Visitors who brought school supplies to Hawaiian Falls in Mansfield and Roanoke this week have received discounted admission. Friday was the last day to take advantage.
Some who lined up early carried boxes and bags with notebooks, crayons, binders, and other materials.
"It's awesome. It's great," one mom visiting with her kids said. "I know there are lots of kids who need all this stuff, so we're happy to help."
"We've been in the position in the past where we've needed help with school supplies, so it's awesome to be on the giving end this time," another said.
The National Retail Federation predicts Americans will spend $41.5 billion on back-to-school items this year, up from $37.1 billion in 2021. The organization said the average family will spend $890.
This was the second year Hawaiian Falls held the promotion.
"That's really the heart of what we do. We're all about family and giving back to the community," Hawaiian Falls' Ron McKenzie said.
Friday was the last weekday Hawaiian Falls will be open this year. The parks scale back to weekend hours only through Sept. 10.
McKenzie said business spiked when the area started topping 100 degrees earlier than usual.
"It's hot, right? News flash: It gets hot in Texas, although this year, it feels unseasonably warmer," he said. "It's actually great to be in the waterpark business."
He said business has leveled off as summer progressed.
"I think people are adjusting to it a little bit," he said. "They're also tired of it, but they're adjusting, believe it or not -- 106, 107 degrees is kind of the norm."
As the heat has continued, business has suffered at larger amusement parks. McKenzie said Hawaiian Falls has stayed steady because of its pools and water slides but also because it is built with more shaded areas and misters.
"We just always ask our guests to be mindful of the heat," he said. "Make sure they take care of themselves, hydrate constantly."
He said parks have been busiest in the morning with a lot of people leaving before the hottest part of the afternoon.
Donations at Hawaiian Falls Roanoke go to the Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange. Donations at the park in Mansfield go to Mansfield ISD Clothes Closet.
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