A holiday in Austin, Texas without going on theme and amusements parks is like going to a restaurant and not ordering any food. Though there are no shortages of places of entertainment in the city, these places couldn’t possibly give visitors the kind of experience that they might have at amusement parks. The rising temperature in Texas has also made a trip to amusement parks with pools feel more like a necessity than a luxury. Though the distance of these amusement parks might be quite far away from town, the kind of enjoyment that awaits at each destination will make the trip worth it. So if you’re looking for things to do in and around Austin, check out our top theme parks and amusement parks near Austin, Texas.
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1. Austin’s Park N Pizza, Pflugerville
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This is a top-rated mini amusement park for kids and adults with overwhelming choices of attractions and entertainments. Their outdoor attractions include go-karts, a rock-climbing wall, a bowling alley, mini-golf, and bumper boats. On the inside, there is a restaurant which also serves drinks for parents, other than foods. There are also numerous indoor games that although are more geared towards children, are still fun even for adults. The foods served at the restaurant are affordable and yummy, especially the pizza. Plus, their friendly and helpful staffs also give excellent service. It is a recommended place if you plan to host a child party, special occasions or just looking for some entertainment. If you haven’t visited this place, you should!
Austin’s Park N Pizza
Address: 16231 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, United States
Website: Austin’s Park N Pizza
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 12am
Price: From 27.95 USD
2. Morgan's Wonderland, San Antonio
Now everyone can afford a trip to wonderland thanks to Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas. This place which prides itself for being the first amusement park in the world with specially designed attractions and facilities for people with special needs, as well as people with disabilities, sets its ticket prices at an affordable cost. What many visitors with kids like about this park is its size. It’s big enough to allow you to try so many different rides without bumping into the same person twice, but not too big that your kids would get lost. The amusement park also has a catch-and-release fishing area for kids. They’re even thoughtful enough to provide a water bottle filling station which is really nice considering that it’s easy to get dehydrated under the heat of the summer weather. Before going on a trip here, it is advised to check on their website for their opening hours as they vary from time to time.
Morgan's Wonderland
Address: 5223 David Edwards Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233, United States
Website: Morgan’s Wonderland
Opening hours: 4pm - 9pm (daily)
Price: From 11 USD
3. SeaWorld, San Antonio
No other place in Texas can offer you the experience of seeing live shows of adorable aquatic creatures in the same location as enthralling attractions and rides other than SeaWorld San Antonio. Practically everything here is a must-see; however, if you don’t have all the time in the world to explore every corner of this place then make sure to watch the live performance shows of dolphins as well as beluga and killer whales. Don’t forget to check out WaveBreaker: The Rescue Coaster - a one-of-a-kind jet ski-style ride that will give you an instant adrenaline rush the second the ride starts. Another attraction that you must not skip is Pirates 4-D where you get to experience movies through all your senses as the theater combines multi-sensory cinema effects such as a splash of water and a blow of wind with special image effects to give you a truly memorable movie experience.
SeaWorld San Antonio
Address: 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Website: SeaWorld San Antonio
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 1pm - 9pm; Thu - Sun: 11am - 9pm
Price: From 59.99 USD
4. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
The rides at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier will send you soaring above the Gulf of Mexico! In fact, it is one of the few amusement parks in America that has plenty of rides above the water. Most of the people who come to this place are fishermen, local or national tourists, and people who initially only want to come to the beach but then end up going to this place. The park also received recognition from Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards for being one of the top five seaside parks in the world in 2013. As you venture deeper into this amusement park, you’ll find Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. which is a renowned American seafood chain, many kinds of restaurants, entertaining midway games, lines of shops, and dozens of types of rides, including slow-paced rides for young visitors and a thrilling roller coaster for the daredevils.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Website: Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm
Price: From 7 USD
5. Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
Turns out you don’t have to get out of Texas to try the largest collection of water attractions in the world–just head over to Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels. With 51 rides and slides to choose from, you’ll wish that time stops at this place. Other than water attractions, there is also a resort within the area in case one day isn’t enough for you and you want to stay. Interestingly, the rivers in the waterpark which go on for miles come from the Comal River. Don’t worry if you’re bringing toddlers who aren’t grown enough to try the water rides, as there are several water playgrounds spread in plenty of locations within the waterpark. Before heading here, check out their website for the complete schedule of their operational hours.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
Address: 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States
Website: Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfel
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 38.99 USD
6. Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark, Leander
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Want a quick yet fun getaway? Then spend some time at Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark - a mini waterpark set in the Lake Travis area. The place has a private beach, many water slides, swimming pools as well as a bar with a beach view that offers indoor and outdoor dining experience with a resort feel. For guests who plan to spend more than a day here, the place also offers cottages for rent. Most visitors will spend time at the waterpark during the day then finish off their trip by enjoying a good plate of local food at Shore Grill. This place is strategically located and known to have some of the cleanest swimming pools in Austin.
Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark, Leander
Address: 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769, Leander, TX 78641, United States
Website: Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark, Leander
Price: From 12.99 USD
7. Typhoon Texas Waterpark, Katy TX
Typhoon Texas Water Park will give you a waterpark experience like no other. The place offers more attractions than one could possibly explore in a day. How many are we talking about? Dozens. They include water slides that goes as far as 1.3 miles (2.09 kilometers), the Duelin’ Daltons ride where passengers will be dropped from 70 feet (21.33 meters) of height, a play area for children, and a wave pool. Once you’re done exploring the attractions, make a stop at one of the seven available restaurants within the area. Each of the restaurant sells different kinds of food. Grilled meat and burger lovers should check out The River Grill. For those who crave a good plate of Texas-style barbecue, they should drop by Smokin’ BBQ, and for those who’ve worked up an appetite for desserts, go check Sweet Tooth. Also, on weekends there are usually live music performances. How fun!
Typhoon Texas Waterpark, Katy TX
Address: 18500 TX-130 Service Rd, Pflugerville, TX 78660, United States
Website: Typhoon Texas Waterpark, Katy TX
Price: From 39.99 USD
8. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Dubbed as the biggest and most favorite theme park in San Antonio, exploring Six Flags Fiesta Texas will make you wish that there are more than 24 hours in a day. The choices for their rides are overwhelmingly plenty! From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters such as Goliath, Tatsu, and X2, to slow-paced rides for little ones such as Bugaboo, Bugs Bunny Camp Carousel, and Daffy Hot Air Balloons. The place even has waterpark with enthralling water slides an rides such as Bermuda Triangle, Bahama Blaster, and Big Bender. After you’re done having fun, finish off your trip by watching one of their shows or relaxing at White Water Canon. Then to replace all those calories wasted on bouncing from one ride to another, dine at one of their available restaurants. Before you exit the place, make sure to buy some merchandise at the gift store, for you and our loved ones. Prior to going here, visitors are recommended to check Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ website for their hours of operation.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Address: 17000 W IH 10, San Antonio, TX 78257, United States
Website: Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Opening hours: 10:30am - 7pm (daily)
Price: From 29.99 USD
Have fun under the sun
More than just a place for vacation, these amusement and theme parks are the place where the best summertime memories are made. Laughing at the photos of the silly faces we make when the rollercoaster we ride take a sharp plunge, getting all wet on the water slides, –purposely bumping our bumper car to that of our siblings just to piss them off–these are the kind of memories that you can’t make elsewhere but in amusement and theme parks. Don’t forget to visit the amusement and theme parks mentioned here, and share your experience in the comment section!
While you’re in Austin, be sure to check out other best places to visit and things to do as well, including joining one of the cooking classes. Once you’ve had your fill of the city, you can also take road trips to continue your texas adventures!
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