It’s true. Texas can get a little steamy. Thankfully, Arlington is home to dozens of refreshing water parks to help bring your temperature down a bit. Whether you’re looking for entertaining adventures for the whole family or a quiet day by the pool, Arlington has plenty of water options to choose from.
In Arlington, most conversations about water and recreation start with Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, the largest—and dare we say, funniest?!—water park in all of North Texas.
Boasting more than 40 rides and attractions across 50 sprawling acres, Hurricane Harbor features thrilling rides like the Typhoon Twister, Tsunami Surge, and Wahoo Racer. Hook’s Lagoon is an interactive water playhouse perfect for kids, and the park’s shaded cabanas provide plenty of respite to adults looking for a breather.
Arlington is also loaded with excellent public pools and aquatic centers, including options for little tikes. The Helen Wessler Play Pool, designed for children ages 7 years and younger, is perfect for kids and their parents. The family changing room makes it easy to get in and out of swimming gear, while the shade structure and small grass area provide spaces for relaxing. The Howard Moore Play Pool, also for children 7 and under, is another shallow water play pool perfect for the kids and parents.
At Arlington’s aquatic centers, families can enjoy a whole range of pool features beyond what you would find at any ol’ local pool. In addition to a shallow water pool, the Randol Mill Family Aquatic Center includes vortex pools—those would be pools with a current—as well as waterslides for all ages. Similarly, the Bad Konigshofen Family Aquatic Center located at S.J. Stovall Park includes some really spectacular water features sure to delight kids and adults of all ages: a water slide, lap pools, a special diving area, shallow areas for tots, and much more. These places have everything you need to create a special outing for the whole family.
For a simpler pool-going experience, people flock to Allen Bolden Pool. This L-shaped, Olympic-sized pool is perfect for swimming laps, cooling off, practicing dives, or just lounging poolside. The zero-depth entry is great for families, kids, and anyone who just wants to dip their feet in. Another Arlington hot spot is the Woodland West Outdoor Pool, a popular neighborhood pool perfect for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
For year-round swimming no matter the weather, Hugh Smith Indoor Pool provides space for open swim, lap swim, swim lessons, water aerobics, competitions, and private rentals.
Whatever you decide, be sure to check pool websites for information about lifeguards, hours, admission fees, and concessions before planning your visit.
Arlington is also where you can find beautiful Lake Arlington, a popular destination for water-based sports and recreation. While you can’t swim here, you can fish, canoe or kayak, jet ski or boat, all within just minutes from downtown Arlington.
