These 8 Epic Water Parks In Texas Will Take Your Summer To A Whole New Level

There's nothing like jumping into some cold water on a hot Texas summer day. We may not have the prettiest beaches, but our Texas water parks definitely make up for it. We didn't even realize just how many we have until we put this article together - one of them being the number one water park in the entire country. We're pretty lucky. Here are the 8 best water parks in Texas where you can soak up the summer sun and have an unforgettable time.

1. Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels)

This is the original Schlitterbahn, and it's been voted the #1 water park in Texas for many years. With its three sub-parks featuring thrilling speed slides and numerous themed, interactive, long river floats, We definitely concur that no better water park exists in our state. An added bonus is all the trees surrounding it that help shield you from the oppressive Texas heat while you wait in lines which can be fairly lengthy depending on what day you go. Get a first-person view of these exciting waterslides:

2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Arlington)

Everyone knows that roller coasters + heat and humidity are a disastrous combination. Lucky for us, if we start feeling tired and nauseous from being spun upside down at Six Flags in 100+ degree temperatures, we can head right next door to Hurricane Harbor and cool off. With 25 different rides, there's plenty of opportunity to get your heart pumping just like a roller coaster - only a million times cooler! Take a look at some of the fun attractions here:

3. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island (Galveston)

Though not as expansive as the flagship Schlitterbahn, the Galveston branch has plenty of redeeming qualities that make it worth a visit as well. Speed slides make up the majority of the rides rather than long river adventures, which means shorter wait times! Local families usually get the opportunity to ride everything multiple times when they spend a day here. Of the three main rivers the park does have, a local favorite is definitely the Torrent River - it constantly generates huge waves that rock you back and forth in your inner tube. The sea breeze from the Gulf of Mexico keeps you from overheating, and it's nice to look out on the water from the top of a ride. All in all, you won't regret coming here one bit.

4. Great Wolf Lodge (Grapevine)

Although most everything about Texas rocks, the ridiculously high summer temperatures and unpredictable weather aren't the best. Fortunately, we have one of the largest indoor water parks in the country to escape to when outdoor conditions aren't favorable. You can find all the same rides here that any other water park has - including the famous gigantic bucket of water pictured here. It's fun for the whole family, rain or shine!

5. Hurricane Harbor Splash Town (Spring)

Splash Town is one of our favorites. It's expanded so much over the years and now features a plethora of fun rides like the famous Tornado, a toilet bowl, thrilling slides, and relaxing family attractions like a lazy river and wave pool. It's fun in the sun on the outskirts of the biggest city in Texas!

6. Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island

This Holiday Inn Resort has an amazing waterpark. This one in particular is unique because it's right on the beach. If you're a freshwater person, you can soak up the sun and splash around while still getting a view of the gorgeous ocean water - the best of both worlds!

7. SeaWorld Aquatica (San Antonio)

As if SeaWorld isn't awesome enough already, you can cool off in the water park after watching Shamu perform his amazing tricks. The park has 13 rides that the whole family can enjoy, including an underwater tunnel with real sting rays and a thrilling slide called Walhalla Wave. See what it’s like to go on the water rides here:

8. Hawaiian Falls (various locations)

Hawaiian Falls is unique in that it has several different locations scattered throughout the state, so there's bound to be one near you! Get ready for a day full of screams, laughs, thrills, and fun as you beat the heat in the best way possible.

Have you been to any of the best water parks in Texas? Are there any other Texas water parks that should've made the list? Let us know in the comments. If you're up for some tubing, here are some wonderful lazy rivers in Texas.