Texas offers plenty of fun activities for those who wish to plan a family vacation. Of course, many people who visit Texas look forward to fun in the sun while splashing in the water. Unfortunately, the Lone Star State’s weather is not always the most cooperative.

The good news is, there are plenty of indoor waterparks that you and your family can enjoy year-round! In other words, you don’t have to try to plan your trip around the perfect weather or a specific time of year. You can visit Texas and enjoy plenty of fun water activities no matter the season.

Why not also check out our guide to the best water parks in Texas, including some awesome outdoor options or, if you’re looking for accommodation, the best family resorts in the Lone Star State?

Alternatively, why not take a look at our guide to the best indoor water parks in the US?

Table of Contents:

Schlitterbahn, South Padre Island

Schlitterbahn is a well-known waterpark with multiple locations throughout the U.S., including Texas. If you are planning a trip in or around South Padre Island, you are in luck! Schlitterbahn South Padre Island features 25 acres of sprawling water activities for a family-friendly adventure.

To make your stay more enjoyable and convenient, the park also features a resort hotel located right on the beach. The waterpark is situated on the southern tip of Texas, giving you prime access to some of the best beaches the Gulf of Mexico has to offer. In addition, the park is open throughout the year, meaning you can enjoy the fun no matter the season.

One of the most stunning features of Schlitterbahn South Padre Island is the twenty-four water attractions the park features. You can participate in a thrilling water slip down one of the slides, or you can cool off on one of the many water rides. Rivers, such as the Rio Aventura, wind through the park, which gives you the opportunity to kick back and relax on a tube ride.

With 11 different attractions and 13 twisting and fun-colored water slides, you and your family are sure to enjoy an entire day filled with fun and excitement. Additionally, guests are welcome to bring a picnic basket if it does not contain glass containers or alcohol. Make sure you also dive in and save the day playing volleyball on one of the sandy volleyball courts.

There are also water roller coasters, such as the Pirate’s Plunge. Another option is to embrace your inner surfer thanks to the Boogie Bahn Surfing Wave. After a long day of fun, laughs, and splashing water, you and your family can relax in one of the 221 deluxe resort hotel rooms. There are also suite options if you’re feeling fancy.

Great Wolf Lodge Resort, Grapevine

If you plan to vacation in Grapevine, TX, make sure to check out the Great Wolf Lodge Resort. The resort offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including a large indoor water park full of slides, waves, waterfalls, and swimming areas. For a truly relaxing experience, consider taking a dip in the resort’s indoor hot springs.

Splashing around in the water can work up an appetite, so make sure you grab a bite to eat at one of the two restaurants located in the resort. There is even a poolside café so you don’t have to stray too far from your fun water activities to satisfy your grumbling stomach.

Another great feature offered by the resort is the fact that parents can decompress while their children play in the water. Perhaps you’d like to work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art, fully equipped gym? Another option is to enjoy the amenities of the resort’s spa.

In the meantime, you and your kids will enjoy several water-based rides and activities, such as River Canyon Run, Whooping Hollow, Coyote Cannon, and Slap Tail Pond. No matter which ride, slide, or swim area you choose, you are sure to find something that every member of your family will love.

For the best experience possible, try booking your stay at the Great Wolf Lodge Resort around one of the events they often host. For instance, the resort often hosts holiday-themed events, such as a costume party for the month of October as well as Christmas-themed events. You will find that there are events geared toward guests of every age.

Why not also check out our guide to other Great Wolf Lodge locations across the US?

Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Galveston

Galveston is often a highly desirable Texas island that many love to visit. Fortunately, it is also home to Schlitterbahn Waterpark, a highly entertaining waterpark with rivers, swim areas, slides, rides, and wave pools. From toddlers to adults and everyone in between, you are sure to find something you enjoy about the Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

The park is divided into three sections, all of which are separated from one another by a mile-long river. When you and your family are ready to stop for a bite to eat, you can relax under one of the many pavilions found in the Tiki Tikes Kids Area, which is specifically designed for tiny tots and young children, or the Surfenburg.

One of the most impressive features offered by Schlitterbahn Waterpark is the fact that it is home to one of the biggest water coasters around. The water coaster design mimics a shipwreck, giving it a fun and pirate-aesthetic appearance. Also, parents will love the swim-up bar feature.

Some of the best attractions you can find at Schlitterbahn Waterpark include the Blastenhoff Heated Pool and Swim Up Bar, the Cliffhanger, Faust and Furious, and Infinity Racers. Smaller children will also love Kristal Bay, Kristal Beach, and Kristal Cove. No matter which ride you choose, you are sure to enjoy your time at the park.

Schlitterbahn WaterPark has more than 16 food and beverage locations dotted throughout the park. You will find options that are sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger, such as Shipwreck Grill, Pointe Pizza, and Rolando’s Mexican Grill. For some onsite slow smoked goodness, check out B&B Barbecue Haus, which serves a variety of smoked meats and hand battered funnel cakes.

The WaterPark at the Villages, Flint

Perhaps you heard about all the fun things to do in and around Flint, TX, which has you wanting to plan a trip. If so, consider a stay at the Holiday Inn Club in Flint, which offers a thrilling family-friendly waterpark known as the WaterPark at the Villages. The resort is situated on 3,000 acres of sprawling wooded areas that look out over Lake Palestine.

The waterpark itself is 25,000 square feet of jam-packed fun, including 19,000 square feet of glass enclosed all-year-round thrills. When the weather permits, the glass roof of the enclosure retracts, which lets the warm sunshine and fresh air flow in. After you are done making a splash, you can head up to your cozy room and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

The waterpark features plenty of fun, winding tubes and slides, a relaxing lazy river, and a rope bridge if you wish to test your agility and balance. Either way, you are guaranteed to find something for everyone of all ages. Whether you have tots, toddlers, children, or teens, there is something for everyone featured throughout the WaterPark at the Villages.

When you are finished splashing in the water, be sure to check out the resort’s fitness center, sports courts, arcade, or mini golf course. In other words, you will enjoy plentiful amenities and activities all within one resort location. In addition, you can make reservations to host a fun-filled birthday party or other special events at the waterpark.

The WaterPark at the Villages has enough great features to keep you and your family entertained for hours. Therefore, you may want to set aside nearly a full day to enjoy the park and all that it has to offer. If you need to relax, grab a chair at one of the many picnic areas set up with tables, chairs, and umbrellas.

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Grand Prairie

Should you decide to book a vacation in Grand Prairie, TX, it is there that you will discover Epic Waters. The waterpark features a sprawling array of fun-filled water-based activities both indoors and out, spanning 80,000 square feet. The enclosed part of the waterpark features a retractable roof that lets both the sunshine and fresh air in when the weather permits.

Epic Waters features several attractive features, but what seems to be the most eye-catching is the slide tower, which features 11 winding water slides. Outside, visitors can experience even bigger thrills by jumping into the wave pool, which is 10,000 square feet. If the waves don’t suit your liking, you can stay closer to the pool’s beach area, where the water calmly laps the edges.

If you are looking for a more relaxing, soothing experience instead, check out the lazy river. You can kick back and float down 600 feet of calm, tranquil flowing waters. If you have sports fanatics in your family, you’re in luck! Epic Waters offers water-based basketball. The park is said to be one of the largest in North Texas.

While there are several attractions to choose from, be sure to check out Prairie Plunge, YellowJacket Drop, TexasTwist, and FlowRider. For your smaller tikes, you will love Rascal’s Round Up and Rio Grand. Epic Waters makes it easy to plan a family-friendly vacation or staycation that everyone is sure to enjoy.

After hours of splashing, swimming, sliding, and floating, check out The Hungry Wave Café, which offers burgers, fries, pizza, wraps, and salads to satisfy your hungry stomach. For a more adult experience, visit Longboards Bar & Lounge, which has wine, beer, and specialty cocktails such as the Waterslide, Prairie Plunge, and Lasso Loop.

Lubbock Water Rampage

Lubbock, TX beckons visitors with the thrill of adventure that can only be found at Water Rampage. The waterpark offers water slides, wave pools, and rides for children and adults of all ages. You will find an array of activities for those who enjoy wildly splashing about, as well as for those who prefer a relaxing, laid-back experience.

Playing in the water can work up a big appetite, which is why you will enjoy the convenience of the park’s picnic areas. There are picnic areas throughout the park where you can sit and enjoy your meal. Concession stands can also be found within the park for food, drinks, and snacks. Adults can enjoy grown up beverages at Captain Morgan’s Rum Point.

Another great feature is the fact that the park features movie nights. You and your family don’t have to end the fun just because the sun goes down. Instead, grab your family and watch one of the unique movies the park has to offer, all while relaxing in the lazy river. Water-based fun and a movie are almost too hard to beat.

As a recommendation, be sure to check out Pirate Ship Playground and Slides or Dumping Bucket found in Pirates Cove, Big Wave and Baby Pool in Caribbean Adventure, or the Lazy River in Lost World. Movie nights are hosted in the Caribbean Adventure part of the waterpark. Some of the movies that have been played at the park previously include Wonder Woman 1984 and the live-action version of Mulan.

You can also make reservations at the park for birthday parties and other fun events. Should you choose to host a party at the park, Snack Shack can provide catering, which makes your event even more fun and stress-free. After-hours reservations are also available for private parties or corporate events, meaning you get the whole park to yourself for two whole hours.

Book Your Vacation Today

You don’t have to consider your vacation to Texas ruined simply because the weather decides to keep you away from the sandy beaches. Indoor water parks, such as those mentioned here, are sure to make your vacation a fun one.

No matter which of the best indoor waterparks you choose, you are sure to enjoy your Texas vacation. Perhaps one of the greatest features of any park mentioned is that you don’t have to worry about too much sun exposure. Each indoor waterpark mentioned features climate control, allowing you to have both a comfortable and an enjoyable experience full of fun memories, so book your vacation today!

Searching for some thrilling experiences for the whole family to enjoy whilst visiting Texas? Our list of the best amusement parks in Texas will help you plan your next day out.

Other fantastic water parks to consider for some family fun

If you’re hoping to find some more of the best water parks, our round-up below will be the perfect place to start.

Facebook X Reddit

More about our TFVG Author

Author Profile

James Brockbank

Founder at The Family Vacation Guide

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

Additional menu

Book Your Vacation Today

Other fantastic water parks to consider for some family fun

More about our TFVG Author