Olawale S.When it comes to beating the heat, Texas doesn’t mess around. With its scorching summers and sprawling landscapes, the Lone Star State has become a haven for waterpark lovers. But not just any waterparks—Texas is home to some of the largest, most thrilling, and most innovative aquatic playgrounds in the world.
From record-breaking water coasters to lazy rivers that stretch for miles, these parks aren’t just big—they’re Texas big. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family traveler, or someone who just wants to float under the sun, this guide to the Largest Waterparks in Texas (2025) will help you plan the ultimate splash-filled adventure.
Why Texas Is the King of Waterparks
1. Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort – New Braunfels
Size: 70+ acres
Attractions: 50+ rides and experiences
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels isn’t just the largest waterpark in Texas—it’s a legend. Nestled along the banks of the Comal River, this park blends natural beauty with cutting-edge water ride technology. With over 50 attractions spread across multiple themed areas, it offers everything from spring-fed tube chutes to uphill water coasters that defy gravity.
What makes Schlitterbahn truly unique is its integration with nature. You can float through tree-lined rivers, splash in freshwater pools, and even stay overnight in on-site cabins or resorts. It’s a full vacation destination, and for many Texans, it’s a rite of summer.
2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor – Arlington
Size: 47 acres
Attractions: Wave pool, thrill slides, lazy river
Located next to Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor is a powerhouse of aquatic excitement. Covering 47 acres, it features a million-gallon wave pool, towering slides like the Tornado, and a relaxing lazy river that winds through tropical scenery.
The park is known for its high-capacity rides, making it ideal for large groups and families. With shaded cabanas, splash zones for kids, and adrenaline-pumping attractions for teens and adults, Hurricane Harbor delivers a balanced mix of thrill and chill.
3. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
Size: 26 acres
Attractions: 30+ rides, indoor/outdoor zones
Schlitterbahn Galveston is the coastal cousin of the New Braunfels flagship—and it’s no slouch. Spanning 26 acres, this park features MASSIV, the world’s tallest water coaster, along with dozens of slides, rivers, and pools.
What sets Galveston apart is its year-round accessibility. Thanks to its indoor section, guests can enjoy the waterpark even in cooler months. The proximity to the beach also makes it a perfect combo destination for sun, surf, and splash.
4. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark – Grand Prairie
Size: 80,000 sq ft (indoor)
Attractions: 11 slides, FlowRider, longest indoor lazy river in Texas
Epic Waters is a marvel of modern waterpark engineering. Housed under a retractable glass roof, this indoor park offers year-round fun with a climate-controlled environment. It’s home to the longest indoor lazy river in Texas, a FlowRider surf simulator, and a variety of slides that twist and turn through the air.
Families love Epic Waters for its cleanliness, accessibility, and weather-proof design. Whether it’s raining or blazing hot outside, this park delivers consistent fun in a sleek, modern setting.
5. Aquatica San Antonio
Size: 18 acres
Attractions: Marine life encounters, high-speed slides, wave pools
Operated by SeaWorld, Aquatica is more than just a waterpark—it’s an aquatic experience. Spread across 18 acres, it combines thrilling rides with marine life interactions, including stingray lagoons and tropical fish exhibits.
Aquatica’s design is immersive, with lush landscaping and a tropical resort vibe. Guests can enjoy high-speed slides like Tassie’s Twister, relax in wave pools, or explore animal habitats. It’s a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and excitement.
6. NRH2O Family Water Park – North Richland Hills
Size: 17 acres
Attractions: Lazy river, wave pool, tube slides
NRH2O is a local favorite that punches above its weight. Covering 17 acres, it offers a wide range of attractions including a 660-foot lazy river, a wave pool, and multiple tube slides. It’s known for its affordability, cleanliness, and family-friendly atmosphere.
The park also hosts movie nights, dive-in events, and seasonal festivals, making it a community hub as well as a waterpark. For families looking for value and variety, NRH2O is a top pick.
7. Splashway Waterpark – Sheridan
Size: 15 acres
Attractions: Wave pool, speed slides, kids’ zone, camping
Splashway is a family-owned gem located in rural Sheridan. With 15 acres of water attractions and an adjacent campground, it offers a full vacation experience. Guests can enjoy wave pools, thrilling slides, and a massive kids’ splash zone, then retreat to cabins or tents for a night under the stars.
The park emphasizes safety, hospitality, and community, making it ideal for multi-day trips and family reunions. It’s a quieter, more personal alternative to the mega-parks.
8. Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark – Grapevine
Size: 80,000 sq ft (indoor)
Attractions: Multi-level play structures, water slides, wave pool
Great Wolf Lodge is a resort-based indoor waterpark that caters to families with young children. Its 80,000-square-foot facility includes themed play structures, gentle slides, and a wave pool—all under one roof.
Guests stay in themed suites, dine at on-site restaurants, and enjoy activities like story time and scavenger hunts. It’s a year-round destination that combines lodging, entertainment, and water fun in one immersive package.
9. Typhoon Texas – Katy
Size: 25 acres
Attractions: High-speed slides, wave pool, lazy river
Typhoon Texas is a modern waterpark located just outside Houston. With 25 acres of attractions, it features high-speed slides like The Duelin’ Daltons, a massive wave pool, and a winding lazy river.
The park is known for its live entertainment, themed zones, and food festivals, creating a lively atmosphere that goes beyond water rides. It’s a favorite among teens and young adults looking for a full-day summer escape.
10. Bahama Beach Waterpark – Dallas
Size: 10 acres
Attractions: Slides, splash pads, lazy river
Bahama Beach may be smaller than others on this list, but it’s packed with fun. Operated by the City of Dallas, this 10-acre park includes slides, splash pads, and a lazy river—all at affordable prices.
It’s ideal for families looking for a quick, local getaway without the crowds or cost of larger parks. With shaded picnic areas and attentive lifeguards, Bahama Beach delivers safe, accessible fun in the heart of the city.
Planning Your Texas Waterpark Tour
If you’re thinking about visiting multiple parks, here’s how to plan:
- Central Texas Loop: Start with Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, then head to Aquatica in San Antonio.
- DFW Circuit: Hit Epic Waters, NRH2O, Hurricane Harbor, and Bahama Beach.
- Gulf Coast Combo: Visit Schlitterbahn Galveston and Typhoon Texas in Katy.
- Family Retreat: Book a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge or Splashway for lodging + water fun.
Conclusion: Where Size Meets Splash
Texas doesn’t just do waterparks—it masters them. From indoor marvels to sprawling outdoor resorts, these parks offer something for everyone. Whether you’re chasing thrills, floating in lazy rivers, or watching your kids splash in themed zones, the Top 10 Largest Waterparks in Texas (2025) deliver unforgettable experiences.
So grab your sunscreen, pack your swimsuit, and dive into the biggest aquatic adventures the Lone Star State has to offer. Because in Texas, the only thing bigger than the sky… is the splash.