Though water from the tap can be refreshing, it's an ill-fit habitat for seven-foot-tall giraffes. Splash around with safari animals with today's Groupon: for $5, you get admission for two to Surf and Swim in Garland (up to a $12 value). This Groupon expires on September 5. Children 2 and younger can get in for free.

At Surf and Swim, families splash, float, and frolic through waves and beneath fountains in a colorful outdoor water park. Quench parched pores aboard a buoyant inner tube in Surf and Swim's large wave pool, which channels Poseidon's undulating dance moves at the deep end and laps gently onto lounging visitors at its shallow shore. Tykes can perfect their polliwog impersonations in Wally's Cove, a colorful play area with puddles of cool water, spurting spouts, and whimsical safari-themed spigots. After hours of active floating, families can recline beneath shady trees in the water park's surrounding grass area or beneath broad umbrellas on the party deck, which once aspired to be a professional dock. The on-site Chill and Grill Café sates appetites not appeased by absorbing water through the skin, with burgers, hot dogs, and nachos for purchase.