22 water parks in driving distance of San Antonio that are perfect for summer fun
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.
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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.
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bahnnewbraunfelsSchlitterbahn 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!
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beachparktexasBeach 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.
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.
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waterlooadventuresLake 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?
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letsbefrankeeAquatica 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.
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sixflagsovertexasHurricane 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.
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bahngalvestonSchlitterbahn, 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.
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hfallswacoHawaiian 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.
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.
