Austin’s Four Points Area is a bit dry when it comes to splash pads, so if you’re wanting to change things up a bit from the typical pool scene, you have to drive a bit. But, I’m here to tell you why the 25-minute drive to the Quarry Splash Pad in Leander is totally worth it. You read about other Austin area splash pads and pools on my Resource for Austin Moms page, Splash Pads & Pools.
This splash pad is the biggest around and clean too! Plus your kids will love the slide (just ask Foster!).
The Quarry Splash Pad is located in the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll follow the signs to the splash pad. Word of advice, though, there is no final sign that tells you when you’ve arrived. You’ll see a parking lot on the right about 200 feet before the road dead ends. That’s it. If you miss it, just turn right when it dead ends and another entrance will be on your right. *If you’re ambitious, you can even check out the Cedar Rock Railroad with your kids while you’re there. Share your experience if you do – I’d love to hear about it.
Parking at the Quarry Splash Pad is free and the two times I’ve been there have been plenty of spots available.
When you walk in (crossing a really cool bridge), you’ll first head to the concession stand area and pay machine. It is cash only so come prepared! The splash pad charges $2 per person, regardless of age.
After you’ve paid for your tickets, you’ll want to find a spot to throw down your towels. There are several picnic tables, but only a few that are in an area where you can have visibility of most of the water features. You can say the same about shaded areas. As a result, you’ll likely just throw down your towels on the turf in a shady area, getting comfy-cozy with your neighbors.
You can bring in food and drinks to the splash pad so be sure to pack a lunch or snacks. The concession stand sells waters, sodas, popsicles, chips, and more, though, in case you forget anything.
All About Quarry Splash Pad
Now, let’s talk about the amazing Quarry Splash Pad itself. I’m a fan. So are these kiddos.
Here’s a video showing the majority of the splash pad.
I moved my camera a bit too fast (so I apologize if any of you get queasy) but you’ll see that this splash pad provides so much more than a typical splash pad.
There are several different splash areas for a variety of ages. Closest to the main seating area you’ll find small fountains that are perfect for little ones. There are also areas with rotating water shooters for the bigger kids.
Plus, the slide is great for all ages.
Be careful, though, kids get going really fast on it and often end up landing on the rough (although cushioned) ground. I didn’t see any tears but held my breath several times.
Potty Time?
The women’s bathroom was extremely clean which was refreshing. Plus, there was a changing table for your little bitties. Rarely do I find myself in a recreation center bathroom that doesn’t have me cringing. This one didn’t though! There wasn’t much to it, but it wasn’t soaking wet and things were clean.
Other Features of the Quarry Splash Pad
On the far end of the splash pad, you’ll even find a huge sand box. We are still cleaning out sand from our trip to J.W. Marriott Hill Country Resort, so I managed to avoid it altogether this time.
There are also several pavilions for parties and large groups. For a summer birthday, this place would be a hit!
Planning Your Trip
When we went this week, it was Sunday afternoon and not too busy at all. Last year, we went on a week day and it was crazy busy. Apparently many day cares do field trips during the week, so you might want to call ahead and see if they will disclose whether field trips are occurring on site that day.
Tips for Your Trip
Tip: If your kids have water shoes that they’ll keep on, I’d have them wear them. The reason I say this is that the sidewalks and turf that aren’t wet are super hot. Poor Parker (who refuses to keep on her shoes) was in tears when she found herself on a particularly hot and dry area of the turf.
Tip: You will get wet. At many splash pads you can supervise your kids without getting wet. To get to the far end of the splash pad (that isn’t visible from the main seating area) you have to walk through the water features and will get, at a minimum, splashed a bit. There is an alternate walkway but it takes you on a path around a big rock feature and will take you an extra couple of minutes.
Tip: Keep an eye out for ants and bees. Sitting on the turf, I spotted a few ants trying to nibble on crumbs and crawling on our towel. Also, there have been several bees hanging around some of the water features both times I’ve been. Just keep an eye out.
Shopping and Dining On Your Way Home
As a sidenote, if you haven’t checked out the new shopping available in Cedar Park, you really should. There is a brand new Nordstrom Rack (with the best selection of any Nordstrom Rack I’ve seen in the Austin area), DSW Shoes, Marshalls, Tuesday Morning, and more to come. Yes, you can find closer locations of these stores near us, but I love being able to find it all in one place (along with Costco and Super Target). They even just opened a Chuy’s there. Yum!
Wrapping It Up
You have to check out the Quarry Splash Pad. Go and report back what you thought. Have fun!
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