Do512 Family - What to do in Austin with Kids

Do512 Family - What to do in Austin with Kids

Where to Float in a Lazy River

Looking for the best places to float this summer? From resort lazy rivers and waterparks to classic Texas tubing destinations, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots around Austin to relax, cool off, and enjoy a day on the water.

Rock’N River Family Aquatic Center
3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock
One of our favorite budget-friendly waterparks just got even better. Rock’N River recently unveiled a major expansion featuring a brand new 775 foot action river with wave features, adding an exciting new way to float, as well as the park’s traditional lazy river. Families can also enjoy waterslides, a giant tipping bucket, pools, a rock climbing wall, plenty of shade, and onsite food options. Rental cabanas are available if you’d like a home base for the day. Located in Round Rock’s Old Settlers Park, Rock’N River is an easy day trip and a great value for families looking to cool off this summer. Our kids love it!  More info & tickets. Read about our experience.


Lazy River + more at Typhoon Texas.

Typhoon Texas
18500 TX-130 Service Rd, Pflugerville
Cool down this summer at Typhoon Texas Waterpark in Pflugerville, just 25 minutes from central Austin. Come for the four-story children’s Gully Washer, and stay for the Lazy T River. Typhoon Texas is one of our favorites for water slides, the Texas-sized wave pool, and the fact that this park is very easy to navigate, but we simply love taking loops around the lazy river. Snag choose-your-day admission tickets for as low as $30 depending on the day of the week. More info & tickets. Read about our experience.


Photo courtesy of Schlittlerbahn

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
588 S Union., New Braunfels
Enjoy a day of aquatic adventure with the family at Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels! This waterpark and resort is roughly 50 minutes south of downtown Austin. Enjoy the many water slides, tube shoots, lounge areas, river simulation, and more. With seven distinct lodging accommodations, you are sure to find something within your budget. You can purchase an advanced admission daily pass which starts at $49.99 when purchased online. More info and tickets.


Photo from the Kalahari Resort’s Facebook page

Kalahari Resorts
3001 Kalahari Blvd. Round Rock
Enjoy multiple lazy rivers at Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, TX – just 30 minutes North of Austin. You know Kalahari as the largest indoor waterpark in Texas, with loads of games, events, entertainment, and water slides, but now they have an outdoor waterpark complete with an adventure river, which is a lazy river combined with a wave pool.  Accommodations feature hotel suites that come with access to the resort’s waterpark, or you can opt just for a waterpark day pass for around $85, or an evening pass from 5 pm – 9 pm for $49.99. Click here to view all the options on their website to find the right fit for you!


One of our favorite lazy rivers is at the Hyatt Lost Pines.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort And Spa
575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Cedar Creek
You can visit Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa for a plethora of family fun. Enjoy this oasis just a 32-minute drive east of Austin, near Bastrop in Cedar Creek.  Splash around the family-friendly on-site waterpark, float down the lazy river, ride a two-story water slide, or retreat to an adults-only private pool.  Day passes are available on Resort Pass here, and you can check here for lodging info. Read about our experience.


Photo from the JW Marriott Hill Country Facebook page

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio
Visit JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for a truly luxurious experience. This gem is located an hour and 20 minutes outside of Austin. Stay in a lavish suite and enjoy the nine-acre waterpark featuring a 1,100 ft lazy river and exciting River Bluff experience, or venture out into the city for additional thrilling attractions. Unwind the day at the various resort restaurants and spas for an experience you won’t want to miss. Click here for lodging info.


Photo from Hyatt Regency Hill Country’s Facebook page

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
9800 Hyatt Resort Dr, San Antonio
Located about 90 minutes from Austin, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa is a popular family getaway with plenty of ways to cool off. The resort’s 950 foot Ramblin’ River lazy river is still a favorite, and recent renovations added the new Big Spring Lagoon, a 2.2 acre lagoon with sandy beaches and additional water activities. Families can also enjoy waterslides, pools, and a FlowRider surf simulator, making it easy to spend an entire weekend in the water. Water park access is included with an overnight stay. Click here for lodging information.


— Tubing in Natural Waters Near Austin
There are plenty of options to go tubing in cool, clear spring-fed water near Austin. Our friends at Do512 break it all down here.  You can also choose to dip into the waters of the nearby Comal River and Guadalupe River for even more lazy days spent on a tube!

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