Within 15 miles of Ferris, TX · Updated 2026-06-29Ferris summers are long and hot. The city doesn't have its own splash pad yet, but you're within 15 miles of several good options, including a free pirate-themed park in Balch Springs and a lake-set splash pad in Ennis.
Top-Rated Splash Pads Near Ferris
1. Oak Ridge Splash Park (Balch Springs)
Starting in Ferris, the drive takes under 10 min without traffic, and the round trip still fits inside a morning.
Location: 1400 Spring Oaks Dr, Balch Springs, TX 75180
5.8 miles to Balch Springs' pirate park: Oak Ridge Splash Park is the shortest drive from Ferris for a real splash pad experience. Pirate ship design, multiple slides, spray blasters, non-slip surface. Free, shade, picnic tables.
Good to know: splash pad, pirate ship theme, shade structures, picnic tables, restrooms, playground.
Parent tip: Weekday mornings are the least crowded. The pirate ship slides are the most popular feature, so arrive early on weekends.
Want to check if the fountains are running today? See live maintenance updates on the official Oak Ridge portal.
2. Lancaster Aquatic Center (Lancaster)
For a family coming from Ferris, the drive clocks in at about 11 min without traffic, an easy add-on if you're already headed toward Lancaster.
Location: 1700 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Lancaster, TX 75134
Gentle entry for water beginners at Lancaster: Zero-depth design means toddlers get comfortable gradually. Perfect for families building water confidence.
Good to know: splash pad, zero-depth entry, lazy river, water slides, restrooms, locker rooms.
Parent tip: Kids under 3 get in free. Check lancaster-tx.com for current session hours and admission rates before heading out.
For weather closures, seasonal restrictions, or maintenance schedules, view the Lancaster Aquatic Center city page.
3. Danieldale Sprayground (Dallas)
From Ferris, it runs about 21 min door-to-door, and Dallas's roads are simple to follow from the highway.
Location: 300 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75232
Free and maintained by Dallas Aquatics — consistent seasonal operation: Dallas Aquatics operates Danieldale and keeps its facilities in consistent shape. Clean sprayground, shaded seating, sports fields for older kids.
Good to know: sprayground, shade seating, picnic areas, sports fields, splash pad, restrooms.
Parent tip: The shaded adult seating is the practical differentiator on 100-degree days. Sports fields for older kids make it easy to keep the whole family occupied.
Closures are rare, but you can confirm real-time operations on the Danieldale facilities status page before packing up the car.
4. All Abilities Park (Glenn Heights)
Out of Ferris, plan for about 18 min in the car, which makes Glenn Heights an easy weekday-afternoon trip from Ferris.
Location: 1938 S Hampton Rd, Glenn Heights, TX 75154
The right pick if siblings have different mobility needs: All Abilities Park integrates accessibility throughout, not as an afterthought. The splash pad, accessible swings, ziplines, and ramp entries all work together. Free, Glenn Heights-operated.
Good to know: splash pad, accessible playground, restrooms, pavilion, shade structures, picnic areas.
Parent tip: The park is fairly open without a lot of shade trees, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Weekday afternoons are calm and a good option when bigger parks are packed.
Before heading out, review the All Abilities Park status dashboard for seasonal maintenance updates.
5. Rotary Park Splash Pad (Ennis)
If you're based in Ferris, it's about 20 min without traffic, worth combining with other Ennis stops.
Location: 2300 Park St, Ennis, TX 75119
Paved trail plus splash pad: The mile-long paved path around Old City Lake is the differentiator — you cool off after the splash pad with an actual scenic walk. Three beach volleyball courts, a fitness court, and playground fill in the rest of the 35.5-acre park.
Good to know: splash pad, playground, trails, beach volleyball, picnic areas, lake trail.
Parent tip: Mile-long paved trail circles the lake and is stroller-friendly. Splash pad opens seasonally, May through August. Open daily during the season.
Keep tabs on routine cleanings and seasonal changes by visiting the Rotary Park page directly.
How we picked these
Every pick is a public splash pad or water facility open to all families without a membership. We prioritized free options with shade and restrooms on-site. HOA-restricted spots didn't make the list.Planning your visit
Dallas County splash pads run Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ennis's Rotary Park is open May through August. Bring sunscreen and water shoes. Weekday mornings are consistently the least crowded across all of these locations.For more kids' events near Ferris this week, see the Ferris events page.
Ferris Splash Pad Checklist
- Two towels and a dry change of clothes per kid: wet swimsuits on a hot car seat are miserable.
- Water shoes: rubber soles grip wet concrete; bare feet burn on pavement between jets.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, applied 15 min before arrival: Oak Ridge Splash Park and most Ferris splash pads have minimal shade, so a portable canopy extends your session past midday.
- Your own water bottle: splash pad water recirculates through a filtration and chlorination system and is not safe to drink, even when it runs clear.
Swim Diapers and Water Hygiene
- Swim diapers only for children not yet potty trained, regular diapers absorb recirculating water, swell, and can contaminate the shared system. Most municipal splash pads require them.
- Don't swallow the water: it's treated recreational water, not drinking water. Repeated swallowing can cause gastrointestinal illness.
- Rinse off after with soap and water. Keep kids with open wounds or a recent stomach illness out of places like Lancaster Aquatic Center, standard filtration doesn't remove all pathogens instantly.
Ferris Splash Pads, Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best splash pads for kids near Ferris, TX?
Our 2026 guide picks 5 standout splash pads within about 15 miles of Ferris. The top picks include Oak Ridge Splash Park, Lancaster Aquatic Center and Danieldale Sprayground, each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.
Which splash pads near Ferris are free?
4 of the 5 splash pads in this guide are free to visit, including Oak Ridge Splash Park, Danieldale Sprayground and All Abilities Park. The rest charge admission. Check the individual cards above for prices.
What is the closest splash pad to Ferris?
Oak Ridge Splash Park in Balch Springs is the closest pick at about 5.8 miles from Ferris. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon, short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.
When do Ferris splash pads open and close for the season?
Most Ferris-area splash pads open Memorial Day weekend (late May) and run through Labor Day or mid-September, depending on weather and maintenance. Hours typically run 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily, check each splash pad's official page (linked in the cards above) before driving out, since closures for cleaning and weather are common.
Are the splash pads near Ferris open right now?
It depends on the day. Many Ferris-area pads run on heat-activated sensors or set seasonal hours (often 10 a.m.–8 p.m.), and some close one weekday for cleaning or shut off in bad weather. Before you load up the car, check the official page linked on each card above, it carries the current day's hours and status.