Texas, the Lone Star State, beckons with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. From the bustling urban centers of Austin and Houston to the historic charm of San Antonio, there’s something for every traveler. For a unique stay, themed hotels across the state offer immersive experiences, from wild west adventures to sleek urban chic. Beyond city limits, Texas boasts stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Big Bend National Park and the Gulf Coast’s serene beaches. Lakefront rentals also provide a tranquil escape, offering picturesque views and water activities for a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in this vast and captivating destination. Texas also happens to have some of the best theme parks and rides in the USA. Check out the most popular theme parks and amusement parks in Texas, USA.
Family-friendly events:
- If you're in Plano in September, check out Plano Balloon Festival, which features displays of colorful hot air balloons, yummy food, family-friendly concerts, drone shows, and more.
- The iconic SeaWorld San Antonio celebrates the holiday season in style at the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. Boasting the largest light display in Texas, the festival also features Christmas shows, festive foods, meetings with Santa Claus, and more.
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1. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier stands as a premier tourist destination in Texas. Perched over the Gulf of Mexico, this iconic pier combines nostalgia with modern entertainment. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant carnival atmosphere, complete with exhilarating rides such as the Sky Shooter and Texas Star Flyer, games, and delectable treats.
The pier’s historic charm, dating back to the late 1940s, is seamlessly integrated with state-of-the-art attractions, providing a unique experience for all. With its panoramic views of the coast and a lively atmosphere, as well as dining and shopping destinations, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier promises unforgettable moments for families, thrill-seekers, and history enthusiasts alike. Also, there are multiple paid parking options available for convenience.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Website: Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12pm - 9pm; Thu & Sun: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Price: 11 USD (entry fee)
2. Splashway Water Park
Nestled in the heart of Texas, Splashway Water Park is an aquatic oasis that transcends the ordinary. Beyond its thrilling water slides and lazy rivers, Splashway immerses visitors in a lush, natural setting. Surrounded by verdant landscapes, the park offers an escape into nature’s embrace with its array of lodging facilities. Families can revel in a sense of adventure with attractions such as the towering Loco Mono and Tubular Tornado. There are safe attractions for toddlers, too!
Furthermore, your hard-worked hunger will find its resolution at any of the on-site eateries, including Ray’s Cafe and Shark Bites Snack Shack. You can even bring a picnic of delicious food with you and use the grilling station at the park.
Splashway Water Park
Address: 5211 Main St, Sheridan, TX 77475, United States
Website: Splashway Water Park
Price: From 39 USD
3. ZDT's Amusement Park
ZDT’s Amusement Park, nestled in Seguin, Texas, offers an exhilarating escape for thrill-seekers and families alike. Boasting a diverse collection of attractions, from heart-pounding roller coasters to interactive water features, this park guarantees an unforgettable experience. Adrenaline junkies can test their mettle on the Switchback Roller Coaster, a world-renowned wooden coaster, while younger visitors revel in the arcade.
With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse rides, and friendly staff, ZDT’s Amusement Park stands as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the perfect blend of excitement and entertainment. Ad once you are in need of refreshment, head to Yelly’s Kitchen for mouthwatering pizzas, corn dogs, and more!
ZDT's Amusement Park
Address: 301 W Kingsbury St, Seguin, TX 78155, United States
Website: ZDT’s Amusement Park
Opening hours: Mon & Wed - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 7pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 32 USD
4. Rock 'N River Water Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Rock'N River Waterpark on Monday, January 24, 2022
Rock ‘N River Water Park, situated in Round Rock, Texas, beckons visitors with a splash-tastic adventure. This aquatic haven features an array of thrilling water slides, a lazy river for relaxed drifting, and a water slide for the little ones. There are water volleyball and basketball facilities available.
For those seeking relaxation, cabanas, and shaded areas offer respite from the Texas sun. The water park also has a poolside concession area, selling delicious treats, so the fun doesn’t stop.
Rock 'N River Water Park
Address: 800 Harrell Parkway, Round Rock, Texas
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 12pm - 7pm (closed on Wednesday)
Price: 14 USD for adults
5. Six Flags Over Texas
Located in Arlington, Texas, Six Flags Over Texas is a 213-acre (86 hectares) theme park that opened way back in 1961 and is the biggest amusement park in Texas. It is one of Texas’s most popular attractions and home to famous rides such as Batman The Ride, Aquaman Splashdown, and more.
There are rides for kids and families, live shows that pay respect to the state’s country music, and many events throughout the year. This year’s season starts on the 23rd of February.
Six Flags Over Texas
Address: 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011.
Website: Six Flags Over Texas
Opening hours: Varies
6. Hawaiian Falls Garland
If you are visiting Texas in the summer months, you might want to cool off at the Hawaiian Falls Garland, a 12-acre (5 hectares) waterpark with a lot of rides, slides and aquatic adventures. Try floating down the Kona Kooler Lazy River, exploring the Keiki Kove Fortress with geysers, rope ladders, and a thousand-gallon dump bucket, taking your kids to the Waikiki Beach, and checking out the Surf Shop and Sharkey’s Café. Then there is the Pipeline with twisting and turning slides and the popular Waikiki Wipeout body slide.
Hawaiian Falls Garland
Address: 4550 North Garland Avenue, Garland, TX 75040.
Website: Hawaiian Falls Garland
Opening hours: Sat-Thurs: 10:30 am-06:00 pm, Friday: 10:30 am-08:00 pm
7. Kemah Boardwalk
Located around 30 miles (48 km) from Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is a 60-acre (24 hectares) theme park with a variety of restaurants and rides in Texas on the waterfront. It is built along the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake.
Other attractions include rides, such as the 65-foot (20 meters) Century Ferris Wheel, the 140-feet (43 meters) Drop Zone ride, and the Bullet wooden coaster, restaurants (Landry’s Seafood, Saltgrass Steak House, and more), games, a 400-slip marina, many shops, and more.
Kemah Boardwalk
Address: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565.
Website: Kemah Boardwalk
Opening hours: Mon: 11:00 am-07:00 pm, Tue-Wed: 12:00 pm-07:00 pm, Thu: 12:00 pm-08:00 pm, Fri: 12:00 pm-09:00 pm, Sat: 10:30 am-10:00 pm, Sun: 10:30 am-09:00 pm
8. Aquatica San Antonio
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Aquatica in San Antonio is a popular waterpark with awesome rides, an underwater grotto with tropical fish, beaches, restaurants, and shops. At this South Seas-inspired waterpark, you can raft down its Stingray Falls, enjoy the thrill on the Taumata Racer water slide, and float through an underwater grotto while learning about tropical fish and stingrays. Then keep yourself free of hunger by heading to the Waterstone Grill, Mango Market, or Big Surf Snacks.
Aquatica San Antonio
Address: 10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251.
Website: Aquatica San Antonio
Opening hours: 10:00 am-05:00 pm (opens on March 9, 2019)
9. Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Set along the banks of the Comal River, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels is a place with something for all ages. Get on the thrilling Uphill Water Coaster, go for a very long waterpark ride, check out the amazing slides, visit the water playgrounds for kids, or find a cabana. You can also book a room at the resort there.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Address: 305 W Austin St, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Website: Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Opening hours: 10:00 am-08:00 pm
10. Wonder World Cave & Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Wonder World Cave & Park is a natural theme park in San Marcos. Its main attractions include the Wonder Cave, which is an earthquake cave and a recorded Texas historic landmark, a wildlife park, observatory tower, an anti-gravity house where it looks like even water is flowing uphill, and a trackless motor train for exploring the park. In March 2019, they will be adding more amusement rides and food trailers.
Wonder World Cave & Park
Address: 1000 Prospect Street San Marcos, TX 78666.
Website: Wonder World Cave & Park
Opening hours: Winter hours: Fri: 12:00 pm-05:00 pm, Sat-Sun: 09:00 am-05:00 pm; Spring break hours: Sun-Sat: 08:30 am-08:00 pm
11. Grand Texas Theme Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located 9 miles (15 km) north of the Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, the Grand Texas theme park is an entertainment, shopping, and dining destination built on an area of more than 630 acres (255 hectares). The place is still being developed but the Gator Bayou Adventure Park is open now and so is the Speed Sportz Racing Park. The Grand Texas RV Resort is also open to guests, while the Big Rivers Waterpark will open in spring 2019. Grand Texas Theme Park will be opening sometime in the near future, along with many eateries and other attractions.
Grand Texas Theme Park
Address: 23065 Highway 242, New Caney, Texas 77357.
Website: Grand Texas Theme Park
12. 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)
13. 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
14. 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)
15. Beach Waterpark
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 Beach Waterpark, formerly known as 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.
Beach Waterpark
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: Beach Waterpark
16. 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
17. 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
18. NRH2O Family Water Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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
19. 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
20. 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
21. 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
22. Morgan's Wonderland
Located in San Antonio, Morgan’s Wonderland is a 25-acre (10 hectares) non-profit theme park meant for people of all ages and abilities. Built by Gordon Hartman and inspired by his daughter, Morgan, who has cognitive and physical disabilities, this completely wheelchair-accessible park boasts over 25 attractions, including rides, a catch-and-release fishing lake, an amphitheater, a special-event center, playgrounds, and rest areas. They also opened Morgan’s Inspiration Island as part of an expansion in 2017. Those with special needs can enter the park for free. The 2019 season starts on March 1st.
23. SeaWorld San Antonio
Whether you are a small kid or a grown up, you are sure to have a good time at SeaWorld San Antonio. Located on San Antonio’s west side, it is a 250-acre (100 hectares) oceanarium, animal themed and a marine mammal park that boasts a lot of awesome roller coasters, rides, shows, and attractions. See animal interactions, enjoy the world beneath the waves, take the 360-degree flips of the Great White Coaster, check out the comical show Pets Ahoy, and take a peek at beluga whales, sharks, and more; a lot of things to do and see on a fun-filled day.
24. Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld
Located in Anthony, a small town between El Paso and Las Cruces, this 60-acre (24 hectares) waterpark opens from May to September and is home to over 25 rides and attractions. The park has the Wild Island wave pool, a lazy river, traditional water rides, shallow kiddie pools, and a spray park. And Jaguar Falls is a new 6-story family raft ride. You can bring your own food and drinks. But they do have the Ribbit Cafe, for some burgers, fries, snow cones, nachos, and more, and you can also rent a charcoal grill from them.
Book Tours : Day Tickets Wet n' Wild Waterworld
Get ready for Texas
In conclusion, Texas boasts a diverse array of theme parks and amusement parks, offering thrilling experiences for all ages. From the iconic Six Flags Over Texas to the enchanting wonderland of SeaWorld San Antonio, these attractions showcase the Lone Star State’s commitment to entertainment. The abundance of adventure parks in Texas ensures that there is no shortage of excitement and memorable moments for visitors to cherish.
Frequently asked questions about theme parks and amusement parks in Texas
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