Oh no! It’s already the middle of July, and I’m only on number ten of my list of 25 Fun Things to Do in Austin! I’m not even half-way done! More importantly, if I don’t get my butt in gear, Mister will be right (for like the first time ever. He said I should make a list of 10 things, “25 is a bit ambitious.”)
As usual, I found a way to trick him – excuse me, I found a way to finish the list successfully.
The beauty of living in the southern heat is splash pads, splash pads, and more splash pads. I could easily complete this list, because Austin and the surrounding areas have well over 16 splash pads. I’ll stick to suggesting the splash pads we’ve actually frequented.
10. Butler Park
This is by far one of our favorites. It’s in the heart of downtown next to the Town Lake Trail with a great view of the city.
Last time we visited, the large pipes enthralled Bunder. Upon returning home, he used his tunnel to recreate the pipes and acted out running through the fountain in the living room.
11. Pease Park
We visited this park during the celebration of Eeyore’s birthday. Yes, that’s right, in Austin we celebrate the birthday of a fictional cartoon animal. Supposedly, it’s the only day Eeyore is happy, because everyone’s happy on his or her birthday! Ha! It has a nice playground adjacent to the park and a long stretch of green space (large trees, grass, and a creek) leading up to the park.
12. Bailey Splash Pad
Tucked between medical buildings off 33rd Street and Lamar, this is a quaint splash pad with a perfect location. It’s close to Central Market, the Seton Hospital, the Heart Hospital, and numerous restaurants and shops on Lamar. I like to shop at Blue Elephant. Then, when the whining escalates over the store’s loud sound system, I take the kids here.
13. Champion Park in Cedar Park
This is a relatively small splash pad compared to its next-door neighbor, the Brushy Creek Splash Pad, but I like it because it’s rarely crowded and sits in the middle of swings, a giant sand pit, climbing rocks, and large dinosaur eggs.
14. Robin Bledsoe Park in Leander
If you want an enclosed play area, where you can work on your tan and not worry about your kids escaping, this is the spot for you! Bunder loves the buckets that dump water from 12 feet in the air. (Last year, he’d whine and cry until I would hold him under the buckets). Thank goodness, this year, he’s content with standing under the buckets himself.
15. Quarry Splash Pad in Leander
All the splash pads on this list are free, except for this one. The fee is minimal, $1.00 per person regardless of age. Mister loves this park, because he can use the high-powered water guns to soak unsuspecting kids. (I’m not going to say he’s made kids cry- I’m not going to say that). The whole structure is made of rock, including a slide, so the look and feel of it is very unique. It has a sand pit, as well. I don’t like to visit this splash pad by myself because it’s rather large and unenclosed, so it’s difficult for me to keep my eyes on two kids.
16. Falcon Point Splash Pad in Pflugerville
We haven’t visited this park yet this season, perhaps because it’s a bit of a drive. It’s hidden in a subdivision, so it’s quiet and typically not very busy. If you live near Pflugerville, you should definitely check out this park.
17. Main Street Splash Pad in Round Rock
My mom-friends and I couldn’t wait to visit this new splash pad. We hosted a meetup there at 10; most of us showed up around 10:30 or even 10:45. Little did we know, the fountain shuts down every day from 11-2. Crazy!
To learn more about the splash pads in the area, check out this blog. If you’re strictly looking for splash pads in Austin, this website lists ten with addresses and hours of operation. Stay cool! Get wet!
July 18th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
[...] 10. Butler Park [...]
July 31st, 2012 at 7:46 am
I swear, you get the best pictures of your kiddos!