There is some of almost everything in Texas; visitors will find mountains, lakes, snow, surf and desert all in one state. One thing that is consistent about Texas, however, is the heat--the average temperature in the Lone Star State is 73 degrees. Unsurprisingly, some of Texas' major tourist attractions are water parks, where both residents and guests can beat the heat.
Schlitterbahn Waterparks has three locations in Texas: New Braunfels, Galveston and South Padre Island. Attractions vary slightly by park, but the Schlitterbahns feature rides like a surfing machine, an uphill water coaster, speed slides, hot tubs, tube shoots and wading pools. Guests can purchase day or season passes, and special group rates are available. The New Braunfels Schlitterbahn is even open during the Christmas season.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
2026 Lockheed Rd.
Galveston, Texas 77554
409-740-3003
schlitterbahn.com/gal
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort
305 W. Austin St.
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
830-625-2351
schlitterbahn.com/nb
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
33261 State Park Rd. 100
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
956-772-7873
schlitterbahn.com/spi
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is located in Arlington, near the original Six Flags amusement park, Six Flags Over Texas. It features family-friendly and children's rides like Hook's Slides, the Lagoon Treehouse, the lazy river tube ride and gentle raging rapids. However, Hurricane Harbor is also known for its thrill rides, like Der Stuka, a steep seven-story slide; Hydro Mania, sharply twisting enclosed slides; and Mega Wedgie, where guests dip down four stories and then shoot back up the other side. Guests can purchase daily and seasonal passes, group rates, and meal and snack deals online in advance.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
1800 E. Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, Texas 76006
817-265-3356
sixflags.com/hurricaneHarborTexas
Located in North Texas, NRH20 is a family waterpark. Though some rides require riders be at least 48 inches tall, most of the attractions at NRH20 are suitable for everyone. The park has its own white sand beach around the 5,300 square foot pool, a sand volleyball court and a separate children's area. Visitors can enjoy mild rides like the Endless River tube ride and NRH20 Ocean, or more intense attractions such as the Green Extreme, a seven-story twisting slide; the Black Falls; and the Purplepalooza, an enclosed double-rider slide. Unlike many amusement parks, NRH20 allows guests to bring their own coolers of food and drinks. The park also offers swim lessons and junior lifeguard classes.
NRH20 Family Waterpark
9001 Grapevine Hwy.
North Richland Hills, Texas 76180
817-427-6500
nrh2o.com
