Splash Time! The Best Waterparks in Texas

by Julie Tereshchuk on July 8, 2016 in Living Texas, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Travels,
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Across the state, we’ve got the scoop on what’s new and exciting in Texas waterparks and resorts. Do you want to feel that thrilling rush of air and water as you plunge down a waterslide? Would you rather relax poolside? Want to dig your toes into some sand? Or, how about lounging in a tube and watching a movie? Then read on: we’ve got aqua fun for every age!

You can enjoy the luxuries of the beach without worrying about sharks. Courtesy of JW Marriott
You can enjoy the luxuries of the beach without worrying about sharks. Courtesy of JW Marriott

Summer vacationers at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa can stretch through the air, plunge down two new body slides or build a sandcastle in the 70-foot by 35-foot sandy play area. Aerial yoga is offered at the resort for the first time.Think floating in the air in the warrior pose! If speed and excitement is on your list for summer fun, try racing down the two new 47-foot high translucent body slides. Other summer fun experiences include the Agility boot camp, Channeling Picasso art classes, visits with San Antonio’s resident paleontologist, Dinosaur George, plus the Saturday Night Life nature walks.

This Texas-sized water coaster can only be described by one word. Massiv. Courtesy of Schlitterbahn

It’s official. The folks at Guinness World Records have declared MASSIV, which debuted at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island this summer, the world’s tallest water coaster. What a great 10th anniversary present for the park, which has been recognized as the World’s Best Indoor Waterpark eight consecutive years in a row.

MASSIV is 81 feet and 6 ¾ inches tall, and a state of the art water coaster, with three uphill sections, a series of twists and turns, and a triple drop finale. That’s one thrilling ride!

The Texas-sized coaster is designed as a shared experience ride, for one or two riders. Single and double riders will need to be at least 48 inches tall. The maximum combined weight of riders is 400 pounds, the maximum for single riders is 300 pounds. Be ready to brag to all of your friends that you rode this record-breaking water coaster and lived to tell the tale. They will be jealous.

This new kid on the block opened ready for Texans. Courtesy of Typhoon Texas

Houston’s newest family attraction, Typhoon Texas Waterpark, opened May 28 with a Texas-sized celebration. And there’s plenty to celebrate with more than 30 waterslides, a lazy river the length of five football fields, a giant wave pool and massive children’s water park play structures, all next to Katy Mills Mall, 1½ miles west of the Grand Parkway.

Look for the park’s signature experiences including the eight-lane Lone Star Racers and the Duelin’ Daltons, featuring a true looping waterslide where sliders are jettisoned through a translucent tube after the floor in a specially-designed launch capsule drops out from under them.

And don’t miss the newest waterpark gaming experience, Slide Boarding, a futuristic video game-integrated water slide. Then there’s the Gully Washer kid’s play area with an 800-gallon water bucket and a play structure standing more than four stories tall.

There is so much going on, that the entire family is sure to be entertained. Courtesy of Hawaiian Falls
There is so much going on, that the entire family is sure to be entertained. Courtesy of Hawaiian Falls

Get ready for Friday Palooza at Hawaiian Falls parks across Texas, beginning July 8th. Join in the family-oriented fun with fireworks, dive-in movies, and DJ glow parties on Fridays throughout the summer. The events are included in the price of admission and free with a season pass. Learn more about your local park’s upcoming events here. Why not get your glow on and light up the night? If you are visiting Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville, home to both a water park and an adventure park, chill out on the waves every weekend listening to live music from local bands. The Summer Concert Series presented by Songwriters Across Texas, and featuring a don’t-miss lineup, runs 3-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through August 14.

La Cantera creates the ideal oasis for adults looking to lounge about while the kids play in their own pool. Courtesy of La Cantera
La Cantera creates the ideal oasis for adults looking to lounge about while the kids play in their own pool. Courtesy of La Cantera

San Antonio’s La Cantera Hill Country Resort & Spa boasts four sparkling pools, two hot tubs and an adult pool for those 21-and-over. The adult and resort pools feature water lounges and infinity edges overlooking an expansive horizon of lush landscape, and are idyllic for enjoying breathtaking sunsets.

Elevate your evenings this summer at one of the resort’s Evenings on the Edge, a pool party series presented with San Antonio’s Cinco Vodka. Sip on summer-inspired cocktails and take in unrivaled Hill Country views on the infinity pool deck. Expect pop-up mini spa sessions, and a complimentary welcome cocktail. Take the plunge and make your reservation!

There's so much to do at Schlitterbahn that you might want to spend the weekend on-site. Courtesy of Schlitterbahn
There’s so much to do at Schlitterbahn that you might want to spend the weekend on-site. Courtesy of Schlitterbahn

But no waterpark conversation is complete without the biggest fish in the sea — Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. Opened in 1979, this torrential titan has earned the honor of being named Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for 16 years straight. With more than three miles of lazy, calm and rushing rivers full of rapids, 17 speed slides, and plenty of pools and beaches for the family, this is the place to splash around in Texas.

They’ve stuck to their guns over the years with allowing guests to bring in their own food and drinks so pack up a cooler to save some cash for souvenirs and a blast pass to save time by skipping long lines. One of the best features at this location is the cabana reservations. If you’ve got a large group, this is the way to go to keep your items together and be able to relax in style. The premium cabanas come with everything you need for a fantastic weekend — you’ll want to go for two days — while also having the comforts of home.