease Splash Pad 1600 Parkway at Kingsbury St.

This is a great one because of all the different types of water features, big and small. It’s located at Pease Park off Lamar, near a cup de sac for parking. There’s also a great playground near by. The downside is that there’s no shade, so on hot days it doesn’t provide much relief, especially if you’re not in the water.

Ricky Guerrero Splash Pad 1100 Brodie St. **Note: Currently closed for construction

We love this splash pad because of all the shade and it’s tucked away at the back of the park near Oltorf and Mary. There are several different types of sprayers and seating on the low wall. There’s also a playground at the park, but it’s not super close to the splash pad.

Liz Carpenter Fountain 201 Dawson Rd.

This may take the award for most photogenic splash bad with the Austin city skyline just to the north (although I love Clarksville too for the rainbow colored sprayers). It’s located at Butler Park, next to Palmer Events Center. There’s limited parking on Dawson Road and on Riverside. We’ve been taking Run here since he was a baby since it’s so close to the hike and bike trail where we’d go for long walks with him in the stroller. There’s no shade and a lack of seating around the fountain, but it’s a great one when the sun isn’t blaring or in the early morning.

Run enjoying the Liz Carpenter Fountain

A few others on our list this summer:

Bailey Park 1101 W. 33rd St.

This one is located just off North Lamar. I’ve read that it has some great water features, but not much shade. However, there are shaded picnic tables and bathrooms.

Bartholomew Splash Pad 5200 Berkman Dr.

This looks like a great one with plenty of shade located near the Mueller neighborhood. There’s also picnic areas and a pool with some kid friendly features.

Hill Country Galleria 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave

This is a fountain that operates during mall hours in the summer, weather pending. It’s shaded with chairs and tables near by.