From the World’s Best Waterpark in New Braunfels and Galveston’s mile-long river ride to Houston’s Big Rivers adventure park and free splash pads across the region — here is every Texas waterpark worth visiting this summer, with every deal, discount, and free day we could find.
There is no more Texas way to survive July than finding the biggest, fastest waterslide in the state and pointing yourself at it. Texas has world-class waterparks — and a lot of them. Here is your definitive guide to every major park in the state, ranked by region, with admission prices, money-saving tips, and the dates you should know about before you go.
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels — The World’s Best Waterpark
Between San Antonio and Austin on I-35, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has won the Golden Ticket Award for Best Waterpark in the World 24 times. That record has never been matched. The park features the world’s first uphill water coaster, a continuous river system you can tube all day, master blasters, speed slides, and enough variety to genuinely fill two full days.
New Braunfels is the original Schlitterbahn — opened in 1979 — and it still feels like no other park on earth because it grew organically around the Comal River, using the natural landscape as part of the experience.
Admission: From $49.99 online — buy online in advance for the best rate Season pass: Available and excellent value if you’re within driving distance Military discount: Discounted tickets available for active duty, veterans, and dependents Website: schlitterbahn.com/new-braunfels Address: 400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130 Phone: (830) 625-2351
Schlitterbahn Galveston — A Mile of River on the Island
Schlitterbahn’s Gulf Coast location offers something the New Braunfels park doesn’t: the ocean is nearby. The Galveston park connects rivers across three distinct sections for a mile of continuous water adventures, including high-thrill speed slides. Combine it with a beach day and a night on the Strand for a full island weekend.
Admission: Starting around $49.99 online Website: schlitterbahn.com/galveston Address: 2109 Lockheed Dr., Galveston, TX 77554 Phone: (409) 766-1670
Typhoon Texas Houston — Katy’s Premier Waterpark
Houston’s largest dedicated waterpark sits in Katy and is open for the full 2026 summer season. The park typically opens at 11 a.m. daily, with closing times ranging from 5 to 10 p.m. depending on the day. Foam parties, live entertainment, seasonal celebrations, and family-friendly themed days make this more than a standard slide-and-go experience.
Admission: Any day admission $59.99 / Children under 48 inches $39.99 / Military and seniors $34.99 Money-saving tip: Tickets purchased online in advance are cheaper. Season passes available. Themed events: Check typhoontexas.com for foam parties and special event dates Website: typhoontexas.com/houston Address: 555 Typhoon Texas Pkwy., Katy, TX 77494
Typhoon Texas Austin — Capital City’s Waterpark
The Austin location of Typhoon Texas is open for the 2026 summer season with the same formula of high-energy events, foam parties, and family-friendly programming. Discounted tickets and seasonal specials are available through the park’s promotions page.
Money-saving tip: Check the promotions tab at typhoontexas.com/austin regularly for limited-time discounted ticket offers and bundles. Website: typhoontexas.com/austin
Hurricane Harbor — Arlington and Splashtown Houston
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor operates two Texas locations — Arlington near AT&T Stadium, and Splashtown in Spring north of Houston. Both offer the full Hurricane Harbor experience: major slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and the Six Flags season pass infrastructure that makes repeat visits dramatically cheaper than day passes.
Money-saving tip: A Six Flags season pass covers both Hurricane Harbor locations and all Six Flags parks nationwide. If your family goes more than twice, the math heavily favors the season pass. Hurricane Harbor Arlington: 1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006 Hurricane Harbor Splashtown: 21300 I-45 N., Spring, TX 77388 Website: sixflags.com/hurricaneharborarlignton and sixflags.com/hurricaneharborsplashtown
Splashway Waterpark — Sheridan, Texas
Between Houston and San Antonio in Sheridan, Splashway is one of the most complete family waterparks in South Central Texas — with camping on-site that makes it a full weekend destination rather than just a day trip. Campground packages that include waterpark admission are among the best waterpark deals in the state.
Admission: Starting around $25 online Camping packages: Available — campground plus waterpark admission combo pricing Website: splashway.com Address: 900 Main St., Sheridan, TX 77475 Phone: (979) 234-7946
Big Rivers Waterpark — New Caney, Northeast of Houston
Big Rivers packs extraordinary value into its daily admission. A single ticket covers all water attractions, the Wild Isle Inflatable Waterpark, Gator Gulch Alligator Viewing, Mystic Maze, Big Al’s Petting Zoo, Axe Throwing, Archery, and The Fairgrounds.
Admission: $44.99 for all attractions / Children under 42 inches $25 / Children under 2 free National Waterpark Day: July 28, 2026 — special one-day admission pricing for the holiday Mermaid Day: June 9, 2026 — live mermaids throughout the park all day Money-saving tip: Season passes available for unlimited visits Website: bigriverswaterpark.com Address: 18201 TX-242, New Caney, TX 77357
Pirates Bay Waterpark — Baytown
A family-friendly option east of Houston in Baytown with water slides, a lazy river, and accessible pricing that makes it one of the most affordable waterpark days in the Houston region.
Admission: $33.99 / Children under 42 inches $25 / Children under 2 free Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June / 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July and August Website: piratesbaypark.com Address: 3700 N. Main St., Baytown, TX 77521
Free and Low-Cost: Splash Pads Across the Houston Region
For families who want to cool off without admission costs, the Houston region has dozens of free and low-cost splash pads at community parks. The Woodlands Township operates multiple free spray grounds including Village Green Park at 26400 Kuykendahl Dr., Shadowbend Park at 4995 Lake Woodlands Dr., and Sawmill Park at 2200 Millpark Dr. Sugar Land operates seasonal splash pads at multiple parks. Webster’s Texas Avenue Park Splash Pad at 17100 Texas Ave. is another free option.
Rob Fleming Aquatic Center near The Woodlands offers a waterpark-style experience with slides and a lazy river for a modest daily admission fee — significantly cheaper than major parks.
Money-Saving Tips That Work at Any Texas Waterpark
Buy online in advance — every major Texas waterpark charges more at the gate than online. The savings range from $5 to $20 per ticket. Season passes at Schlitterbahn, Typhoon Texas, and Six Flags pay for themselves in two to three visits. Military discounts are available at virtually every major waterpark in the state — always bring a valid ID. Most parks offer cheaper admission in the last two hours before closing — check individual park policies. National Waterpark Day on July 28 typically brings special pricing across multiple parks — mark it on your calendar now.
