Three paid water parks operate within an hour of Houston, with attractions and admission fees varying by destination; the city’s free pools offer a no-cost alternative.
Three water parks operate within an hour of Houston during the summer season, each with different attractions, pricing, and locations. Houston also maintains free public pools within the city as a no-cost alternative.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown operates in Spring, 30 minutes from downtown
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, formerly known as Wet ’n’ Wild Splashtown, operates in Spring with a Caribbean theme. The park includes Wahoo Wave, a six-story waterslide. Hours and admission prices vary by season and are confirmed on the park’s official site.
Address: 21300 I-45, Spring, TX 77373.
Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventure opened in New Caney in 2024
Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventure, in New Caney, includes the Rio Grand, described as the region’s largest lazy river, in addition to a wave pool and the Gator Splash interactive area. The park is about 40 minutes north of Houston. Hours and rates are confirmed on the park’s official site.
Address: 23101 TX-242, New Caney, TX 77357.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island includes a wave pool and white-water rapids
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island combines a wave pool, water coasters, slides, and white-water rapids. The park is approximately an hour from Houston, on Galveston Island. Seasonal hours and rates are confirmed on the park’s official site.
Address: 2109 Gene Lucas Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554.
Within Houston, HPARD operates free pools in several neighborhoods
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) maintains free community pools during the summer season, including Emancipation (3018 Emancipation Ave.), Sharpstown (6855-A Harbor Town Dr.), and Eastwood (5000 Harrisburg Blvd.). The full list of open pools, hours, and the season-ending date is available in our guide to Houston’s free public pools.
Check HPARD’s official pool schedule to confirm dates and availability before you go.
