With summertime here in the Coastal Bend, hot weather has been cranked up.
Aside from city pools and splash pads, there are no other local spots that provide outdoor water fun since Hurricane Alley shuttered its doors in February 2026.
Why not make a day trip, or a weekend getaway, and spend your time going down water slides, wading in pools and splashing away?
Here are six water parks in Texas that are less than three hours away for you to check out.
Aqua Planet Waterpark — 2 hours, 30 minutes
5401 S. Jackson Road in Pharr
Aqua Planet Waterpark offers a kids’ playground, a large pool with three water slides and a swim-up bar. If you’re celebrating a birthday or wanting privacy, consider renting out a private canopy or two-story deck.
Tickets range from $10 to $25. For more information, visit facebook.com/aquaplanet11.
Aquatica San Antonio — 2 hours, 25 minutes
10500 SeaWorld Drive in San Antonio
The 18-acre water park features many attractions and amenities. Aquatica San Antonio includes a variety of waterslides, rivers, lagoons, a beach area and private cabanas.
Tickets range from $30 to $74.99 and can be purchased at aquatica.com/san-antonio.
Beach Waterpark — 2 hours, 45 minutes
33261 State Park Road 100 in South Padre Island
Previously Schlitterbahn South Padre Island, Beach Waterpark provides a variety of attractions for all ages from adrenaline-pumping rides to family-friendly experiences. Some attractions include four high-speed water coasters, a lazy river surrounding by scenic views, a children’s area with interactive water features and direct access to the beach and boardwalk.
Tickets range from $46.99 to $259.99 and can be purchased at beachwaterparktx.com.
Hurricane Harbor San Antonio — 2 hours, 30 minutes
17000 IH-10 West in San Antonio
Inside Six Flags Fiesta Texas is Hurricane Harbor, a water park with 14 water rides and attractions. Check out the Texas-shaped wave pool or stay cool in one of the water park’s exclusive cabanas.
Tickets range from $39 to $90, and entrance to Hurricane Harbor is an extra $10. Admission can be purchased at sixflags.com/fiestatexas.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels — 2 hours, 45 minutes
400 N. Liberty Ave. in New Braunfels
Schlitterbahn is a large water park and resort known for its fun water slides, coasters and water attractions. There are four sections at the water park, with each containing a swim-up bar, a lazy river, a children’s area and other fun adventures.
Tickets range from $49 to $90 and can be purchased at sixflags.com/schlitterbahnnewbraunfels.
Splashway Waterpark — 2 hours, 25 minutes
5211 Main St. in Sheridan
Splashway Waterpark is also a campground and is known for its thrilling water slides, relaxing pools and family-friendly atmosphere. After getting soaked all day, stay in a variety of lodging options like cabins, bungalows and RV sites while enjoying outdoor activities.
Tickets range from $32.99 to $59.99 and can be purchased at splashway.com.
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Take a short trip to these six Texas water parks to cool off
Reporting by John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times | USA TODAY Network
