The real ones know: The best way to survive a scorching DFW summer is by spending it in the water. Now whether that means doing laps or lapping up cocktails in a hotel pool is up to you, but we have some ideas of where to spend a splashy summer keeping cool in the water.<\/p>\n
If you’re already a swimmer, you know that each city in the DFW area has its own community pools, operated by their respective Park and Recreation Departments, which charge a nominal fee and offer resident discounts. Some are even classified as Aquatic Centers and boast impressive slides, splash pads, lazy rivers, and other bells and whistles.<\/p>\n
But if you’re looking for more creative ways to beat the heat, read on:<\/p>\n
The Texas Pool<\/a>, Plano<\/strong> WorldSprings<\/a>, Grandscape at The Colony<\/strong> NRH2O<\/a>, North Richland Hills<\/strong> Goodsurf<\/a>, Dallas<\/strong> JadeWaters at Hilton Anatole<\/a>, Dallas<\/strong> The Joule<\/a>, Dallas<\/strong> The Ritz-Carlton Dallas<\/a>, Las Colinas<\/strong> EpicWaters<\/a>, Grand Prairie<\/strong> Lazy River at Riders Field<\/a>, Frisco<\/strong> The Cove at The Lakefront<\/a>, Little Elm<\/strong> King Spa<\/a> and Spa Castle Texas<\/a>, Carrollton<\/strong>
It just wouldn’t be right to start this list any other way than with a big pool shaped like the Lone Star State. Built in 1961, this 168,000-gallon saltwater pool is on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s a diving board, two water slides, a \u201cNorth Texas\u201d island, and a shallow \u201cSouth Texas\u201d wading area for small children and parents.<\/p>\n
Billed as an “outdoor social-wellness destination,” this spa-amusement park combo is the country’s largest hot springs pool complex. It boasts 45 outdoor soaking pools inspired by the most famous hot springs from around the world. Take a dip in cold-plunge pools, Finnish saunas, and even a Dead Sea-inspired pool, with aquatic classes and adults-only and all-ages sections to boot.<\/p>\n
NRH2O was the first municipal water park in Texas and one of the first in the nation, opening in 1995 with three body slides, a river, and a wading pool. Today, the 17-acre park has 23 attractions to fit both the young and the young at heart. Of course, NRH residents receive a discount.<\/p>\n
Who says you can’t surf in landlocked Dallas? Just show up to this indoor pool\/pickleball facility and they provide the wetsuit, rash guard, and fully stocked locker room. Each 30-minute session is limited to only seven surfers, and the skill levels range from complete newbie (with the aid of a balance bar) to surfing pro. If anyone prefers to remain dry, there is also pickleball, shuffleboard, yard games, and food and drink to explore.<\/p>\n
Use ResortPass<\/a> to book a daycation at one of Dallas’ best resort pool complexes, which is home to a sparkling pool, water slides, fun poolside activities, and a winding lazy river. Chow down at the JadeWaters Grill and enjoy signature drinks at the swim-up bar. For the ultimate day of luxury, book a cabana which includes comfortable seating, chaise lounges, refrigerator, TV, ceiling fan, and exceptional service.<\/p>\n
Another swanky spot where ResortPass will get you in the door, even if you’re not a guest. This clear-sided pool is famous for being cantilevered over Main Street, giving swimmers the thrill of paddling eight stories above the sidewalk. Make eyes at The Eye while you’re up there.<\/p>\n
Feel like royalty for the day (thanks yet again to ResortPass<\/a>) in this lush pool that snakes its way through the resort. Book a cabana or shaded daybed to enjoy impeccable service as you sip refreshing cocktails and snack on elevated pool snacks. Or make it a full-on staycation and partake of The Nelson Sports & Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Spa & Salon while you’re there.<\/p>\n
The largest indoor water park in North Texas, this massive, glass-enclosed complex is open year-round. From a dizzying array of slides to a wave pool, lazy river, swimming pool, and kids splash area, it also boasts an arcade, gift shop, and cafe.<\/p>\n
Yes, you can even watch live sports while floating in a pool. The Lazy River at Riders Field includes a 400-foot-long pool overlooking the baseball diamond where the Frisco RoughRiders \u2014 Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers \u2014 play their home games.<\/p>\n
This 42,000-square-foot indoor waterpark features something for everyone of all ages. Splash away in the zero-depth splash ground, catch a wave on the FlowRider Double Surf Machine, float down the lazy river, or take a trip down one of the thrill-seeking slides. Elevate your experience with a private, luxury cabana, or book a birthday party or full-facility buyout to have the place all to yourselves.<\/p>\n
These Korean-inspired spas offer everything from healing hot and cold sauna rooms to massages to movie theaters, as well as food and drink to fuel an hours-long stay. Change into your swimsuit before heading to the waterpark areas, where hydrotherapy is, ahem, king.<\/p>\n