(Looking for the cream of the crop? You’ve found it. Our Best of Texas Parks Guide ranks the top parks and highlights the best picks for every kind of visitor.)
Everything is bigger in Texas – including the fun! In this guide, we’ve compiled the best amusement parks in Texas to help you choose your next destination. From massive theme parks with world-record coasters to cozy family parks and splash-tastic water parks, there’s something here for everyone. We’ve organized this guide into easy sections so you can find exactly what you’re looking for: an overall Top 10 ranking, plus categories like best for families, best water parks, best thrill parks, and best indoor/all-weather parks.
How did we choose? We considered popularity, unique attractions, visitor reviews, and that special “Texas twist” each park offers. You’ll find detailed descriptions of each park, their standout rides and features, plus insider tips to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a roller coaster junkie, a parent planning a kid-friendly trip, or just someone seeking a fun weekend, use this guide to find the best amusement park experience in Texas for you. Let’s dive in!
These are the ten must-visit parks in Texas, ranked by overall experience, variety of attractions, and visitor ratings. Each of these parks offers a full day (or more) of fun and has something that makes it a standout in the state.
1. SeaWorld San Antonio – Marine Thrills and Family Adventures
SeaWorld San Antonio takes the top spot as a unique blend of theme park excitement and marine life experiences. It’s not just about dolphins and sea lions (though you’ll love those shows) – SeaWorld boasts major thrill rides, too. Texas Stingray, the state’s largest wooden roller coaster, reaches speeds of 55 mph with a smooth, airtime-filled ride. For 2024, SeaWorld is unveiling Catapult Falls, the world’s first launched flume coaster, which plunges riders down the steepest drop ever built for a water flume – a perfect mix of coaster adrenaline and water ride splash. Families love SeaWorld for its mix of gentle attractions (like Sesame Street Bay of Play for little ones) and big thrills (like Steel Eel hypercoaster and Wave Breaker). Insider tip: Catch the orca presentation early in the day, then ride coasters at lunchtime when crowds dip. SeaWorld offers seasonal events like Electric Ocean nights in summer and a fantastic Christmas celebration, making it a year-round favorite.
2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) – Coaster Capital of Texas
Fiesta Texas is a thrill-seeker’s paradise set in a picturesque former quarry. This park is renowned for its lineup of world-class roller coasters: Iron Rattler, a hybrid coaster, dives off the quarry wall with a breathtaking 171-foot drop, and Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster was the world’s first single-rail coaster, offering an ultra-smooth but intense ride. In 2023, Fiesta Texas opened KID FLASH Cosmic Coaster, a racing dual-track coaster that’s the first of its kind – it’s an innovative family ride where two trains launch side by side, complete with immersive LED lighting. Beyond coasters, the park has a water park section (included with admission) to cool off, and it stages award-winning shows (the summertime nightly fireworks & laser show is a hit). For families, there are kiddie areas like Bugs Bunny Boomtown, but the park truly shines for adrenaline rides. Insider tip: Start at the back of the park with Iron Rattler early, then work your way forward to beat the queues. Don’t miss the park’s seasonal festivals like Fright Fest and Mardi Gras – Fiesta Texas knows how to party!
3. Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington) – Historic Thrills and Iconic Rides
As the original Six Flags park, Over Texas opened in 1961 and introduced many industry firsts. This park mixes nostalgia with cutting-edge fun. You can still ride the El Aserradero log flume – one of the first log flumes in the world – and the classic Runaway Mine Train, which debuted in 1966. But today, Six Flags Over Texas also offers giants like Titan, a 245-foot hypercoaster that pulls heavy G-forces, and New Texas Giant, a once-wooden coaster reborn with a steel track for a super-smooth, airtime-packed adventure. The park’s sections pay homage to Texas history (it’s literally named for the six flags that have flown over Texas)history.com, giving it a charming theme throughout. Family highlights include the mini-driving school cars in Boomtown and Justice League: Battle for Metropolis (an interactive 4D dark ride). Insider tip: In summer, hit the water rides (like Aquaman: Power Wave, a launch water coaster) in the afternoon heat. Six Flags Over Texas also has Hurricane Harbor water park next door (separate entry) if you want to extend the fun. For history and thrill in one, this park is a Texas treasure.
4. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels – World-Famous Water Park
No “best of” list is complete without Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, often lauded as the best water park on the planet. In fact, it has been voted the World’s Best Water Park 25 years in a row in the industry’s Golden Ticket Awards ksat.com– an unparalleled record! Spread along the spring-fed Comal River, Schlitterbahn offers a mix of natural river fun and innovative water rides. The park is so large it’s split into two sections: the Original section (with classic tube chutes that use real river water and no lines – you float until your heart’s content) and the newer Blastenhoff section with towering slides like Master Blaster, an uphill water coaster. There are wave pools, kids’ splash areas, lazy rivers that turn into rapids, and even swim-up bars for adults. Family tip: Rent a cabana or use the free picnic areas – you’re even allowed to bring your own food, a rare perk. The park continually innovates; coming soon is a new kids’ area with a miniature water coaster so young ones don’t miss out on the thrills. If you love water, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is the place to be on a hot Texas day.
5. Kemah Boardwalk – Waterfront Fun and Amusements
Kemah Boardwalk, just south of Houston on Galveston Bay, is a delightful combination of seaside charm and amusement rides. It’s not as large as some big theme parks, but it offers a unique atmosphere with restaurants, shops, games, and a carnival-like collection of rides right on the water. The star attraction is the Boardwalk Bullet, a wooden roller coaster that delivers a surprisingly wild ride as it twists around itself along the waterfront. Families can enjoy gentler rides like a Ferris wheel, a double-decker carousel, train rides, and an aviator ride with bay views. Being a boardwalk, it’s open-year round and you can enter for free (rides are pay-as-you-go or via an all-day pass). This flexibility makes it a popular evening hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. Insider tip: Come in the late afternoon, enjoy some fresh Gulf seafood for dinner at one of the boardwalk restaurants, then enjoy the cooler evening with rides and midway games. Live music and festivals are common on summer weekends. For a scenic, laid-back amusement experience, Kemah is hard to beat.
6. Morgan’s Wonderland (San Antonio) – Ultimate Family & Accessible Park
Morgan’s Wonderland isn’t about record-breaking rides – it’s about the magic of play for EVERYONE. Known as the world’s first fully accessible theme park, it was built so children and adults of all abilities could enjoy it together. You won’t find giant coasters here; instead, you’ll find joy in attractions like Morgan’s Wonderland Express (a colorful train that tours the park), a beautiful Ferris wheel with wheelchair-accessible gondolas, a whimsical carousel with adaptive seats, and numerous inventive play areas. The park also features Morgan’s Inspiration Island, an accessible splash park with waterproof wheelchairs available – perfect for cooling off in the Texas heat. Every detail, from the swings to the picnic areas, is designed with inclusion in mind. It’s a smaller park, but families often say it’s one of their most meaningful and fun experiences, especially if someone in your group has special needs. Insider tip: Admission is free for guests with special needs. Arrive when it opens to enjoy the park at a gentle pace – and don’t forget to visit the sensory village and catch the scheduled entertainment (like puppet shows or meet-and-greets). Morgan’s Wonderland proves that “the best park” isn’t just about thrills – it’s about heart.
7. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier – Classic Pier Rides over the Gulf
If you love the idea of a Coney Island-style boardwalk, Galveston’s Pleasure Pier is a must. Jutting out over the Gulf of Mexico, this pier is packed with nostalgic amusement rides and games over the water. You can scream on the Iron Shark roller coaster as sea breezes rush by, spin on the Texas Star Flyer swing ride high above the waves, or get soaked on the log flume. The views are incredible – on one side the Gulf stretches to the horizon, on the other you see the Galveston shoreline. The Pleasure Pier brings back that old-time seaside amusement vibe (it’s actually on the site of a historic pleasure pier from the 1940s, rebuilt for modern times). It’s a bit more limited in scope (you might spend a half day here), but it’s pure fun, especially in the evening with all the neon lights reflecting on the water.. Insider tip: Visit in the off-season or weekday if possible – summer weekends can be very busy on the pier. And consider combining your trip with other Galveston attractions (the beach, the nearby aquarium, or Schlitterbahn Galveston). For a mix of sun, sea, and rides, Pleasure Pier is a Texas gem.
8. Schlitterbahn Galveston – Water Adventure by the Coast
A sister park to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Galveston is another top-tier water park that deserves a spot in the top 10. While not as sprawling as the New Braunfels location, it packs in plenty of fun and has the advantage of being near the beach (you could realistically do morning at Schlitterbahn and evening on Galveston’s seawall or Pleasure Pier). The park features the Guinness World Record-holding slide MASSIV, which at nearly 82 feet tall is one of the tallest water coasters. There’s a great indoor section as well – meaning year-round water fun even when it’s cooler, thanks to a retractable roof over several slides and pools. You’ll find a wave pool, lazy river, uphill water coasters, and an array of thrilling slides (like the immersive Screaming Serpents body slides). It’s also very family-friendly with a large kids’ splash and slide area. Insider tip: Lines can get long on hot days, so hit the most popular slides early (MASSIV, Faust und Furious) then relax in the lazy river. Rent a locker for your stuff – you’ll be hopping between many wet attractions. Schlitterbahn Galveston proves you don’t need to leave Texas to find a “beach vacation” style water park experience.
9. ZDT’s Amusement Park (Seguin) – Small Park, Big Thrills
Don’t let its modest size fool you – ZDT’s is a family-run park that delivers unique thrills you won’t find elsewhere. Located in Seguin (near San Antonio), ZDT’s is home to Switchback, the world’s first modern wooden shuttle coaster, which sends riders down a drop, through a full circuit of twists, then backwards over a switch track to the station. It’s an incredible experience for coaster fans and put ZDT’s on the map. The park also offers indoor activities (like a multi-level trampoline park and arcade) and other fun rides: bungee drop towers, go-karts that speed through multi-story spirals, and water rides (including a splash flume ride that blasts out of a building). Because it’s smaller, lines are typically short, and you can ride favorites multiple times. Insider tip: This park operates on a pay-one-price model for unlimited play, and they allow re-entry, so you can take a lunch break outside if you want (though their on-site café is pretty good and affordable). The owners are often on-site and are very friendly. If you’re doing a Texas theme park tour, ZDT’s is a charming detour with a punch of adrenaline.
10. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Arlington) – Giant Water Park for Thrill-Seekers
Rounding out the top ten is Hurricane Harbor, the largest water park in North Texas and the sister park to Six Flags Over Texas. This water park is all about beating the Texas heat with big slides and pools. Daredevils flock to slides like Bomb Blast and Typhoon Twister, which offer steep drops and crazy funnels. The park’s Tornado slide sends you plummeting into a giant sideways funnel – an iconic thrill. There’s also a surf rider attraction for flowboarding and plenty of play areas like Hook’s Lagoon, a pirate-themed water treehouse for kids. For relaxation, the lazy river and wave pool provide a nice break between thrills. It’s the perfect summer complement to a trip to Six Flags next door, or a standalone day of watery fun. Insider tip: Arrive at opening to secure a shady spot or lounge chair – they get snapped up fast. Consider renting a cabana if you have a group and want guaranteed shade and space. Also, sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! (The Texas sun is no joke when you’re in a water park all day.) With its variety of slides and pools, Hurricane Harbor guarantees a cool time for all ages.
Not every park is about extreme thrills – these Texas parks cater especially to families with kids, offering gentle rides, family-friendly entertainment, and conveniences that parents appreciate. If you have young children or are seeking a day of all-ages fun, consider these top picks:
These parks and combos emphasize togetherness, ease, and fun for younger visitors. They have plenty of rides that parents and kids can enjoy side by side, as well as amenities that make a day out with children easier (like nursing stations, family bathrooms, and stroller access). For a kid-friendly Texas adventure, you can’t go wrong with these choices.
When the Texas heat kicks in, nothing beats a day at the water park. Here are the top water parks in Texas that offer the coolest slides, waves, and aquatic fun:
Texas is blessed with water parks ranging from gigantic to boutique. No matter where you are in the state, a splashy adventure isn’t far away – and these parks are the best of the best for cooling off and amping up the fun. Remember to stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen often at any water park, and consider renting a locker or cabana for a home base. Now, grab your swimsuit and dive in!
If you crave high speeds, big drops, and heart-pounding excitement, these thrill parks are the places in Texas that deliver the adrenaline rush:
Thrill ride tip: When chasing thrills, visit on weekdays or use fast pass options if available, so you can minimize waiting and maximize riding. Always secure loose items (most parks have lockers or bins) before riding those intense coasters, and stay hydrated – adrenaline is better when you’re not dehydrated. These parks and rides are the pinnacle of Texas thrills, so strap in and enjoy the ride!
Texas weather can be unpredictable – scorching heat, sudden rain, or chilly winters. Luckily, these indoor or all-weather parks ensure the fun never stops, no matter the forecast:
These indoor and all-weather attractions prove that you can enjoy amusement year-round in Texas. They’re excellent options for the peak of summer when it’s extremely hot or the depths of winter when traditional parks are closed. Plus, many of them (like the indoor water parks) offer the benefit of evening entertainment after dark or multi-day fun as part of a resort stay. If the forecast has you second-guessing outdoor plans, consider one of these and keep the fun going rain or shine.
We hope this “Best of Texas Parks” guide has sparked your excitement and helped you find the perfect park for your next adventure. To recap, we ranked the Top 10 overall amusement parks in Texas, covering mega parks like SeaWorld and Six Flags, as well as beloved regional spots. We also highlighted top choices by category – whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, watery escapes, adrenaline-packed thrills, or indoor fun out of the weather, Texas offers a park that’s just right for you.
What’s next? Click through to our full park listings for more details on tickets, hours, and insider tips for each destination. Planning a trip to one of these parks? Don’t miss our dedicated park guides where we dive deeper into must-try rides and tips (like the best seats on a coaster, or where to eat in the park). And if you’re aiming to visit several parks, check out our Texas Theme Park Road Trip Itinerary for an epic journey across all the major sites.
Lastly, remember that the world of amusement parks is always evolving. New rides, new parks, and new experiences are on the horizon (for example, that upcoming Universal park in Frisco will surely shake up our rankings in the future!). Check back often for updated guides and news. Now, pack your bags, secure your hats, and get ready for some thrills – the best of Texas amusement parks await you. Have a blast out there, and enjoy the ride!
Start your journey today with Amusement Parks Texas – your guide to the Lone Star State’s top amusement parks. Would you like us to create an itinerary for you?