Billed as "Texarkana USA...where life is so large it takes two states," these two sister cities-one in Texas and one in Arkansas-make up one community. Situated against each other along the northeast corner of Texas and the southwest corner of Arkansas, Texarkana attracts visitors to the area for art and music festivals, plenty of golf, historic museums and several state parks. The moderate climate also is perfect for year-round water fun, which can be found at one of the water parks near the Texarkana area.
In addition to a variety of speed slides and tube slides at this water park, there's a wave pool, a splash zone to test your water skills and a new surfing simulation ride called Boogie Blast. Give your vocal chords a workout on any of the park's coasters, like the wood coaster Big Bad John, and free-falling thrill rides such as Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine. The park also hosts special concerts for adults and kids alike, ranging from Randy Travis and REO Speedwagon to Choo-Choo Soul and Mitchell Musso.
Magic Springs and Crystal Falls
1701 East Grand Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901-4802
501-624-0100
magicsprings.com
Arkansas' largest water park is full of fun for family members of all ages. In addition to the lazy river, wave pool (the largest in the state) and the tad pool for toddlers, there's the Vertigo and Accelerator slides for speed seekers and the Sidewinder and the Cyclone with rafts that accommodate two and four people, respectively. Browse the gift shop, order some pizza or cool off with one of their frozen treats.
Wild River Country
6820 Crystal Hill Road
North Little Rock, AR 72118
501-753-8600
wildrivercountry.com
With over a million gallons of water at this park, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Cool off in the lazy river and wave pool, and enjoy plenty of pulse-quickening slides with steep drops. Grab some lunch from the Splash Kingdom grill and then enjoy some dry activities such as outdoor laser tag, airbrushed tattoos and life-sized video games.
Splash Kingdom Water Town
7670 West 70th Street
Shreveport, LA 71129
318-938-5473
watertownusa.com
