Top 5 Waterparks In and Near Houston for Summer 2025 Fun
Ready to beat the Texas heat this summer? As a newbie in Houston, I’m diving into my first Houston waterpark season, and Houston’s got some splashy options! Houston’s scorching summers (>100°F+ in July) make waterparks a go-to for fun and relief. There are multiple waterpark options within 1.5 hours from Houston that feature towering slides, lazy rivers, floating obstacle courses, and carnival rides. I’ve rounded up the top five for summer 2025 (May 24–September 28), with key attractions, entrance costs, and tips to make your visit a blast.
Top 5 Waterparks for Summer 2025
1. Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures (New Caney, TX)
Location: 23101 TX-242, New Caney, TX 77357 (40 min from Houston via I-69 N).
Why Visit: This 80-acre park blends waterpark thrills with dry adventures like axe throwing and zip lines. It’s a Yelp favorite (4.2 stars, 87 reviews) with Texas’ largest interactive play structure.
Key Attractions:
COLORado Racers: Six-story, multi-lane mat-racing slide (42” min height, 6 racers, 5–20 min wait).
Rio GRAND River: Texas’ longest lazy river at 1,600+ feet (2.5–4 ft deep, free tubes, 5–10 min wait).
Wild Isle (Floating Obstacle Course): North America’s largest inflatable lake course (42” min height, ages 7+, 10–20 min wait, life jackets required).
Axe Throwing and Archery Area: Dry zone with axe throwing (14+ years) and archery (10+ years), 10–15 min sessions, staff-supervised.
Entrance Costs: $39.99 online, $44.99 gate; kids under 48”: $29.99; ages 2 & under: free. Season pass: $99. Parking: $10. Cabanas: $50–$100.
Hours: May 24–Aug 17: Mon–Thu, Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Weekends only through Sep 28.
Website: bigriverswaterpark.com
2. Typhoon Texas Waterpark (Katy, TX)
Location: 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494 (30 min from Houston via I-10 W).
Why Visit: This 25-acre park offers 33 slides, a 27,000-sq-ft wave pool, and summer concerts. It has a 4.3-star Yelp rating (120 reviews).
Key Attractions:
Duelin’ Daltons: 7-story free-fall slide (48” min height, 5–15 min wait).
Lazy T River: 480,000-gallon lazy river (all ages, free tubes, 5–10 min wait).
Tidal Wave Bay: 27,000-sq-ft wave pool (all ages, life jackets available).
Gully Washer: Kids’ splash zone with tipping bucket (under 48” preferred).
Entrance Costs: $44.99 online, $49.99 gate; under 48”: $34.99; ages 2 & under: free. Season pass: $89.99. Parking: $10. Cabanas: $75–$150.
Hours: May 24–Sep 22: Mon–Thu, Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Website: typhoontexas.com
3. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown (Spring, TX)
Location: 21300 I-45 N, Spring, TX 77373 (25 min from Houston via I-45 N).
Why Visit: Houston’s largest waterpark at 48 acres, with a Caribbean vibe and a 4.0-star Yelp rating. It added enhanced surf technology to its wave pool for 2025.
Key Attractions (verified at sixflags.com):
Wahoo Wave: 6-story slide with a 30-foot plunge (48” min height, 10–20 min wait).
Paradise Plunge: Lazy river with waterfalls (all ages, free tubes, 5–15 min wait).
Tornado: Funnel-shaped slide for 4-person rafts (48” min height, 10–20 min wait).
Splash Island: Kids’ area with shallow pools and mini slides (under 48”).
Entrance Costs: $45.99 online, $49.99 gate; kids under 48”: $34.99; ages 2 & under: free. Season pass: $99. Parking: $12.
Hours: May 24–Sep 1: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Website:
4. Schlitterbahn Waterpark (Galveston, TX)
Location: 2109 Gene Lucas Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554 (50 min from Houston via I-45 S).
Why Visit: This 26-acre park offers indoor/outdoor areas and the world’s tallest water coaster, Massiv. It has a 4.1-star Yelp rating.
Key Attractions:
Massiv: World’s tallest water coaster (48” min height, 15–25 min wait).
Raging River: Mile-long lazy river system (all ages, free tubes, 5–15 min wait).
Screaming Serpents: High-speed indoor body slide (48” min height, 10–20 min wait).
Kinderhaven: Kiddie area with splash pads (under 48”).
Entrance Costs: $39.99 online, $52.99 gate; kids/seniors: $40.99; ages 2 & under: free. Season pass: $99. Parking: Free. Cabanas: $50–$120.
Hours: May 10–Sep 30: Daily 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (indoor areas year-round).
Website: schlitterbahn.com
5. Pirates Bay Waterpark (Baytown, TX)
Location: 5300 E Rd, Baytown, TX 77521 (35 min from Houston via I-10 E).
Why Visit: This 3-acre, Caribbean-themed park is budget-friendly and family-focused, with a 4.0-star Yelp rating. It’s ideal for younger kids.
Key Attractions:
Lazy River: Winding river with spray features (all ages, free tubes, 5–10 min wait).
Wave Pool: Medium-sized wave pool (all ages, life jackets available).
Slide Towers: Two towers with body/tube slides (42” min height, 5–15 min wait).
Play Structure: Kids’ area with dumping bucket and spray nozzles (under 48”).
Entrance Costs: $15–$20 online, $20–$25 gate; kids under 36”: $10; ages 2 & under: free. Season pass: $49.99. Parking: Free.
Hours: May 24–Aug 1: Daily 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Website: baytown.org
Practical Tips for Houston Waterpark Visits
Book Online: Save $5–$10 per ticket at all parks. Season passes ($49–$99) are cost-effective for multiple visits.
Arrive Early: Get to parks by 10:30–11 a.m. to avoid noon crowds and secure parking ($0–$12).
Pack a Cooler: All parks allow snacks/drinks (no glass). Save $10–$17 on park food.
Stay Safe: Use free life jackets (all parks). Wear water shoes.
Beat the Heat: Houston’s 100°F summer requires sunscreen and cabanas
Check Events: Big Rivers hosts Country Western Days (June 7–8); Typhoon Texas offers concerts; Schlitterbahn has “Beats on the Beach.”
Budget: Expect $50–$100/person (admission $20–$45, parking $0–$12, food $5–$20).
Splash Into Summer!
Plan your Houston waterpark adventure, share your #HoustonWaterparkWave and share your experience in the comments below.