Splash pads in Arlington, Texas

Randol Mill Park is the closest splash pad to Globe Life Field, which makes it a Rangers-game-day cool-down zone for parents who don't want to pay stadium prices for water. The pad has interactive jets, ground sprays, and a wide deck with both toddler and big-kid zones. Free parking is abundant on non-game days, brutal on game days — plan accordingly. Restrooms are clean, the playground is a destination. Best on weekday mornings to dodge both heat and game-day crowds. Parent gotcha: deck temperature reaches 130-plus by 2pm; water shoes are mandatory. Rangers fan family essential.

Richard Greene Linear Park sits between AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, making this splash pad the most photogenic in Arlington — backdrop the kids' photos with two pro stadiums in one frame. The pad has interactive jets, ground sprays, and a long linear walking trail that connects you to the entertainment district. Free parking is hard on game days, easy otherwise. Restrooms are clean. Best in the late afternoon when stadium shadows cool the deck. Parent gotcha: this is a major event-area park, so check both Cowboys and Rangers schedules before visiting. Photo-op gold.