Indoor Water Parks in Texas
From LoveToKnow Themeparks
Indoor water parks in Texas are a great getaway not only from the pressures and aggravations of daily life, but also from the wild climate of this southwestern state.
Indoor Water Park Benefits
Indoor water parks are increasingly popular destinations that allow guests to enjoy splish splash attractions regardless of the weather or time of year. Many of these parks are part of larger resorts and luxurious hotels, turning them into complete vacation destinations the whole family can enjoy. In Texas, in particular, indoor water parks have been opening in recent years to great success. The state’s temperatures can range from the 30s or lower in the midst of winter to triple digit degrees in the hottest days of summer, but when visiting an indoor water park the temperature is always balmy and enjoyable, with no fear of unpredictable thunderstorms, tornados, or other inclement weather than can put a damper on the best vacation plans.
Finding Indoor Water Parks in Texas
There are only two indoor water parks currently in the Lone Star State, but as these two grow more popular and profitable, additional parks will surely be opened to take advantage of this getaway trend.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
The Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark opened in 2006, and its Wasserfest – ironically translated as “waterproof” – section can be converted to an indoor water park in case of bad weather, and during cooler months, it is enclosed and operated on weekends and holidays while the remaining sections of the park wait for warmer temperatures. Approximately one-third of the 15 acre park is in the Wasserfest section, and includes many fun attractions, such as:
- Both open and enclosed inner tube slides.
- Three children’s areas, including a toddler activity area with kiddie slides and shower fountains.
- Multiple speed slides as high as 70 feet in the air.
- An innovative tidal river that flows in and around other attractions.
- An 1,100 square foot hot tub with swim up bar.
- A man-made beach area for games and relaxation.
Guests who want a chance to dry off can also enjoy the arcade section of the park as well as snack booths and other classic park features. While the Wasserfest section of the park may not deliver the full thrills of Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, as the first of the indoor water parks in Texas it has drawn attention to the popularity of these year-round destinations and has made Schlitterbahn Galveston Island one of the most popular water parks in Texas.
Great Wolf Lodge: Grapevine
The Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas (just northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth airport) offers year-round accommodations and splashy thrills for guests to enjoy. This park is entirely enclosed but the walls do not limit the aquatic fun, which includes:
- Nine different slides, including a family raft slide, body slides, and tube slides.
- The four-story Fort Mackenzie interactive water tree house featuring 12 levels of bridges, nets, and more than 60 geysers, spray guns, and other splashes topped with a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket.
- A 110,000 gallon wave pool that operates at 10 minute intervals.
- A zero depth children’s activity pool for younger guests.
- A lazy river.
- The six-story Howlin’ Tornado enclosed funnel slide for four-person inner tubes.
If the 380,000 gallons worth of fun is just a bit too wet for guests to enjoy, they can take advantage of other features at this resort property, such as the black light arcade with more than 100 video games, the kids’ craft and activity room, themed restaurants, the state-of-the-art fitness center, or the luxury spa. The Great Wolf Lodge even offers fun entertainment with a regular animatronic nature show focused on the lobby’s distinctive clock tower, which ensures that all guests have a good “time.”
There may only be two indoor water parks in Texas today, but as these parks succeed the trend is sure to continue with additional resorts and enclosed water parks offering year-round wet and wild fun for visitors of all ages..
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Comments
Hayley - We are not agents of any theme park, water park, or roller coaster construction company. If, however, there are many interested patrons in Houston, I'm sure a water park may be considered. When you visit other indoor water parks, be sure to give your proper zip code or phone number when requested -- parks use this information to track where visitors are from, and if there is enough interest, they may consider new metropolitan areas for upcoming developments.
-- Contributed by: Melissa MayntzI'd like you to come build an inside waterpark in Houston, TX, soon with the Master Blaster and Big Spin ride like at Splashtown waterpark. Thanks. From HMF
-- Contributed by: Hayley M. F
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