Recreation and Amenities

The Heart of Little Elm

The Town of Little Elm is nestled on the scenic peninsula of Lewisville Lake, featuring a stunning 23,280-acre reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

With the breathtaking water views and 66-square miles of beautiful shoreline, Little Elm offers the perfect setting for relaxation, outdoor recreation, and amenities the whole family can enjoy!

Indoor waterpark

The Cove at The Lakefront®

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?

  • The Cove at The Lakefront® is located in the heart of Little Elm in The Lakefront and is the ultimate indoor water park destination for families and thrill seekers alike! 

Come splash and play with us and enjoy a variety of attractions and activities! There’s something for everyone at The Cove including

  • FlowRider® Double Surf Machine
  • 11 water slides–big and small for thrill-seekers and …
  • Luxury, private cabanas:
  • Interactive play structure
  • Dock play pool and splash ground
  • Lazy river
  • Deep pool
  • Outside patio seating

Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind destination–The Cove is open all year around!

Little Elm Beach

  • Come visit the largest beach in North Texas for a perfect beach day in the sun! Sink your toes into our freshly raked sand–our pristine beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun., Whether you’re spending a full day at the beach or a few hours, be sure to take advantage of all the amenities and activities Little Elm Beach has to offer!Bump, set, spike your way to victory on one of our sand volleyball courts
  • Take a dip in Lewisville Lake to cool off 
  • Build a unique creation in the sand area–sand castles welcome!
  • Utilize our free shuttle service, Efrogs: learn more!Try a new water activity: rent a paddleboard or kayak from DFW Surf or visit Cottonwood Creek Marina for a boat rental
  • Grab a meal from The Lakefront Grill
Beach with volleyball courts
Aerial of Little Elm Park

Little Elm Park

Come experience outdoor fun and recreation with family and friends! Soak up some fun in the sun with a variety of activities: 

Check out all the activities to choose from:

Beard Park

Beard Park includes a full-size pavilion suitable for parties and gatherings, modern restroom facilities, open spaces that maintain a natural feel, safe and sturdy play structures that mimic natural materials, and a nostalgic area containing the famed log cabin.

The park’s overall theme connects the past and the present with a “Family Tree” look and feel, providing residents a space to connect with the Little Elm of their memories. 

Hiking trails are located in the park that join with the Lakefront Trail, giving hikers, walkers, joggers, and runners a connected series of paths to customize their workouts and activities.

wooden playground
Bird-eye view of cottonwood park

Cottonwood Park

Cottonwood Park is located on the northeastern shoreline of Lewisville Lake. Cottonwood Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts!

  • Picnicking: Enjoy a meal at the park’s picnic tables
  • Fishing: Cast your line in one of the many great fishing spots
  • Hiking: Explore scenic trails just outside the park entrance
  • Sports: Visit the Cottonwood Sports Complex for various recreational activities
  • Marina: Don’t miss Cottonwood Creek Marina for beautiful lake views and boating rentals

Experience fun and natural beauty at Cottonwood Park!

McCord Park

Enjoy a mini getaway on a beautiful day at McCord Park in Little Elm! This public park features a variety of amenities, including:

  • Overonea mile of hike and bike trails
  • An 18-hole disc golf course
  • Fishing dock and pond
  • Scenic pedestrian bridges
  • Picnic areas
  • Fun playgrounds for kids
  • Splash Pad

Come and make the most of your outdoor adventure at McCord Park!

View of McCord Park, Playground, landscape
Playground

Union Park

Union Park is Little Elm’s fourth major community park and the first along the University Drive (U.S. 380) corridor. Nestled north of U.S. 380 off Union Park Blvd., this 35-acre wooded park sits atop a hill and features an open-air pavilion that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Enjoy nature and community activities in this beautiful setting!

Public Safety Honor Park

This park serves as a serene space for reflection and tribute to first responders, inspired by Detective Jerry R. Walker, who lost his life in the line of duty on January 17, 2017. It provides a meaningful area for gatherings and remembrance.

The park features a walkway of engraved bricks, archways, benches, green space, trees, and a plaque honoring Walker for his service. The park also features a large sheepdog statue and statues of sheep, representing the analogy of the sheepdog protecting the flock. Walker viewed himself as a sheepdog caring for and protecting the public. 

Dog statue
Playground

The Lawn at The Lakefront™

The Lawn at The Lakefront™ is open in the heart of The Lakefront District™!

The Lakefront District™ is the Town’s destination district of restaurants, retail, and recreation amenities.

The Lawn™ is located near the Town’s historic water tower, known locally as The Tin Man, and close to Tinman Social, an entertainment venue with bowling, ax throwing, bocce, and other recreational activities.

The Lawn™ features a small performance pavilion and a half-acre open lawn, which is available to the public and features programmed events such as movie nights, concerts, and holiday events.

The park’s east side features an events plaza, perfect for food trucks or a farmers’ market.

Splash Pad

  • The Splash Pad located in McCord Park is an exciting water play area suitable for all ages. The water is treated with chlorine and recirculated.
  • Swim diapers are recommended for babies and water shoes encouraged for children, ensuring a fun and safe environment for families.
Water feature
Map of Cottonwood Nature Trail

Cottonwood Nature Trail

Cottonwood Trail is a charming 1.5-mile, rustic wood chip path located at the end of Lobo Lane. Hikers can access the trail from two trailheads: one across from Cottonwood Sports Complex and the other at the end of Hardwicke Lane.

Starting from either point, you can explore the entire trail system and discover numerous lake access points along the way.

Enjoy your hike!

Johnny Broyles Nature Trail

Located at the north end of Little Elm Park, Johnny Broyles Nature Trail features just under a mile of scenic paths. The trail includes a 10-foot-wide concrete path and a quarter-mile of crushed granite, making it ideal for walking, jogging, and biking.

Sidewalk with trees around it
Trail with a bridge and trees

Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail spans approximately four miles, connecting Hula Hut and /Hydrous to McCord Park. This picturesque trail offers beautiful views of the lake and several access points for fishing, making it perfect for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.

 

Hart’s Branch Trail

The Hart’s Branch Trail connects the Lakefront Trail at Eldorado Parkway to Walker Lane. This 12-foot-wide concrete trail winds through the beautiful trees and neighborhoods, providing connectivity to residents and visitors alike.

Map of Hart's Branch trail
Three dogs

Union Park Bark Park

The Union Park Bark Park is open to the public – both people and pups! This park, located in Union park’s Central Park, is a public amenity designed to be loved by dogs and dog owners alike. Hillwood maintains the Union Park Bark Park. 

 

Wood Family Dog Park

The Wood Family Dog Park is the perfect spot for your pup to enjoy playtime. It features a secure, fenced area with plenty of room for dogs to run and socialize, making it ideal for pet owners looking for a fun environment.

Two Dogs