Whether school has started for your family or not, the summer fun doesn’t have to end just yet. As we all know, the Texas heat will continue blazing until November (totally an exaggeration — maybe), which means you still have time for one last epic summer hurrah! Shake off the stress of the looming fall responsibilities and check off those last minute summer bucket list items by making a SPLASH in one of these 10 spots across the state.Trust me, it’ll be so much easier to go with the flow once you’re floating through the water.
Marriott Marquis Houston – Houston, TX
Didn’t have time to travel much this summer? Check in to this swanky hotel in Downtown Houston for a quick float around the state, so you can brag to friends that you did, in fact, travel all around Texas this summer. It’ll be easy to forget back-to-school shopping for just one afternoon in this luxurious rooftop pool with a stunning view. (Photos: Austyn Wilde).
Burger’s Lake – Fort Worth, TX
Get all that summer splish-splashing out of your system before fall arrives at the beloved spring-fed lake in Fort Worth that’s got all you need for a perfect day in the water. Cannon ball off the six various diving boards, swing into the water from the 20-ft. trapeze and race down the giant slides. Don’t forget to pack your picnic basket and rent a huge inner tube.
BSR Cable Park – Waco, TX
Attention all Adventure Junkies looking for a last-minute thrill: catch some waves in the middle of town at this Cable Park with dozens of way to enjoy the water. Fly through the water on a wake board at the Cable Park, speed down the four insanely tall and steep Royal Flush water slides or relax with a cooler full of beer on the “world’s longest lazy river.” If you decide to make a weekend out of it, they’ve got 7 cabins for rent on site. (Photos: BSR Cable Park).
Lake Tejas – Colmesneil, TX
Break out the s’mores and pretend you’re at summer camp for the weekend at the “best little swimming hole in East Texas.” Lake Tejas is a spring fed lake filled with slides, diving towers and the massive “Wet Willy,” a 100-foot long water slide that shoots you down into the water below. At this lake, there is also an area for catch-and-release fishing and boating with small canoes and kayaks!
Beachside Billy’s – Volente, TX
Summer might be nearly over, but the party’s just getting started at this lakeside water park. Have hours of fun on the banks of Lake Travis in Volente, TX, with multiple daring attractions including the crazy U-shaped “Sidewinder” where you’ll teeter up and down the steep slide. They’ve also got two epic events coming up, the Beach Bash on Sept. 3 and the Sip, Slide & Song on Sept. 30 featuring 12 Texas musicians. (Photos: Adam Weedman).
Lone Star Lagoon – San Antonio, TX
Surfs up, y’all! You’ll find going with the flow a lot easier in the Texas-sized (and shaped) Lone Star Lagoon wave pool at the White Water Bay in San Antonio. Little Trippers that aren’t quite up for the bumpy ride can hang out at the beaches located in “East”, “South” and “West” Texas. Those up for adventure will find it the closer they get to the “Panhandle.”
Morgan’s Inspiration Island – San Antonio, TX
Bring your family to the world’s first ultra-accessible water park designed for folks of all ages and abilities to enjoy. At this watery wonderland in San Antonio, every attraction is wheelchair-accessible and was designed to fit the needs of every child. Spend the day sailing through the jungle on the River Boat Adventure or splash around at Harvey’s Hideaway Bay which includes a giant bucket that dumps water on top or the warmed water splash pad Rainbow Reef. Waterproof wheelchairs can be rented at the park, and children with special needs get in free.(Photos: Robin Jerstad/Jerstad Photographics).
Bosque Resort Water Park – Lake Whitney, TX
Spend your last few lazy summer days on the lake at the lakeside water park with three GIANT water slides that crash right into a lazy river ride through the Lake Whitney countryside with plenty of roaring rapids to keep the ride interesting!
Athens Scuba Park– Athens, TX
No need to make the long-haul to another country for a Caribbean vacation, just make your way to East Texas where you’ll find a Mediterranean blue lake full of sunken planes and boats for SCUBA divers to explore. And if learning to SCUBA Dive was on your summer bucket list, you’re in luck — you can also get certified here!
Blue Lagoon – Huntsville, TX
Take a dip in this Huntsville lake with waters so pure, you’ll think you’re in a far-off tropical paradise, and explore the “shipwrecks” beneath the surface for hours of SCUBA fun! The SCUBA park offers lessons on the weekends if you aren’t certified, and they also allow non-SCUBA divers to swim in the lake depending on capacity, so call ahead.
