When we think of spring break and summer, water parks and amusement parks are some of the first things that come to mind.  We have so many attractions within driving distance from Austin and you can pick how big you want to go.  Just want a little half-day excursion?  Round Rock and Cedar Park have you covered.  Looking for a Big Bang of an outing with the kids?  A short drive to San Antonio or Dallas will give you lots of options.  Check out our roundup of Amusement and Water Parks near Austin.  

Amusement Parks

— Austin’s  (Austin)
Popular for birthday parties, Austin Park includes go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages, a rock-climbing wall & bowling, as well as a few rides. Visit the website for pricing, and more.

— Kiddie Park (San Antonio)
This is a classic amusement park in San Antonio geared towards young kids, with an old-school carousel & Ferris wheel, a snack bar, etc. Kiddie Park is the oldest children’s amusement park in the country! Ride tickets start at just $3 per ride, and unlimited rides wristbands are available to purchase online and at the park for only $14. Visit the website for more ticket prices and park information.

— Morgan’s Wonderland (San Antonio)
Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first accessible family fun park located in San Antonio, designed for children and adults with special cognitive and physical needs. Visit the website to learn about the rides & attractions, admission prices, park hours, and more. You can also check out Morgan’s Inspiration Island, their seasonal waterpark!

— SeaWorld (San Antonio)
SeaWorld is a marine-life theme park with roller coasters, rides, shows, tours, attractions, and a Sesame Street area for young children. Visit the website for park hours & schedules, tickets, health & safety commitments, and more.

— Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio)
Home of nine world-class roller coasters and the giant White Water Bay Water Park, kids’ rides, thrill rides, live entertainment, and more. Check the various ticket options that include one-day admission as well as passes for multiple visits during one season. Park hours are subject to change, so it’s best to check the park schedule before planning your trip. Visit the website for more info about tickets and attractions.

— Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington)
Dallas/Ft. Worth’s biggest, most popular attraction features dozens of thrill rides, shows, and activities. Check out the variety of ticket options for single-day or season passes. Visit the website for hours of operation, safety protocols, and all of the exciting updates on rides! 

— ZDT’s Amusement Park (Seguin)
This family amusement park is located in Seguin and is open year-round, and its water rides are open from March through September. You’ll find rides, go-carts, arcade games, and more! Visit the website for pricing and hours.

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Water Parks

— Aquatica (San Antonio)
Next to SeaWorld, Aquatica is now open on weekends and holidays and features water slides, a raft ride that travels under the stingray habitat, a lazy river, a water playscape, a wave pool, and more! Visit the website for a list of attractions, park hours, and tickets. Please note that face coverings will be required for guests ages two and older in certain areas of the park. Review the safety guidelines here. This park opened for the season on March 2, 2024. 

— Great Wolf Lodge (Grapevine)
Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park and hotel. With over 80,000 square feet, 9 water slides, 6 pools, and one massive water tipping bucket, this indoor water park resort is a unique family getaway destination. Start planning your stay! Water park admission is included with a hotel stay.

— Kalahari Resorts & Conventions (Round Rock)
The African-themed Kalahari Resorts is America’s largest indoor waterpark, open year-round and boasting 350 acres of rides & slides, a huge arcade, an outdoor amphitheater, bowling, a giant wave pool, and so much more!  They also opened an outdoor portion of the waterpark in 2023 and you can get more info here.  Waterpark admission is included in your overnight stay, and they also have day passes available.

— Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures
Much like a “ninja warrior” course on the water, this floating water park has obstacles such as climbing walls, monkey bars, slides, bridges, and more. (For ages 7+) You’ll access this private resort-style beach and aqua park by boat ride to and from Adventure Island. You can also relax in the shade on a hammock or lounge chair and enjoy views of Lake Travis with a cold beverage. Click here for more info.  Opens May 11, 2024

— Morgan’s Inspiration Island (San Antonio)
In keeping with Morgan’s Wonderland’s mission of inclusion and the desire to enable everyone to play, Morgan’s Inspiration Island features colorful splash pads, a River Boat Adventure ride, and revolutionary waterproof wheelchairs. Please note that all guests must purchase their tickets online and reserve their date of admission in advance. Click here for more information on Morgan’s Inspiration Island.

— Quest Water Park
Located in southeast Austin, this aquatic playground and world-class wakeboarding facility brings plenty of thrills for the family. This open-water obstacle course lets you test your skills on the monkey bars or rock wall, conquer the wiggle bridge, or enjoy the many slides and obstacle course features. Take note that all participants must be at least 7 years old, at least 45″ tall, and a good swimmer. Book a session online and click here to read about our experience!  Opens April 5, 2024.

— Rock’N River Water Park (Round Rock)
Run by the City of Round Rock, this water park features a huge “sprayground” with hose jets, a tipping cone, water curtain, water guns, water slides and net obstacles. Rock’N River also includes a 12-foot jumping platform, rock wall, and a drop slide. Visit their website for admission info and more! Read about our experience at Rock’N River here.  Opens summer 2024.  

— Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels)
Located on the banks of the spring-fed Comal River, this water park has 40 attractions on over 70 acres. Plenty of rides, slides, tube chutes, wading pools, and other water adventures for all ages. Visit the website for info about hours, tickets, and more. Click here to read 10 Things We Love About Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. The New Braunfels location opens on April 20, 2024. (Also take note that there are Schlitterbahn locations in South Padre and Galveston, too.).

— Splash Shack (Cedar Park) 
This adorable indoor water park is best for kids up to age 10.  It’s a great half-day activity to let your little ones burn off some energy.  Aptly called a micro-water park, inside this 10,000-square-foot building you’ll find interactive water play, some water slides, and a dump-bucket.  Plus, you get a free adult ticket with every child ticket ($22.99) and it’s just $4.99 for any additional adults.  More details here.

— Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Arlington)
North Texas’s largest water park features 50 acres of rides & slides & a 1-million-gallon wave pool. Check out all of the awesome attractions here! Visit the website for more info and ticket pricing. Opening May 11, 2024

— Typhoon Texas (Pflugerville)
Typhoon Texas Waterpark is open every weekend this summer and features water slides, a lazy river, a zip line, a ropes course & concessions. Visit the website for a list of rides & attractions, admission info, hours, and more.  Opens May 4, 2024.  

— Volente Beach Waterpark (Lake Travis)
If you’re looking for a place to splash the day away within a really short drive from Central Austin, you can take a trip out to Beachside Billy’s Volente Beach Waterpark on Lake Travis. This water park is small, making it extremely manageable with the kids. You’ll find a cute pirate ship play area for young children, a handful of water slides, an obstacle to cross in the pool, a volleyball court, plenty of picnic space, and a restaurant. Waterpark opens in May