Splash pads in Plano, Texas

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve has a small splash plaza tucked into one of Plano's most beloved trail systems — the splash isn't the main draw, the 200-acre preserve is, but the cool-down lands right after a hike with kids. Ground sprays for toddlers and early grade-schoolers. Free parking but the lot fills by 9am on weekends. Restrooms at the trailhead. Parent gotcha: Plano enforces Collin County drought-stage rules and the splash feature is among the first cuts in Stage 2 — call ahead. Best on weekday mornings paired with the short Tower Loop hike. A great Plano outdoor combo.

Bob Woodruff Park is Plano's biggest park and the splash pad anchors a family campus that includes a destination playground, lakeside trails, fishing piers, and pavilions. Ground sprays for toddlers, arching jets for older kids. Free parking is plentiful but fills by 11am summer weekends. Restrooms are clean. Parent gotcha: Plano enforces Collin County drought-stage rules and Stage 2 has cut pad hours to mornings — check the city site. The deck has thin shade so layer the sunscreen. Best on weekday mornings. Pack a picnic and walk the lake loop after. Quintessential Plano summer.

Haggard Park is downtown Plano's living room — historic gazebo, a duck pond, the DART rail running past, and a small but well-loved splash pad. Ground sprays sized for toddlers and early grade-schoolers, with a tiny pavilion for shade. Free parking on the surrounding downtown streets, restrooms in the park. Parent gotcha: Plano drought-stage rules apply and Haggard's pad gets cut in Stage 2; the deck is small so weekend afternoons feel busy. Best on weekday mornings. Walk to historic downtown Plano for ice cream at Henry's or coffee at Local Yocal. The most charming downtown-Plano afternoon.