Summer is right around the corner, which means that the sun is out and the time to enjoy the weather is here. The climate in Texas varies, ranging from an arid desert climate in the west to a humid oceanic climate in the east. But one thing that remains constant across the state is its temperature.
During the peak summer months (usually around July), the average temperature high across the state is around the mid-30 degrees Celsius (mid-90 degrees Fahrenheit). Chances are you’re going to be looking for a way to cool off during the summer, whether that means going to the beach or simply taking a dip in your backyard pool. If you don’t want to get your feet wet, we got a list of things to do for you too.
If you’re looking for a more exciting way to escape the heat, water parks are your answer. And lucky for you, read on to find out about the best water parks in Texas.
In case you don’t know where to stay in the state, there are numerous hotels & vacation rentals.
Central Texas (around Austin)
1. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is Texas’ original and most famous water park. It has consistently been voted as the “best water park in the world” year after year. Located approximately midway between Austin and San Antonio, it is a convenient water park to visit from either city. It is nestled by the beautiful Comal River with a wide variety of rides and activities, including over 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of lazy and rapid rivers, 17 slides, pools, and several beaches.
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
Address: 400 North Liberty Avenue, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8 pm (peak season: June to July) *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 50.99 USD (adults), 38.99 USD (kids) *Listed above are discounted online prices *2-day admission package also available
Access: 50 miles (95 kilometers / 1-hour) from Austin; 33 miles (53 kilometers / 40-minutes) from San Antonio
Contact: +1-830-625-2351
Website: Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
2. Hawaiian Falls Water Park & Adventure Park
Hawaiian Falls is a chain of water parks that operates based on the Christian faith. With 6 locations across the state, they aim to serve the Lord by bringing families closer together. But that does not mean you have to be Christian to visit this water park; it is open to everyone of various faiths. Each park contains around 10 - 20 rides, including water slides, lazy rivers, and more.
While most of their parks are located primarily around Dallas, the latest addition, Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville, is located in Central Texas right by Austin, perfect for a short getaway. Pflugerville is also the only location that includes an adventure park for those who aren’t as keen on water activities.
Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville
Address: 18500 Texas 130 Service Road, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 6 pm (Saturday to Thursday), 10:30 am - 8 pm (Friday) *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 34.99 USD (adults), 24.99 USD (kids)
Access: 21 miles (33.8 kilometers / 25-minutes) from Austin
Contact: +1-512-270-6967
Website: Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville For more information on the other locations, see Hawaiian Falls.
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North Texas (around Dallas)
3. Waterpark at the Villages
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Check out our extended hours for the week of December 23rd and 30th! https://www.waterparkatthevillages.com/events/ Weekdays 10am-8pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-9pm Closed Christmas Day Come out and see us!
Posted by The WaterPark At The Villages on Thursday, December 19, 2019
When you find yourself on this side of Northern Texas, cool off from the heat and take the entire family for a day of splashing fun at Waterpark at the Villages. This one-of-a-kind water park is glass-enclosed and features several waterslides, playgrounds with rope bridges, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Of course, delicious eats are available here too. This water park on the grounds of Holiday Inn Club Vacations Villages Resort is ready to welcome you all year long!
Waterpark at the Villages
Address: 18270 Singing Wood Ln, Flint, TX 75762, United States
Website: Waterpark at the Villages
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
4. Castaway Cove Waterpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
You’ll find Castaway Cove Waterpark in Wichita Falls which is about two hours from Dallas. The attractions Hideaway Harbor, Buccaneer Bay, and Parrot’s Perch are ideal for those with little ones. Head on to Nellie’s Rolling River or to Shipwreck Beach for a little more fun. If you’re brave enough to take on the adventure, perhaps the best attractions for you are Pirate Plunge and Storm Watch Tower. Castaway Cove Waterpark is one of the best family vacation destinations, especially in the summertime!
Castaway Cove Waterpark
Address: 1000 Central E Fwy East, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, United States
Website: Castaway Cove Waterpark
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 10:30am - 8pm; Sun: 11:30am - 8pm
5. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There is something about the park at night and $20 admission after 5pm that just says EPIC! Twilight Swim after 5pm Monday - Thursday!
Posted by Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark on Monday, July 25, 2022
It’s not named Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark for no reason, that’s for sure. This fantastic water park in Grand Prairie sees no age when it comes to fun! Do you want to have a good time? You’re absolutely welcome here! Some of the park’s best attractions include Lasso Loop, Yellow Jacket Drop, Texastwist, and Prairie Plunge. Of course, with all these thrilling activities, you’re going to need some refreshments. Make sure to visit the Hungry Wave Cafe and Longboards Bar & Lounge. The experience here is going to be, dare we say it, epic!
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Address: 2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, United States
Website: Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
6. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Adjacent to Six Flags over Texas is its waterpark, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. With 24 rides in the park, you may not even get to try every ride after spending an entire day there. They offer a range of family-friendly to extremely thrilling rides, making it suitable for all ages. If you’re looking for several days of fun, this is the place for you. Overnight lodging is also available for those who wish spend a night or two there to visit both the regular theme park and the waterpark.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Address: 1800 E Lamar Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76006
Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 7 pm (Monday to Thursday), 10:30 am - 8 pm (Friday to Sunday) *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 34.99 USD (adults), 29.99 USD (kids under 48 inches / 122 centimeters) *Discounted prices available if tickets are pre-bought online
Access: 19 miles (30.6 kilometers / 25 minutes) from Dallas
Contact: +1-817-640-8900
Website: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
7. Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is a resort chain with 13 other locations all over the US, with one near Dallas, Texas. With 9 water slides, 6 pools, and a water-loaded tree house with a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, it is home to the largest indoor water park in Texas. The water park is only available to resort guests, who get access along with their accommodation packages. Day passes are not available. As an indoor complex, it is the perfect place to have fun even when there is bad weather. And with other attractions, games, and activities, there is much to do if you want to to stay dry.
Great Wolf Lodge Texas
Address: 100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051
Opening Hours: 24 hours (resort) *Water park is open from 9 am - 9 pm (hours may vary)
Price: Rooms from 360 USD per night (includes water park access)
Access: 23 miles (37 kilometers / 30 minutes) from Dallas
Contact: +1-800-693-9653 (reservations), +1-817-488-6510 (resort direct)
Website: Great Wolf Lodge Texas
8. NRH2O Family Water Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by NRH2O Family Waterpark on Saturday, March 28, 2020
Serving as the city of North Richland Hills’ public swimming facility, NRH2O Family Water Park is a local, suburban park located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. It is typically less crowded and touristy than others, offering a variety of single-rider and multi-rider rides. While it does have several thrilling rides, this fun water park in Texas has milder rides that are more suitable for kids. This is the place to go if you want to avoid waiting in extremely long lines for every ride.
NRH2O Family Water Park
Address: 9001 Boulevard 26 North Richland Hills, TX 76180
Opening Hours: 10 am - 7 pm *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 26.99 USD (adults), 20.99 USD (kids under 48")
Access: 27 miles (43.5 kilometers / 35 minutes) from Dallas
Contact: +1-817-427-6500
Website: NRH2O Family Water Park
9. Bahama Beach Waterpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Bahama Beach Waterpark on Sunday, May 29, 2022
Bahama Beach Waterpark is a small water park right outside of downtown Dallas. Because of its proximity to the city and affordable prices, this family water park in Texas is an ideal place for a short half-day visit if you aren’t free to spend an entire day there. The park features an interactive water playground, water slides that are up to 45 feet (13.7 meters) tall, and a lazy river. If the intention of your visit is primarily to relax, you can also reserve private cabanas beforehand and take a break from the fun whenever you desire.
Bahama Beach Waterpark
Address: 1895 Campfire Circle, Dallas, TX 75232
Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 6 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 12 noon - 6 pm (Sunday). Closed on Mondays *Hours vary; call number below for current schedule
Price: 15 USD (adults), 11 USD (kids under 48 inches / 122 centimeters)
Access: 10 miles (16 kilometers / 15 minutes) from Dallas
Contact: +1-214-671-0820
Website: Bahama Beach Waterpark
South Texas (around San Antonio)
10. Aquatica: Sea World San Antonio
Aquatica is the water park section of SeaWorld San Antonio. With only 6 rides and 7 ‘splashes and waves’, it can easily be a fun and exhilarating break from SeaWorld in the middle of the day. You can also touch and swim with stingrays in Aquatica. Note that there are separate entrances and admission fees for each park, but you can purchase a package deal (only offered online) for entrance to both parks at a discounted price.
Aquatica: Sea World San Antonio
Address: 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8 pm *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 40 USD (Aquatica), 59 USD (SeaWorld & Aquatica)
Access: 20 miles (32 kilometers / 30 minutes) from San Antonio
Contact: +1-800-700-7786
Website: Aquatica: Sea World San Antonio
11. Splashtown San Antonio
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Located within the city, Splashtown San Antonio is one of the biggest waterparks in Texas, with over 50 rides and attractions. After a day of thrilling water slides, stay for one of their dive-in movie nights, where you can watch a movie while lying back on floats in a pool. You’ve probably heard of it before, but not many places offer dive-in movies anymore. So if that is something you’ve always wanted do, now is your chance. An extra bonus is that free parking and life jackets are provided for all visitors.
Splashtown San Antonio
Address: 3600 North IH-35, San Antonio, TX 78219
Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 7 pm (Monday to Thursday), 10:30 am - 9 pm (Friday to Saturday), 10:30 am - 8 pm (Sunday) *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 32.99 USD (adults), 27.99 USD (kids under 48 inches / 122 centimeters) *Discounted prices for advanced online bookings, weekdays, and after 4 pm visits
Access: 6 miles (9.7 kilometers / 10 minutes) from San Antonio
Contact: +1-210-227-1400
Website: Splashtown San Antonio
12. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is the largest and most popular theme park in San Antonio. If you can’t decide whether you want to go to a regular theme park or a water park, this is the place for you. Even though it is not technically categorized as a water park, it encompasses a wide variety of regular rides (e.g. roller coasters) and water rides all in one complex. With 16 water attractions, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has more water rides than others on this list that are solely water parks.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Address: 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257
Opening Hours: 12 noon - 7 pm (water park), 10:30 am - 9 pm (theme park) *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 72.99 USD (adults), 57.99 USD (kids under 48 inches / 122 centimeters) *Discounted prices available if tickets are pre-bought online
Access: 17 miles (27 kilometers / 25 minutes) from San Antonio
Contact: +1-210-697-5050
Website: Six Flags Fiesta Texas
East Texas (around Houston)
13. Splashway Waterpark & Campground
Splashway Waterpark is more than a regular water park; it is also home to a zip line and an on-site campground. With 11 thrill rides (including the tallest mat racer in Texas), 6 children’s rides, 3 chill pools, and beach volleyball courts, it is the ultimate center of fun for everyone. Spend an entire weekend at Splashway for a couple of days of fun. Between the water park, the zip line, and the campground, you are sure to be kept on your toes the entire time.
Splashway Waterpark & Campground
Address: 5211 Main St, Sheridan, TX 77475
Opening Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (Monday to Saturday), 12 noon - 6 pm (Sunday) *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 32.99 USD (adults), 17.99 USD (kids under 42 inches / 107 centimeters), 5.99 USD (kids under 36 inches / 91 centimeters) *Discounted prices for admission after 3 pm
Access: 90 miles (145 kilometers / 1.5 hours) from Houston
Contact: +1-979-234-7718
Website: Splashway Waterpark & Campground
14. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, the most recently built Schlitterbahn waterpark in Texas, has some of the fastest and most thrilling water slides in the state. Unlike many that close during the winter months (usually October to March, sometimes longer), part of Schlitterbahn Galveston is open throughout the year. It is a very popular choice, so go early to avoid the long lines. If you aren’t keen on water slides, the water park also has pools, rivers, hot tubs, and swim-up bars for your enjoyment.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
Address: 2109 Lockheed Street, Galveston, TX 77554
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8 pm (peak season; June to July) *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 50.99 USD (adults), 38.99 USD (kids) *Listed above are discounted online prices
Access: 50 miles (80.5 kilometers / 55 minutes) from Houston
Contact: +1-409-770-9283
15. Wet'n'Wild SplashTown
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Not to be confused with Splashtown San Antonio (see #8), Wet’n’Wild SplashTown offers many exciting water activities. It is a place of family-friendly fun, especially for families with younger children. Although it is not as popular or big as Schlitterbahn Galveston (see #11), Wet’n’Wild SplashTown has its upsides as well. Not only is it closer to Houston, it is also less crowded. This means that instead of wasting all your time in lines, you can make the most out of your visit and experience more rides.
Wet’n’Wild SplashTown
Address: 21300 I-45 N, Spring, TX 77373
Opening Hours: 10 am - 7 pm *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 39.99 USD (weekend & holidays; adults), 35.99 USD (weekdays; adults), 30.99 USD (kids)
Access: 23 miles (37 kilometers / 25 minutes) from Houston
Contact: +1-281-355-3300
Website: Wet’n’Wild SplashTown
16. Pirate's Bay Waterpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Pirates Bay Waterpark on Thursday, July 21, 2022
Pirate’s Bay Waterpark is located in the city of Baytown, not far from Houston. Just because it is on a smaller-scale than most water parks, that does not mean Pirate’s Bay Waterpark has less attractions. With a general admission ticket, you can get access to 11 water rides, including a variety of slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Beach volleyball and rock climbing is also available if you wish to stay dry during your visit.
Extend your day of summer fun into the night. Like Splashtown San Antonio (see #8), Pirate’s Bay also hosts dive-in movies every Thursday evening at 8 pm from June to August. Check the website below for more information on what movies they are showing on a specific date.
Pirate’s Bay Waterpark
Address: 5300 East Road, Baytown, TX 77520
Opening Hours: 11 am - 7 pm (Monday to Thursday), 10 am - 7 pm (Friday to Sunday)
Price: 20 USD (adults), 15 USD (kids under 48 inches / 122 centimeters) *Discounted prices for admission after 4 pm from Monday to Thursday
Access: 27 miles (43.5 kilometers / 30 minutes) from Houston
Contact: +1-281-422-1151
Website: Pirate’s Bay Waterpark
Others
17. Wet’n’Wild Waterworld
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Condor's Secret..... more like Condor Views
Posted by Wet n Wild Waterworld on Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Wet’n’Wild Waterworld is located right on the border between the states of New Mexico and Texas, and is also very close to the border of Mexico. Because it is the only major water park around the city of El Paso in West Texas, it can get very crowded. Be sure to get there early to avoid the lines. Whether you visit with friends or family, you will definitely have a blast at Wet’n’Wild Waterworld. Other sporting attractions, such as volleyball courts and a slippery rock challenge, can also be enjoyed on-site for you to take a break from the water.
Wet’n’Wild Waterworld
Address: 8804 South Desert Boulevard, Anthony, TX 79821
Opening Hours: 11 am - 6 pm (weekdays), 10 am - 7 pm (weekends & holidays)
Price: 24.99 USD (adults), 19.99 USD (kids under 48 inches / 122 centimeters), 4.99 USD (toddlers under 3 years old) *Discounted prices for advanced online bookings
Access: 21 miles (33.8 kilometers / 25 minutes) from El Paso
Contact: +1-915-886-2222
Website: Wet’n’Wild Waterworld
18. Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Waterpark & Resort
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Beach Park Waterpark is excited to announce our Season Pass Payment Plan, which will allow you to get ready for next...
Posted by Beach Park South Padre Island on Saturday, October 2, 2021
Taking a trip to South Padre Island this summer? Visit Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Waterpark & Resort while you are there. Located on the southern tip of the island by the Gulf of Mexico beach, Schlitterbahn South Padre Island is very close to the Mexican border. While it is not near to any major cities like the other water parks above (its closest city is Brownsville), the island itself makes for a perfect short beach vacation. Stay in the water park’s lodging for convenience. With its outdoor summer attractions and indoor winter complex, Schlitterbahn South Padre Island was voted the #1 kid-friendly attraction by Texas Family Magazine, and is a place of fun all year round.
Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Waterpark & Resort
Address: 33261 State Park Road 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8 pm (peak season; June to July) *Hours vary; see website below for current schedule
Price: 50.99 USD (adults), 38.99 USD (kids) *2-day admission package also available
Access: 28 miles (45 kilometers / 45 minutes) from Brownsville
Contact: +1- 956-761-1160
Website: Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Waterpark & Resort
Make a splash
Summer is all about being carefree and appreciating the weather before the temperature changes. If you’re fortunate enough to be in Texas this summer, bring out the inner-child in you. With countless parks scattered over the state, even just a half-day getaway is easily doable. So next time you feel like you need to escape the heat, head to a water park. You only get summer once a year; enjoy it while it’s still here!
Tip: most of the water parks above offer season passes that give you admission to the park as many times as you want during the season for a fixed price. If you plan to visit several times over the next few months, these passes will definitely give the best bang for your buck.
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