Photo: Myra Robison
Photo: Rick White
Photo: Leighton Luckey
Medical Center Park
★4.6(2,006 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 1-10. Toddlers can safely enjoy the gentler water features in shallow areas, while elementary-aged kids love running through the various jets and sprays. The splash pad design accommodates multiple age groups simultaneously.🧡 Saved by 400+ families
About
Medical Center Park offers one of Amarillo's best FREE splash pads, featuring exciting water jets and interactive water features perfect for beating the Texas heat. With convenient covered areas for parents to relax in the shade and a well-maintained family recreation area, it's a local favorite that provides hours of water play without the cost of a water park admission.
Highlights
- ✓FREE admission makes it budget-friendly for frequent summer visits
- ✓Multiple water jets and spray features keep kids entertained
- ✓Covered pavilions provide essential shade for parents and lunch breaks
- ✓Well-maintained facilities with clean restrooms
- ✓Large park setting allows for additional play beyond just the splash pad
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early in the morning (around 8-9 AM) to claim a shaded picnic table before they fill up
- 2.Bring water shoes as the concrete can get scorching hot during peak afternoon hours
- 3.Pack your own snacks and drinks since there are no food vendors on-site, but plenty of covered picnic areas for family meals
- 4.Apply waterproof sunscreen before arriving and bring extra for reapplication,there's minimal shade in the splash pad area itself
- 5.Bring a change of clothes and towels for the car ride home, plus a plastic bag for wet items
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (9-11 AM) from May through September for smaller crowds and more manageable temperatures. Avoid weekend afternoons when the park is busiest. Early evenings (6-8 PM) also offer cooler temps with plenty of splash pad operating time.
What to Know
Completely free to use with ample parking available at the park. No lifeguards are on duty, so parents must supervise their children at all times. Restrooms and covered picnic pavilions are available throughout the park.
Seasonal Notes
Splash pad typically operates from late April through September, weather permitting. Water features are turned off during cooler months. Check with the city for exact operational dates each season. Peak season is June through August when Texas heat makes the splash pad most appealing.
Nearby Eats
Grab lunch at Jason's Deli (about 2 miles away) for a quick, healthy family meal, or visit Chick-fil-A on Coulter Street for a kid-friendly option with a playground.
More Activities Near Amarillo
Activity
Amarillo Parks and Recreation Splash Pads
Free
Amarillo's free splash pads scattered throughout city parks are a budget-friendly oasis for families during hot Texas summers. These safe, interactive water play areas feature ground-level sprays, fountains, and jets that keep little ones entertained for hours without the depth concerns of traditional pools. With multiple locations across the city, there's likely a convenient splash pad near wherever you're staying or exploring in Amarillo.
Restaurant
Big Moose Lodge
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Big Moose Lodge in Amarillo is a parent's dream for a stress-free dining experience. This casual family restaurant combines hearty comfort food with built-in entertainment, featuring an indoor playground and arcade games that keep kids happily occupied. It's the perfect spot where parents can actually enjoy their meal while children burn off energy in a safe, supervised environment.
Park
Randall County
Free
Randall County offers families an abundance of outdoor space perfect for letting kids run wild and burn off energy. With well-maintained playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and spacious pavilions, it's an ideal spot for everything from casual weekend outings to organized birthday celebrations and pickup sports games.
Restaurant
Chick-fil-A PlayPlaces
$
Chick-fil-A PlayPlaces in Amarillo offer the perfect combination of dining and play for families with energetic kids. These popular locations feature clean, climate-controlled indoor playgrounds where children can burn energy climbing, sliding, and exploring while parents enjoy quality food in a relaxed atmosphere. The friendly staff, healthy meal options, and spotless facilities make this a go-to spot for parents seeking a stress-free dining experience.