When the Texas heat rolls in, it rolls in hot. Lucky for you, Bryan/College Station and the surrounding areas are packed with places to chill; from splash pads and pools to cool lakeside breezes and tubing day trips we’ve got it all. Whether you’re here for the weekend or all summer long, we’ve rounded up the best local (and day-trip worthy) ways to cool off and keep your shell from sizzling.
Right Here in Bryan/College Station
Bryan Aquatic Center
Public pool with diving boards, lap lanes, and shaded seating areas. Affordable entry, family-friendly, and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Adamson Lagoon
A favorite for families with its water slides, mushroom sprayers, and shallow zones. It’s splashy, supervised, and shaded in all the right places.
Lake Bryan
Not a swimming lake, but a great place to park a chair in the shade, rent a paddleboard, or enjoy the breeze with a cold drink in hand.
The Stella Hotel Pool (Day Pass Required)
If you’re after resort vibes without the overnight rate, check out day passes to the Stella. Access includes the pool, lawn games, and their poolside bar.
Splash Pads in Bryan & College Station
Tanglewood Park
Classic splash pad with simple spray features and plenty of room for kids to run through the mist.
Tiffany Park
Completely free and perfect for the under-10 crowd. Shaded benches for grownups and plenty of spray, splash, and giggle fuel for the little ones.
Gloria Stephan Sale Park
Compact but mighty splash pad that’s ideal for quick cooldowns downtown.
Stephen C. Beachy Central Park
A covered, wheelchair-accessible splash pad loaded with water showers and tipping buckets. Bonus: the whole park is picnic-perfect.
WA Tarrow Splash Pad
Located by the Lincoln Recreation Center, this splash pad is all about playtime with features the younger kids will love.
Want more splash pad scoop before you go? Check out the City of Bryan Splash Pads and College Station Splash Pads pages for full details and updates. They’ve got everything from park rules to water play hours, so you can plan like a pro and play like a kid.
Tubing Trips (and One Big Texas Disclaimer)
Tubing is a Texas summertime tradition, but we’ve got to give it to you straight:
🚫 The Brazos River near B/CS is NOT a safe place to float. Strong undercurrents, unpredictable depths, and limited access points make it better suited for admiring from a distance, not drifting down in an inner tube.
If tubing is calling your name, grab a cooler and hit the road to one of these trusted float spots:
Guadalupe River (New Braunfels / Canyon Lake)
Cool water, outfitters galore, and lively stretches for tubing with friends. About a 3-hour drive from Galloping Snail.
Comal River (New Braunfels)
Shorter and calmer, but still a solid float. Known for spring-fed temps and convenient loops. Want a day of fun but not quite a full float? For just a $7 admission, check out the Comal River Chute, a fun place to hang out for the day!
San Marcos River (San Marcos)
A college-town favorite, with float trips and riverside hangouts. Go early in the day for fewer crowds.
Hamilton Pool Preserve (Dripping Springs)
A stunning natural swimming hole with a 50-foot waterfall and dramatic limestone overhang. Swimming is allowed when conditions are safe, and reservations are required.
Dog-Friendly Splash Spots
University Park Dog Park
Located in College Station, this spacious park offers separate areas for small and large dogs, agility equipment, and a pond where pups can cool off. It’s a favorite among locals for off-leash fun and water play.
Morris “Buzz” Hamilton Dog Park
Situated in Bryan, this 5-acre park features multiple fenced areas, walking trails, and doggy water fountains. While it doesn’t have a swimming pond, it’s a great spot for dogs to socialize and stay active.
Bryan Pup Oasis with Pool (Sniffspot)
For a more private experience, consider booking this dog-friendly pool through Sniffspot. It’s a fully fenced yard with a pool designed for dogs, complete with shaded areas and seating for humans. Reservations are required.
Tips for Staying Cool Anywhere
- Hydrate often (and mix in some electrolyte drinks when possible)
- Wear breathable fabrics and a wide-brim hat
- Use cooling towels or portable fans (they work!)
- Save errands and outdoor activities for morning or evening hours
- Chill out in our air-conditioned clubhouse when it’s just too hot to roam
Rest Your Shells with Us
Galloping Snail might not come with a lazy river, but we do have a whole list of ways to help you stay cool. Whether you’re dipping your toes in a splash pad or kicking back in the clubhouse after a tubing trip, we’ve got the comforts that make a hot day feel like a breeze.
Come cool down and rest your shells with us.