The heat in Texas is no joke, with temperatures easily surpassing 100 degrees over several months of the year, so you can bet the locals know how to stay cool. Aside from hunkering down in air-conditioned spaces and visiting the nearest pool, there are all-day adventures to waterparks where the entire family can beat the heat while having a blast. In every part of Texas, you can find waterparks with fun things like twisting slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools that are fun for both kids and adults. These top waterparks in Texas provide fun for both kids and adults, with rides for those who want to really get their adrenaline pumping as well as for those who like to keep things calmer.
Best WaterParks in Texas for Adults
Texas Indoor and Outdoor Waterparks provide thrilling, high-speed slides and relaxing lazy rivers that are enjoyable for both kids and adults. Many of these Texas waterparks have toddler-specific areas with gentle splash pads and zero-entry pools, while others have soothing soaking areas with swim-up bars for adults.
Some of the best waterparks in Texas are standalone attractions, while others are part of larger Texas theme parks or family-friendly hotels with water parks. If you’re planning for a day of splash-filled adventure or want to make a vacation out of a longer stay at a water park resort, we’ve compiled a list of the best waterparks in Texas for both kids and adults.
#1. Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Schlitterbahn is a well-known name in the world of waterparks in Texas. Also, Schlitterbahn Waterpark has two locations: the original in New Braunfels, which covers more than 70 acres, and another in Galveston, which covers approximately 26 acres. Both parks have a wide range of rides, such as boogie surf zones, tubing adventures, and exciting water coasters.
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels was voted the best waterpark in the world in Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards from 2017 through 2021, so you know you’re in good hands with Schlitterbahn if you want an amazing waterpark experience.
#2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington
Six Flags is known for being fun, and they have a water park in Arlington, Texas, in addition to their other popular amusement parks in Texas. Hurricane Harbor is a 46-acre theme park with over 40 rides and attractions.
There are thrill rides such as the Banzai Pipeline, which features three interconnecting slides that each provide a unique experience. Then there are family rides, such as the lazy river. There are also kiddie rides for the little ones, such as Hook’s Ship, which features four small slides jutting out of a cool-looking pirate ship.
#3. NRH2O Family Water Park
NRH20 Family Water Park is another option for cooling off in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. One of the highlights of this water park is its massive, multicolored water playground, which has five levels and is a true kid’s paradise. The two other exciting attractions are the 280-foot-long body slide and the 1,1151-foot-long uphill water coaster.
#4. Aquatica San Antonio
SeaWorld is in San Antonio, but did you know that within SeaWorld is a water park called Aquatica San Antonio? Aquatica requires a separate admission fee, but once inside, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
Try Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, Texas’ largest drop slide, or Stingray Falls, where stingrays swim around you while you travel on a raft through an underwater grotto. In addition to the water slides, there are several pools, a lazy river, and animal experiences.
#5. Epic Waters
Nobody said a water park had to be located outside! Epic Waters, which is part of the 172-acre EpicCentral complex, is a glass-enclosed waterpark that is open all year, whatever the weather.
Among the attractions are the Yellowjacket (a slide that twists around till it shoots you up a high wall and then back down), the Lasso Loop (a body slide that takes you through a 360-degree loop), and E-Racers (where you slide down on mats to race those in the tubes next to you).
#6. Waterpark at the Villages
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Villages Resort has a waterpark called the Waterpark at the Villages. It opened in 2008 and is on the shores of Lake Palestine. The park has 25,000 square feet of entertainment space, including a 19,000-square-foot glass-enclosed area with a retractable roof that allows guests to enjoy the park all year.
The waterpark has body slides, tube slides, and a lazy river in addition to a water play area and a wave pool. There are different party packages for kids’ birthdays and other special occasions, and certified lifeguards are on duty at the park at all times.
#7. Pirates Bay Waterpark: Baytown
Pirates Bay Waterpark, operated by the Baytown Parks & Recreation Department, receives high marks from visitors for its low costs and manageable size (it measures less than 8 acres). The outdoor water park isn’t the biggest in Texas, but if you’re searching for a spot to cool off in the summer east of Houston, this family-friendly park might be a good option. The lazy river winds across half of the park, and a play structure with pint-sized water sprays and miniature slides keeps kids cool.
#8. Great Wolf Lodge
This waterpark, which is only available to Great Wolf Lodge guests, is an 80,000-square-foot complex that caters to clients of all ages. Younger guests will enjoy playing in the water park tree house and splashing around in the Cub Paw Pool, while adult visitors can enjoy tandem tube rides and exciting body slides with multi-story drops and vortexes. Adults can participate in the excitement, but they can also relax in one of the park’s two hot tubs or in the on-site resort spa.
#9. Lubbock Water Rampage
Lubbock Water Rampage has been open for more than 30 years and is still as entertaining as it was when it first began. Aside from thrilling slides, the park features a lazy river, a massive wave pool, and an interactive pirate ship with a dumping bucket. This park is a great place for kids’ birthday parties, especially if you can plan it around one of the monthly movie nights that happen in the summer.
#10. Hawaiian Falls Mansfield
Hawaiian Falls Mansfield is one of five Hawaiian Falls waterparks in Texas, and it is 14 acres large. Visitors can choose from 14 slides, including a thrilling two-person halfpipe ride and a slide that promises to turn riders into human torpedoes. There are also plenty of more relaxing options; the younger members of your family will enjoy playing in the interactive splash park, and the lazy river is enjoyable for people of all ages. People can also look through the gift shop, have a picnic, eat at one of the restaurants on-site, or just relax in a private cabana.
#11. Paradise Springs Water Park: Grapevine
The Grapevine Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center has a 10-acre water park called Paradise Springs Water Park that is only open to overnight guests. This Marriott location has a zip line, a lazy river, a multi-level water playhouse, two hot tubs, different water slides, and a section for babies. There are shady cabanas for rent.
Families who stay at the Gaylord Texan Resort during the summer can take advantage of special Summerfest programs like acrobatic shows, arts and crafts, escape rooms, live animal encounters, and dance parties (all for an extra cost).
#12. Big Rivers Water Park: New Caney
The Big Rivers Water Park is northeast of Houston and is only open during certain times of the year. It has a lot of outdoor activities and attractions. Up to four people can battle an engulfing current in the Storm Surge raft ride, or you can race up to four people down twisted tubes on the Colorado River Racer. The park claims to offer the largest interactive play structure in Texas with more than 300 different water-play features—a “water park within a water park.” The floating challenge course, Wild Isle, where you strive to slide, bounce, and crawl across inflatable obstacles without falling into the lake, is unique to this outdoor water park in Texas. The admission ticket to Big Rivers Water Park includes access to Wild Isle.
#13. Bahama Beach Waterpark: Dallas
If you’re in the Dallas area and looking for a spot to cool off during the summer, Bahama Beach is a modest outdoor water park with enough attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Indeed, travelers note that the water park’s manageable 8-acre size makes it ideal for families with young children.
A lazy river and splash pad are excellent for the youngest swimmers, while the Riptide Slide and Bahama Bullet are high-speed tube rides for one or two people. You can rent cabanas and tables with umbrellas if you want to make sure you have shade the whole time you are there. The Dallas Parks and Recreation Department manages Bahama Beach.
#14. Splashway Waterpark
Sheridan is a little town, but they go big with their local water park. The Loco Mono, with its vividly colored tubes that twist and curve from above, is one of the attractions that will surely draw your attention.
If you’re looking for a true thrill, go to the Summit Plumet, where the floor slides out from underneath you, sending you down the slide. Splashway also features an RV park and campgrounds, allowing you to turn your visit into a longer stay.
#15. Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Typhoon Texas Waterpark has two options in Texas: one in Austin and one in Katy. Some rides, such as The Dueling Daltons, a ride with four free-fall slides, and the Gully Washer, a multi-level play structure with an 800-gallon water bucket, may be found at both parks.
However, you will notice some variances (the Houston location has a ride called Monster Storms, for example, where you take off on a six-person raft). Why not go to both and see which one you prefer?
#16. Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld
Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld claims to have the largest wave pool in Texas and is located just on the border with New Mexico. Do you know what else this park is famous for? Shade! Unlike some other amusement parks, there are lots of places to seek shade if the sun becomes too intense.
If you’re planning a larger event, you may want to reserve a picnic table or cabana ahead of time so you have a place to relax when you’re not riding the 25 rides and attractions.
What is the most popular waterpark in Texas?
Schlitterbahn is one of the oldest and best-known chains of Texas water parks. Schlitterbahn Galveston is the largest water park in Texas. This waterpark, located in the Houston area of Texas, is one of the most popular in the state.
What is the biggest waterpark in Texas?
The Kalahari Resorts Round Rock water park resort has world-class food, a beautiful spa, live entertainment, lots of places to shop, a thrilling theme park, and a modern convention center. Kalahari’s first venture into Texas and the Southwest market is the Round Rock resort.
What is the cleanest water park in Texas?
Splashway Waterpark
Come out this summer to Splashway Waterpark, Texas’ cleanest waterpark, and have some serious fun with your family! Before you begin planning your trip, be sure to check out our daily discounts!
What is US #1 Waterpark?
Noah’s Ark in Wisconsin Dells, WI, with 70 acres and over 80 different features, including 50 water slides, is the largest park in the country.
What is the #1 water park in the world?
World Waterpark – Alberta, Canada
What is the most famous park in Texas?
Schlitterbahn
Schlitterbahn is one of the oldest and best-known chains of water parks in Texas. Also, Schlitterbahn Galveston is the largest water park in Texas. This water park is one of the most popular in the whole state. It is near Houston.
Conclusion
If you want to cool off, there is nothing better than making a splash in one of Texas waterparks, for both kids and adults. The Lone Star State includes entertainment for the entire family from south to north, east to west, and the water theme parks are especially appealing during the southern summer.
Have you previously visited one of these enjoyable Texas waterparks for adults? Tell us in the comments. We’d be delighted to hear from you! Oh, and don’t forget to share this Texas waterparks article on social media!
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