5 Water Parks in Texas For the Young and Young at Heart

Everything is bigger in Texas. The statement is certainly true when it comes to their water parks! Especially in the sizzling Texan summer heat, water parks are a delightful way to cool off for the whole family. Whether you want a thrilling free fall ride or just to float along a lazy river, these five water parks in Texas have everything you seek and more.

1. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels proudly declares itself as ‘The World’s Best Waterpark’. We don’t know about that but the waterpark is certainly impressive. Thrill seekers can go wild over 17 speed slides, while those who prefer to relax can head for the lazy rivers, nice lounge pools, and shaded areas. The park is massive and has everything you’d need for a fun day out. If the kids want some extra time here, you can also book a room at their resort and make it a weekend getaway.

2. Aquatica San Antonio

This is SeaWorld’s water park, so you can be sure that it is one of the best water parks in Texas. The rides, like most water parks, range from lazy rivers to thrilling water slides. But unlike most other water parks, Aquatica has a number of attractions that allows visitors to get up close and personal with animals like stingrays and tropical fish! You can combine your visit to Aquatica with a visit to SeaWorld. While it’s possible to visit both parks in one day, it’s much better to get the two-day multi-park pass.

3. Great Wolf Lodge

Only open to guests of the Great Wolf Lodge, there’s so much to do at this lovely resort. Although the water park is just a small part, it is still an 80,000-square-foot complex with many different pools, slides, and a huge tree house with a thousand gallon bucket. Younger kids will enjoy Cub Paw Pool, while older ones can go on tandem tube rides and body slides. Adults are more than welcome to join in the fun, or escape to one of the park’s two hot tubs or onsite spa instead.

4. Hawaiian Falls Mansfield

One of the newer water parks in Texas, Hawaiian Falls Mansfield features the Hawaiian Halfpipe, a two-person ride that sends you through a dark twist and sudden drop to the half-pipe. Head over to Breaker Beach for gentle waves perfect for body surfing, inner tubing, swimming, or just to cool off. This is the best spot for relaxing in the sun! For moms with kids, Splashwater Reef offers lots of shade, water-umbrellas, swimming pool and rope ladders. No matter your age, you’ll discover a broad array of enjoyable attractions here.

5. Castaway Cove Waterpark

Located in Wichita Falls, Castaway Cove Waterpark offers water attractions that are great for the whole family. Thrillseekers will head straight for the Cliffhanger, a 40-foot high wet and dry ride that propels riders from side-to-side in single, double or triple person rafts. Riders experience the thrill of free-falling and zero gravity as they slide to the other side! The park also has the Pirate’s Plunge slide, the beautiful Shipwreck Beach and for younger kids, check out Storm Watch Tower and the Buccaneer Bay. Of course, don’t forget the lazy river!