When beating the summertime heat, few daytime excursions are more enjoyable than diving into a big, welcoming water park.
Fortunately, as the temperatures rise (and you and the kids need a day-long activity), Houston offers several options that are well worth the drive. We've rounded up a list of water parks that will have you swimming, slipping, and sliding away the balmy sultriness.
Altitude H2O
This floating obstacle course, located in Rosharon, has been hiring folk and filling positions in preparation for their opening, slated for later this month. After that happens, expect an onslaught of guests to come in and bounce around 25,000 square feet of inflatable fun. Each 45-minute costs $20. Noon to 5 pm.
Big Rivers Waterpark
After what seemed like years of setbacks, this New Caney park will finally be opening Saturday, May 25. So, here's hoping the much-anticipated attractions — like the Gator Splash and the Wild Isle — will be just as thrilling and satisfying as we've been led to believe. Tickets are $39.99 (free for children 2 and under). 10 am to 7 pm. (10 am to 6 pm some days in August).
Moody Gardens
Gaveston's beloved entertainment complex continues to bring the joy with Palm Beach, its resident waterpark. Along with signature items (Lazy River, wave pool, etc.), you can also enjoy live music with Bands on the Sand, on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are $24.95 ($19.95 kids and seniors; free for children 3 and under). 9 am to 6 pm.
Pirates Bay
If you like attending waterparks that feature rides with such goofy but lovable names like the Flowrider and the Boomerango, then this Baytown park is waiting for you. On the weekends, anyone taller than 48 inches pays $25, while people below four feet pay $20. ($5 more Friday-Sunday) 11 am to 7 pm. (10 am to 7 pm Friday-Sunday)
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston
This Galveston complex is 26 acres of summer goodness. Along with having the MASSIV Monster Blaster, which is considered to be the world's tallest water coaster, this place also has new additions like the Infiniti Racer water slides (that's coming in June). Day passes are $52.99 ($40.99 for kids and seniors). 10 am to 8 pm (10 am to 7 pm weekdays in June; 10 am to 5 pm bonus days).
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown
Earlier this year, longtime Spring park Wet 'n' Wild Splashtown made the big news that it will now be known as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashdown. This new name also comes with new, wacky additions, like the six-story slide known as Wahoo Wave. Tickets are $45.99 ($34.99 for kids). 10:30 am to 7 pm (10 am to 8 pm Friday-Sunday; 10:30 am to 7 pm this weekend; 10:30 am to 5 pm rest of May).
Typhoon Texas Waterpark
This Katy spot will kick off its fourth season this Friday, May 24, with its myriad attractions (Texas-size wave pool, Lazy River the length of more than five football fields, Gully Washer for the kids, etc.) ready to take visitors on a fun ride. Any-day passes are $39.99. ($19.99-$38.99 for choose-your-day tickets) 10:30 am to 7 pm.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp & Resort
For all you local, amusement-park enthusiasts who wish they were around when Hanna-Barbera Land was open here in the '80s, this Waller spot comes pretty close. Join Yogi and other Hanna-Barbera characters as you enjoy the 565-foot Jelly Roll slide and other attractions. A visitor's day pass is $19 (kids 3 and under get in free). 10 am to 5 pm.
Scale this fun and scary Screaming Serpents tower at Schlitterbahn.
