Cool Water Destinations in Texas

By theadmin

“It’s hotter than blue blazes.” “It’s hot enough to fry an egg.” “I’m sweating bullets.” However you say it, summer in Texas is downright scorching. Luckily, we have no shortage of water parks and aquatic destinations where you and the family can cool off. Grab your sunscreen and dive in.

Courtesy of Schlitterbahn

Big Thrills Under the Sun (and Indoors)

Brave towering slides, catch a wave, or let a lazy river carry you away.

Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels
On the banks of the Comal River sits one of Texas’ most iconic, family-friendly water parks. Schlitterbahn features gigantic coasters, slides, not-so-lazy river rides, wave pools, and all kinds of adventures from mild to wild. To extend your stay, book a treehouse cabin or luxury suite.

Don’t forget to use your Texas Farm Bureau Member Benefit for a special discount.

Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine
Rainy summer day? Great Wolf Lodge has your wolf pack covered — literally — at its 80,000-square-foot indoor water park. Whip down twisty slides, relax in the lazy river, or ride the waves in the massive wave pool even when it’s raining cats and coyotes outside.

Waco Surf, Waco
Waco Surf boasts one of the largest inland surfing and water sports facilities in the country. Hang loose at the massive cable park, float along the self-proclaimed “world’s longest” lazy river, or take on the 2-acre surf lake. Cowabunga, dude!

Courtesy of Kalahari

Kalahari, Round Rock
Get “Kalahari’d away” at one of America’s largest indoor water parks — a massive 223,000 square feet. Kalahari is chock-full of adrenaline-pumping slides, a 5-foot wave simulator for bodysurfing, and even a water basketball pool — all with an exotic African theme.

Photo by Brian Maschino

Bring On The SPF (Splash Park Fun)!

Heat wave got the kids going stir-crazy? Take a day trip to these parks.

Nancy Best Fountain, Dallas
Downtown Dallas’ Klyde Warren Park offers the world’s tallest interactive fountain, which spans 5,000 square feet and includes a splash pad big enough for hundreds of kids to play on. At one of the nightly shows, you can catch illuminated jets shooting water up to 100 feet in the air among 15-foot stainless steel tree sculptures.

Liz Carpenter Splash Pad, Austin
Located in Austin’s Butler Metro Park, this splash pad features water jets that follow an unpredictable pattern — a thrilling surprise to keep kids on their toes. There are also large blocks children can move into creative patterns. Also check out the park’s labyrinth and children’s play areas during your visit.

Canyon Falls Splash Pad, Flower Mound
Flower Mound’s new 2,100-square-foot splash pad pulls out all the stops with 12 unique water fixtures, shade canopies, and safety surfacing. With its 4,900-gallon holding tank filtering around 260 gallons per minute, you can expect clean, fresh water throughout the day.

H-E-B Water Playground at Dodson Lake Park, Houston
With its concentric circle design, this splash pad creates an optical illusion. Geysers, pop-up sprays, tulip sprays, and fan jet sprays work in harmony to create enchanting ripple effects you just have to experience in person.

Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Drink in Texas’ Scenic Beauty

Gently flowing rivers, sparkling waterfalls, and spring-fed swimming holes.

Guadalupe River, Spring Branch
Grab a tube, kayak, or canoe and spend the day taking in the scenic Guadalupe River. Local outfitters handle all the logistics by providing rentals and shuttle services, so the biggest decision you’ll make is whether to tether your family’s tubes together.

Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs
Just outside of Austin, Hamilton Pool Preserve, with its emerald green waters and enchanting grotto, feels like a hidden oasis. Make a reservation to swim before you go, as access is limited to protect the fragile environment.

Get Up and Go Kayaking, Grapevine
This kayaking company uses clear kayaks, allowing you to glimpse the underwater world below as you paddle across the lake. (Keep an eye out for ospreys and herons along the shore.) The “glow tours” using LED-lit kayaks during twilight hours are simply magical.

The Scuba Ranch, Terrell
Looking to dive deeper? The Scuba Ranch welcomes divers to explore freshwater rock formations, sunken boats, and statues. You’ll likely encounter catfish and turtles, making it a great place for underwater photography.

Island View Park, Pottsboro
Sitting along Lake Texoma on the Texas-Oklahoma border, Island View Park is a haven of calm waters and sandy beaches for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. With its private guided paddle trips, you can explore serene coves and enjoy a beach picnic along the shore.

Aquatic Adventure Essentials

Pack smart to ensure a comfortable and worry-free day in the water.

  • Sunscreen: Look for a waterproof and high SPF option.

  • Insect Repellent: It’s a must if you’ll be near wooded areas or nature preserves.

  • Hats & Sunglasses: Protect your face and eyes from the sun.

  • Water Shoes: Prevent slips and protect your feet.

  • Towels & Change of Clothes: Don’t go home soggy.

  • Water & Snacks: Stay hydrated and keep hunger (and crankiness) at bay.

  • Waterproof Pouches: Keep phones, wallets, and keys safe from splashes and accidental dunks.

  • Offline Maps (if exploring nature): Cell service can be iffy in the wild.

  • First-Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.

Avoid an H2Oh-No

Even though you and your children might feel the relief of a cool dip or swim, the chances of overheating are still high, especially in the peak of summer. Wear light, breathable clothing and take shade breaks to reduce the risk of heat-related accidents.

If you plan to be out and about for several hours, consider bringing your own umbrella in case there is little shade. Another way to avoid heat exhaustion is to plan activities during cooler hours, such as early morning or evening, to avoid the harsh midday sun.

It’s critical to know the signs of heat exhaustion, which include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, move to a cool area and hydrate quickly to regulate your temperature and prevent heatstroke.

To keep children safe in the water, dress them in bright bathing suits and keep an eye on them at all times — even in shallow areas. Drownings can be quick and quiet, especially if everyone thinks someone else is watching the kids. Read and abide by ride guidelines at water parks and know your child’s limits. Choose slides, rides, and swimming areas that match their comfort level and swimming ability.

May your next water escape — be it riding the waves at a sprawling resort or paddling along a quiet river — leave you with cool, lasting memories this summer.

Find more handy tips for a healthy, oopsie-free summer in our summer safety roundup.