Top 14 Theme Parks And Amusement Parks In Texas, USA - Updated 2024

theme parks in texas
Leo
Leo 
Updated
| 4 min read

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.

1. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier (9710889236)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user robert thigpen used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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)

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2. Splashway Water Park

Sheridan TX Waterpark
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Djmaschek used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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

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3. ZDT's Amusement Park

Switchback ZDTs 2015
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Lewison used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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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

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5. Six Flags Over Texas

Flashback, Six Flags Over Texas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chris Hagerman used under CC BY 2.0

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

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6. Hawaiian Falls Garland

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


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

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7. Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah boardwalk
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user jimthompson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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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)

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9. Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels

Schlitterbahn (3814068961)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jason Helle used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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10. Wonder World Cave & Park


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

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11. Grand Texas Theme Park


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

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12. Morgan's Wonderland (from USD 17.0)

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.

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Morgan's Wonderland Theme Park Admission in San Antonio

Duration: 1 to 8 hours

13. SeaWorld San Antonio (from USD 57.0)

theme parks in texas | seaworld san antonio
Source: www.viator.com

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.

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SeaWorld® San Antonio Admission Ticket

10 reviews

14. Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld (from USD 26.0)

theme parks in texas | wet 'n' wild waterworld
Source: www.viator.com

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.

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Day Tickets Wet n' Wild Waterworld

Get ready for Texas

Morgan's Wonderland
Source: Photo by Flickr user Nan Palmero used under CC BY 2.0

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.

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Frequently asked questions about theme parks and amusement parks in Texas


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Leo is passionate about travelling, photography, and writing. If he's not doing any of those, he will be on the mat practicing freestyle wrestling or in his dojo doing Karate.

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