Summer's the time to get wet, but that doesn't mean you have to leg it all the way to the coast. Not when there are other ways to cool off while having a blast.
Hear us out: when you need an adrenaline boost but it's too hot for rollercoasters, water parks are the way to go. Gravity-defying slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and other attractions are perfect for beating the heat. And most have plenty to offer the little ones, assuming you want to make it a family affair.
Whether you want to stay in town or are looking for a road trip, these 22 Texas water parks are all worth adding to the itinerary.
22 water parks in driving distance of San Antonio that are perfect for summer fun
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, Jul 14, 2023 at 2:44 pm
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Courtesy Photo / Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 W I-10, (210) 697-5050, sixflags.com/fiestatexas
For double the fun, you’ll thank yourself for hitting up Fiesta Texas. Have your fun on the regular coasters at night when it’s slightly cooler, but first beat the heat at the newly rebranded Hurricane Harbor. There’s a variety of water rides and attractions, which capture all different vibes, from competitive to tranquil, under the sun. Of course, you can’t forget about the Texas-shaped wave pool, nicknamed the Lone Star Lagoon, or the classic, funnel-shaped Tornado thrill ride.
17000 W I-10, (210) 697-5050, sixflags.com/fiestatexas
For double the fun, you’ll thank yourself for hitting up Fiesta Texas. Have your fun on the regular coasters at night when it’s slightly cooler, but first beat the heat at the newly rebranded Hurricane Harbor. There’s a variety of water rides and attractions, which capture all different vibes, from competitive to tranquil, under the sun. Of course, you can’t forget about the Texas-shaped wave pool, nicknamed the Lone Star Lagoon, or the classic, funnel-shaped Tornado thrill ride.
Photo via Instagram / bahnnewbraunfels
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels, (830) 625-2351, schlitterbahn.com
Perhaps Central Texas’ favorite summer destination, this Schlitterbahn outpost pretty much gives you four water parks in one. This park is located on the Comal River, using the space for tube chutes, rides, tube slides and pools using the spring-fed river water. That means the water is always a cool 72 degrees! There’s plenty of ways to cool down and have fun, so make it a point to explore it all!
400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels, (830) 625-2351, schlitterbahn.com
Perhaps Central Texas’ favorite summer destination, this Schlitterbahn outpost pretty much gives you four water parks in one. This park is located on the Comal River, using the space for tube chutes, rides, tube slides and pools using the spring-fed river water. That means the water is always a cool 72 degrees! There’s plenty of ways to cool down and have fun, so make it a point to explore it all!
Photo via Instagram / beachparktexas
Beach Park at Isla Blanca
33261 State Park Road 100, South Padre Island, (956) 772-7873, beachparktx.com
Formerly Schlitterbahn’s South Padre Island location, even though Beach Park at Isla Blanca has a new name it still offers the same amount of fun. If you like a mixture of natural waters and water park fun, your best bet is to head to this South Padre Island attraction. The beach-inspired park features a river system that connects almost all of the water rides and tube chutes within the park. With plenty of rides, slides and rivers throughout the space, there’s lots of points for you to explore and splash around.
33261 State Park Road 100, South Padre Island, (956) 772-7873, beachparktx.com
Formerly Schlitterbahn’s South Padre Island location, even though Beach Park at Isla Blanca has a new name it still offers the same amount of fun. If you like a mixture of natural waters and water park fun, your best bet is to head to this South Padre Island attraction. The beach-inspired park features a river system that connects almost all of the water rides and tube chutes within the park. With plenty of rides, slides and rivers throughout the space, there’s lots of points for you to explore and splash around.
Photo courtesy of JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
23808 Resort Pkwy., (210) 276-2500, marriott.com
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has its very own 9-acre water park, the River Bluff Water Experience. The park has a variety of slides, a lazy river, and multiple pools to enjoy, plus the not-so-lazy Pedernales River water ride, which promises 650-feet of swift currents meant to mimic a natural river.
23808 Resort Pkwy., (210) 276-2500, marriott.com
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has its very own 9-acre water park, the River Bluff Water Experience. The park has a variety of slides, a lazy river, and multiple pools to enjoy, plus the not-so-lazy Pedernales River water ride, which promises 650-feet of swift currents meant to mimic a natural river.
Photo via Instagram / waterlooadventures
Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures
14529 Pocohontas Trail, Leander, (512) 614-1979, waterlooadventures.com
Just outside of Austin you’ll find one of the most badass outdoor attractions in the area. This water park is floating — meaning that it’s on water! You’ll get to bounce off the slides and jump around the obstacle course and straight into the water of Lake Travis. What more could you ask for?
14529 Pocohontas Trail, Leander, (512) 614-1979, waterlooadventures.com
Just outside of Austin you’ll find one of the most badass outdoor attractions in the area. This water park is floating — meaning that it’s on water! You’ll get to bounce off the slides and jump around the obstacle course and straight into the water of Lake Travis. What more could you ask for?
Photo via Instagram / letsbefrankee
Aquatica at SeaWorld
10500 SeaWorld Drive, (210) 520-4732, aquatica.com/san-antonio
Of course SeaWorld has its own waterpark. Aquatica features slides like the Tonga Twister and Riptide Race, plus the Big Surf Shores wave pool, the Loggerhead Lane lazy river, and multiple kid-friendly areas including Slippity Dippity and Kookaburra Cove.
10500 SeaWorld Drive, (210) 520-4732, aquatica.com/san-antonio
Of course SeaWorld has its own waterpark. Aquatica features slides like the Tonga Twister and Riptide Race, plus the Big Surf Shores wave pool, the Loggerhead Lane lazy river, and multiple kid-friendly areas including Slippity Dippity and Kookaburra Cove.
Photo via Instagram / sixflagsovertexas
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Over Texas
1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, (817) 640-8900, sixflags.com/hurricaneharbortexas
If you’re down for a road trip, the North Texas Six Flags outpost has its own water park. With slides with names like The Black Hole and Geronimo, you know you’re in for some thrills. If you’re not looking for adrenaline pumping action (or need something more kid-friendly), the park also has more relaxed attractions like a lazy river and the Suntan Lagoon million-gallon pool.
1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, (817) 640-8900, sixflags.com/hurricaneharbortexas
If you’re down for a road trip, the North Texas Six Flags outpost has its own water park. With slides with names like The Black Hole and Geronimo, you know you’re in for some thrills. If you’re not looking for adrenaline pumping action (or need something more kid-friendly), the park also has more relaxed attractions like a lazy river and the Suntan Lagoon million-gallon pool.
Photo via Instagram / bahngalveston
Schlitterbahn, Galveston Island
2109 Gene Lucas Blvd., Galveston, schlitterbahn.com
Head east and you’ll be able to explore the Galveston Island outpost from Schlitterbahn. The park features outdoor attractions open seasonally as well as a heated indoor park during cooler months which allows it to remain open year-round. Take advantage of the high-thrill speed slides, raft rides and water coasters. Adults should definitely make a point of visiting the swim-up bar.
2109 Gene Lucas Blvd., Galveston, schlitterbahn.com
Head east and you’ll be able to explore the Galveston Island outpost from Schlitterbahn. The park features outdoor attractions open seasonally as well as a heated indoor park during cooler months which allows it to remain open year-round. Take advantage of the high-thrill speed slides, raft rides and water coasters. Adults should definitely make a point of visiting the swim-up bar.
Photo via Instagram / hfallswaco
Hawaiian Falls, Waco
900 Lake Shore Dr., Waco, (254) 892-0222, hfalls.com
If you find yourself in Waco, know that there’s at least one thing to do: head to Hawaiian Falls. The outpost of this water park chain features a number of ways to get wet — from the Kona Kooler lazy river to slides like the Tsunami and Tempest Tower.
900 Lake Shore Dr., Waco, (254) 892-0222, hfalls.com
If you find yourself in Waco, know that there’s at least one thing to do: head to Hawaiian Falls. The outpost of this water park chain features a number of ways to get wet — from the Kona Kooler lazy river to slides like the Tsunami and Tempest Tower.
Courtesy Photo / Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Kalahari Resorts, Round Rock
3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock, (512) 651-1000, kalahariresorts.com/texas
Advertised as “America’s largest indoor waterpark,” the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock offers plenty of fun in its 223,000 square foot facility. Attractions include the Barrelling Baboon, Dungeons of Hout Bay and Flowrider, and adults can enjoy the Grotto Swim-Up Bar. Waterpark access is included for all resort guests, but visitors also have the option to snag a day pass.
3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock, (512) 651-1000, kalahariresorts.com/texas
Advertised as “America’s largest indoor waterpark,” the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock offers plenty of fun in its 223,000 square foot facility. Attractions include the Barrelling Baboon, Dungeons of Hout Bay and Flowrider, and adults can enjoy the Grotto Swim-Up Bar. Waterpark access is included for all resort guests, but visitors also have the option to snag a day pass.
Photo via Instagram / jellystonehc
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Hill Country
12915 FM306, Canyon Lake, (830) 256-0088, jellystonehillcountry.com
Yogi Bear fans and anyone who loves outdoor fun will want to make plans to head to this Central Texas gem. You’ll be able to explore the interactive water zone, swimming pool, splash pad and tubing! There’s also non-water activities for your consideration, like laser tag and mini golf, in case you need to spend some time on dry land.
12915 FM306, Canyon Lake, (830) 256-0088, jellystonehillcountry.com
Yogi Bear fans and anyone who loves outdoor fun will want to make plans to head to this Central Texas gem. You’ll be able to explore the interactive water zone, swimming pool, splash pad and tubing! There’s also non-water activities for your consideration, like laser tag and mini golf, in case you need to spend some time on dry land.
Photo via Instagram / typhoontexas
Typhoon Texas Austin
18500 TX-130 Service Road, Pflugerville, (512) 212-7792, typhoontexas.com
Formerly known as Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville, this Central Texas water getaway has all the fun you’re looking for this summer. There’s plenty of water-based attractions here, from Buckaroo Bayou and Tidal Wave Bay to The Snake Pit and The Lazy-T River. Everyone in the family can enjoy age-appropriate attractions that they’ll come to love.
18500 TX-130 Service Road, Pflugerville, (512) 212-7792, typhoontexas.com
Formerly known as Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville, this Central Texas water getaway has all the fun you’re looking for this summer. There’s plenty of water-based attractions here, from Buckaroo Bayou and Tidal Wave Bay to The Snake Pit and The Lazy-T River. Everyone in the family can enjoy age-appropriate attractions that they’ll come to love.
Photo via Facebook / Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, (972) 337-3131, epicwatersgp.com
This year-round indoor water park in North Texas is worth a road trip. The 80,000-square-foot attraction features thrilling rides like the Texas Twist slide and Yellowjacket Drop, plus more relaxed fun on a lazy river and the kid-friendly Rascal’s Round Up play area.
2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, (972) 337-3131, epicwatersgp.com
This year-round indoor water park in North Texas is worth a road trip. The 80,000-square-foot attraction features thrilling rides like the Texas Twist slide and Yellowjacket Drop, plus more relaxed fun on a lazy river and the kid-friendly Rascal’s Round Up play area.
Photo via Instagram / moodygardens
Palm Beach at Moody Gardens
1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, (409) 683-4200, moodygardens.com
A theme park and resort all in one, Palm Beach at Moody Gardens has all the water attractions you want to hit up. Explore the tower slides, splash pad, lazy river, wave pool and of course the aquarium adventure for a true water-filled experience.
1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, (409) 683-4200, moodygardens.com
A theme park and resort all in one, Palm Beach at Moody Gardens has all the water attractions you want to hit up. Explore the tower slides, splash pad, lazy river, wave pool and of course the aquarium adventure for a true water-filled experience.
Photo via Instagram / bigriverswaterpark
Big Rivers Waterpark
23101 TX-242, New Caney, (832) 509-1556, bigriverswaterpark.com
Over near Houston you’ll find Big Rivers. The park is home to the Houston area’s largest lazy river (appropriately titled the Rio GRAND River), plus water coasters, a wave pool and lots of slides that you can easily spend hours going up and down. Trust us, fun is waiting to be had here.
23101 TX-242, New Caney, (832) 509-1556, bigriverswaterpark.com
Over near Houston you’ll find Big Rivers. The park is home to the Houston area’s largest lazy river (appropriately titled the Rio GRAND River), plus water coasters, a wave pool and lots of slides that you can easily spend hours going up and down. Trust us, fun is waiting to be had here.
Photo via Facebook / Hurricane Alley Waterpark
Hurricane Alley Waterpark
702 E. Port Ave., Corpus Christi, (361) 883-9283, hurricanealleycc.com
Head to the coast and you’ll be able to have loads of water fun without actually visiting the beach (if you care about that sort of thing). The park’s wave pool, lazy river, slides and thrill rides will have you forgetting that you’re not actually in the ocean, you’ll be having that much fun.
702 E. Port Ave., Corpus Christi, (361) 883-9283, hurricanealleycc.com
Head to the coast and you’ll be able to have loads of water fun without actually visiting the beach (if you care about that sort of thing). The park’s wave pool, lazy river, slides and thrill rides will have you forgetting that you’re not actually in the ocean, you’ll be having that much fun.
Photo via Instagram / baytowntourism
Pirates Bay Water Park
5300 E Road, Baytown, (281) 422-1150, baytown.org
Pirates Bay grants you access to an abundance of water slides, wave pools, a lazy river and designated areas for the kids to play! Everyone who packs it into the car will be glad they made the trip out to Baytown.
5300 E Road, Baytown, (281) 422-1150, baytown.org
Pirates Bay grants you access to an abundance of water slides, wave pools, a lazy river and designated areas for the kids to play! Everyone who packs it into the car will be glad they made the trip out to Baytown.
Photo via Facebook / Rock ‘N River Waterpark
Rock’n River Water Park
3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, (512) 218-5540, roundrocktexas.gov
Just up the road in Round Rock you’ll find a family-friendly water park that has fun for everyone. With a lazy river, water playgrounds, slides for days and tipping buckets that douse you in water, it’s hard not to find an attraction that will get your soaked and keep you having fun all day long.
3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, (512) 218-5540, roundrocktexas.gov
Just up the road in Round Rock you’ll find a family-friendly water park that has fun for everyone. With a lazy river, water playgrounds, slides for days and tipping buckets that douse you in water, it’s hard not to find an attraction that will get your soaked and keep you having fun all day long.
Photo via Facebook / The Waterpark at Volente Beach Resort
Volente Beach Resort & Waterpark
16107 Farm to Market Road 2769, Leander, (512) 258-5110, volentebeach.com
Pack up the car and take a day trip to this Central Texas spot. Not only is there a beach area, sand and all, but there are loads of water activities, including the Texas Twister, Gator’s Crossing, the Pirate Ship and lots of tubes! Dry off with a game or two of sand volleyball before you head back home.
16107 Farm to Market Road 2769, Leander, (512) 258-5110, volentebeach.com
Pack up the car and take a day trip to this Central Texas spot. Not only is there a beach area, sand and all, but there are loads of water activities, including the Texas Twister, Gator’s Crossing, the Pirate Ship and lots of tubes! Dry off with a game or two of sand volleyball before you head back home.
Photo via Instagram / morganswonderlandtexas
Morgan's Inspiration Island
5223 David Edwards Dr., (210) 495-5888, morganswonderland.com
As the country’s first inclusive theme park, Morgan’s Wonderland went above and beyond with Morgan’s Inspiration Island, the water park. Built with both fun and accessibility in mind, the park’s attractions include Rainbow Reef, Shipwreck Island and the River Boat Adventure Ride.
5223 David Edwards Dr., (210) 495-5888, morganswonderland.com
As the country’s first inclusive theme park, Morgan’s Wonderland went above and beyond with Morgan’s Inspiration Island, the water park. Built with both fun and accessibility in mind, the park’s attractions include Rainbow Reef, Shipwreck Island and the River Boat Adventure Ride.
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