17 Best Water Parks in Texas

The Lone Star State is the fourth-hottest in the country, but this list of the best water parks in Texas will provide just the summer escape you need to beat the heat and have fun doing it!

We’re walking you through everything you need to know before settling on your perfect summer spot, including each Texas waterpark’s main attractions, facilities, food options, and more.

From relaxing lazy rivers to death-defying drops (and plenty in between), every water park fan will find something to love in this lineup.

17 Best Waterparks in Texas

So grab your swimsuit, shades, and sunscreen, and get ready to make a splash at these Texas waterparks!

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark

We have to kick off our countdown of the best waterparks in Texas with one of the state’s most famous.

Although a new ride at a Chicago waterpark recently took over the title, Schlitterbahn Galveston once held the world’s tallest water coaster (and still comes within a few feet of first place).

The aptly-named “MASSIV” clocks in at nearly 82 feet tall and takes riders on a thrilling spin through ups and downs, twists and turns, and a scream-inducing triple drop finale.

Lazy rivers run through the park’s 3 sections, so you hardly have to leave the water. Lounge in the heated pool (+ swim-up bar!), ride the tides in the wave pool, and get your thrills on a dozen fast and thrilling slides.

To keep your energy high, more than 14 onsite restaurants dish up everything from slow-smoked barbecue (made fresh daily) to hand-battered funnel cakes customizable with all kinds of flavors and toppings.

Address: 2109 Lockheed Rd, Galveston, TX 77554

Read next: Things to Do in Galveston

Castaway Cove Waterpark

This tropical-themed waterpark in Wichita Falls, Texas, is one of the best family vacation destinations, with 15 acres of thrill rides, play areas, lazy rivers, and a beach volleyball court.

Little ones will love Buccaneer Bay, a multi-level playground complete with water cannons, slides, tunnels, and tons of interactive features. One of the pools features water volleyball and basketball courts.

Meanwhile, those seeking an adrenaline rush can brave the Pirate’s Plunge. 

Climb the 60-foot tower, step into a capsule, then feel the floor drop out from under you as you plunge into a 37-foot vertical freefall and zoom through a 360-degree loop at up to 40 miles per hour.

In between slipping and sliding, fuel up on classic comfort food like burgers, corn dogs, and nachos, and grab a frozen piña colada or margarita from the Tropical Bar.

Address: 1000 Central Fwy E, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Waterpark at the Villages

Waterparks aren’t only a summer activity at this massive indoor fun zone in Flint, Texas, on the shores of Lake Palestine. 

The glass-enclosed recreational area of Waterpark at the Villages is climate-controlled for year-round fun (even without the sun).

Plus, the roof retracts during the summer so you can enjoy the warmer weather.

Adults can rotate between a lazy river, wave pool, and tube and body slides, while little ones will take a walk on the wild side in the woodsy-themed children’s playscape.

For extra entertainment, the complex also holds an arcade, mini-golf course, and sports courts!

Address: 18270 Singing Wood Ln, Flint, TX 75762

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark

Epic Waters is a water park near Dallas and is just a hop and a skip away in Grand Prairie, about a 20-minute drive from downtown. 

With the title of North Texas’ Largest Indoor Waterpark, this year-round destination boasts 80,000 square feet of fun.

The slide tower branches off into 11 thrilling rides. For maximum adventure, try the gravity-defying, 360-degree spin of the Lasso Loop or the gut-wrenching 50-foot drop of the Prairie Plunge.

If you want to take it easier, you can reserve an exclusive cabana with exclusive amenities (TVs, beverage service, and an Epic Welcome Treat Box packed with giant cookies and soft pretzels).

Address: Epic Place #2970, Grand Prairie, TX 75051

Beach Park at Isla Blanca (Formerly Schlitterbahn South Padre Island)

Beach Park at Isla Blanca is everything you could ask for in a waterpark, overlooking the gorgeous beaches of South Padre Island and featuring a lineup of award-winning water attractions.

Spend the day bouncing between water coasters, artificial beaches, and an activity pool complete with basketball hoops.

One can’t-miss attraction for thrill-seekers? The Soaring Eagle Zip Line, which sends you flying nearly 100 feet above the park at speeds of up to 35 MPH.

Then, slow things down at Bob’s Floating Bar, a heated pool offering refreshing drinks and frozen cocktails. You can even bring your own picnic, as long as you leave any alcohol and glass containers at home.

Address: 33261 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

No list of the best waterparks in Texas would be complete without a mention of this long-time, beloved Southern institution.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is San Antonio’s go-to spot for all kinds of thrills, bringing together both roller coasters and water attractions (admission includes them both!), plus dozens of other shows and events.

Test your courage on the Bahama Blaster, an extreme slide that launches riders from a trap-door capsule “down an astounding 6 stories, where they freefall and twist through loops and coils at 40 MPH.”

Then, slow things down in the Lone Star Lagoon, a giant, Texas-shaped wave pool.

It’s a great activity to enjoy with kids in San Antonio.

Entrance to the waterpark is included in the admission to Six Flags, and season passes are available to families interested in unlimited visits.

Address: 17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257

Read next: Best Things to Do in San Antonio

Bahama Beach Waterpark

Looking for swimming parks that offer fun for the whole family? Bahama Beach is the go-to destination in Dallas, with just the right blend of kid-friendly activities and more exciting rides.

Coconut Cove, a fortress of fun boasting rope ladders, slides, geysers, and a giant 1,000-gallon dumping bucket, will keep the little ones occupied for hours.

Meanwhile, older visitors can fly down the Riptide Slide and Bahama Bullet alone or pair up and take them on in a double tube.

Feeling hungry? Bahama Bob’s Island Eatery has all the staples, like hot dogs, pizza, funnel cakes, and more.

Address: 1895 Campfire Cir, Dallas, TX 75232

Typhoon Texas Houston

Typhoon Texas is not only a haven of summer fun but also an incredible water park near Houston, conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from downtown.

Once here, adrenaline seekers should head straight for the Duelin’ Daltons, a slide tower with 5 different routes (one of which sends you on a 7-story, open-air freefall).

In between wild rides, you have to try the onsite treats, which include hand-squeezed county fair lemonade, homemade, slow-smoked BBQ, and classic TexMex dishes.

Although the Houston location is the most popular, they have another property in Austin if that’s an easier trip for you to make.

Address: 555 South Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy, TX 77494

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

The motto “Everything’s bigger in Texas” is extra fun when it comes to waterparks, and this larger-than-life destination is a fantastic water park near San Antonio–30 minutes outside of town.

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is not only the biggest outdoor waterpark in Texas, but it also shows up on many lists of the best waterparks in the world!

The park boasts a staggering 51 rivers, rides, slides, and chutes (even including several uphill water coasters), plus miles of tubing channels powered by natural spring water from the Comal River.

To power all the fun, more than 30 dining destinations throughout the park dish up everything from an impressive 1/2-pound foot-long chili cheese dog basket to a cookies and cream funnel cake.

Address: 588 S Union Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

NRH2O Family Waterpark

NRH2O has been bringing thrills to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for nearly three decades, and they’re only getting better with time.

Brave visitors of this water park near Fort Worth have to try the Sidewinder, a towering body slide that releases you from a trap door into an exhilarating 60-foot freefall that ends in a big splash.

NRH2O also boasts the world’s largest uphill water coaster!

Another crowd favorite is the Viper, which brings together 2 to 3 people in 1 float and sends them on a high-banking, heart-pounding drop into a 20-foot MEGAtube.

For a more relaxing approach, NRH2O also contains a winding lazy river and even their own white sand beach. Want to up the luxury? Rent a private cabana (maximum 6 people) or luxury loungers for two.

Address: 9001 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Splashway Waterpark

Splashway isn’t just a fun water park–it’s also a campground and RV site, perfect for extending the fun over multiple days.

Conveniently located about 2 hours from Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, Splashway Waterpark is a family-oriented park that is just the weekend trip city dwellers need.

If you spend a night, you have the extra time to enjoy mini-golf, laser tag, and tons of weekend activities–s’mores nights, movies, arts & crafts, cooking contests, and more.

Within the waterpark itself, take a solo 45-foot freefall on the Pirate’s Plunge or grab your 3 closest friends and brave the Loco Mono, full of “gravity-defying thrill, revolutionary swirling funnels, and unexpected drops.”

Address: 5211 Main St, Sheridan, TX 77475

Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures

Tired of traditional waterparks? Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures scraps the playbook and takes things up a notch or 10, easily ranking among the best waterparks in Texas (and the most unique).

Located right on one of the Lone Star State’s clearest lakes, this getaway is made up of a revolutionary floating water park, obstacle course, and private island.

Tackle 21 challenges, including a climbing tower, giant trampoline, springboard launch pad, and freefall slide.

If you’d rather watch from the sidelines, grab a lakefront lounger and umbrella or swing in a hammock. These and other beach amenities like lockers and drink coolers are included in the price of admission!

Address: 14529 Pocohontas Trail suite a, Leander, TX 78641

Splash Kingdom Waterpark

There are 5 Splash Kingdom waterparks across the state, each with its own unique water theme (Paradise Island, Wild West, Timber Falls, and more), and each deserving of a spot on this list of the best waterparks in Texas.

Whichever one you choose, all the properties boast everything you could ask for in a waterpark, including high-thrill tube and body slides, Flow Rider surf simulators, and leisurely lazy rivers.

They also have a rotating schedule of live events, which are included in the price of admission if you visit on the right day.

Address: 18814 Interstate 20, Canton, TX 75103

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington

With water attractions galore (25 of them, to be exact), Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, Texas guarantees a good time.

Try your luck on their newest slide tower–the Banzai Pipeline–which features 3 different routes, each with its own surprising set of twists and turns as you fly down 3 stories.

Once you’ve built up your bravery, hit the iconic Der Stuka (which translates as “attack plane”), a steep 7-story plunge that will have your heart in your throat.

If you’re traveling with a group, Wahoo Racer throws some competition into the mix. As the largest multi-lane water slide complex in the world, it sends 6 people zooming headfirst at 40 feet per second towards a splashy finish line.

Address: 1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006

Hawaiian Falls Waco

Hawaiian Falls Waco will have you feeling like you’ve left Texas for the Big Island, with all kinds of water-themed attractions and plenty of sun to soak up.

Get warmed up on the swirling, twirling Tikitower, then really get your adrenaline pumping on the twin body slides Monsoon and Typhoon, which send fearless riders into a 65-foot freefall.

You can also enjoy Breaker Bay, the first large-scale wave pool in Central Texas and a gentle spot to body surf, tube, or swim.

For some chill in between your thrills, stop by Sharkey’s Cafe, which serves snacks, sweets, chopped brisket sandwiches, and delicious personal pan pizzas. They even have a special kid’s menu for the little ones.

Address: 900 Lake Shore Dr, Waco, TX 76708

Wet’n’Wild Waterworld

This oasis in the desert landscapes of El Paso, Texas might just be the most scenic on our list, with a canopy of mature shade trees that have earned it the designation of “shadiest waterpark in the world.”

Attempt the Slippery Rock Challenge, a climbing wall based within a deep pool, drop 7 stories on the aptly-named Zele Scream, or take things a bit easier on the lazy Little Rio Grande.

An insider tip–if you want to skip the lines, rent a tube at the Lily Pad Store across from the main entrance so you don’t have to wait at the pick-up point before each ride.

Address: 8804 S Desert Blvd, Anthony, TX 79821

Pirate’s Bay Waterpark

Because we want to wrap up our list of the best waterparks in Texas with a bang, we’ve saved Pirate’s Bay for last.

Located just 30 minutes from Houston, this spot combines water attractions with the salty sea breezes and balmy weather of Galveston Bay.

Hang ten on the Flow Rider, reach speeds of up to 40 MPH on the high-thrill Space Bowl, or grab a buddy and take on the daunting Colorado Drop Slide, which plunges your double tube into a steep 40-foot drop.

Pirate Bay’s newest attraction, NinjaCross, challenges visitors to swing, swim, and climb through an intense obstacle course reminiscent of the hit TV show, American Ninja Warrior.

Every Thursday throughout the summer season, they hold Pirate Party Nights with dive-in movies, luaus, and more.

Address: 5300 E Rd, Baytown, TX 77521

Texas Water Parks

If you want to cool off, there is nothing better than making a splash in one of the Texas water parks.

From south to north, east to west, the Lone Star State has entertainment for the entire family and the water theme parks are especially appealing during the southern summer.

Which of these fun water parks have you already been to? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you! Oh, and be sure to share this article about Texas water parks on your social media!