Dive into Fun: Top Water Parks in DFW to Beat the Texas Heat
The legendary heat waves in Texas are well known, with 115° hitting taxes twice in 2023 but 109° being a semi normal occurrence. With ths blazing heat you know what that means it's officially time for water park season in Dallas-Fort Worth! Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for the biggest drops, a family searching for a fun day splashing around, or just wanting a cool relaxing escape, DFW has a water park for you. Grab your swimsuits as we dive into some of the best water parks in the DFW Metroplex just in time to make a splash this summer 2025!
For the Adrenaline Junkies & Big Park Enthusiasts:
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Arlington): This giant of DFW water parks, Hurricane Harbor boasts across a sprawling 47 acres of water and fun. There are towering slides like the Der Stuka, named after a German dive bomber from World War II, and the Black Hole, twist and turns inside pitch black darkness, to the massive wave pool and calm and relaxing lazy river, there's something for every level of swim goer. There are even dedicated areas for younger kids like Hook's Lagoon so the whole family can find some they will enjoy. Coming new to 2025 is "Splash Island", which promising even more family oriented enjoyment! Be sure to check their website for daily schedules, discounts and purchase your tickets online.
Year-Round Waves & Indoor Wonders:
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark (Grand Prairie): Are you sad the sun is not out or it happens to be raining? Epic Waters has you covered! They boost as the largest indoor waterpark in North Texas, complete with a retractable roof, the fun never stops. The waterpark is home to 11 thrilling slides, with the nation's tallest indoor Aqualoop (the Lasso Loop) and even the exhilarating Yellowjacket Drop. The Yellowjacket is an enclosed slide allowing inner tubers to serpentine through to an open drop that will send you high up onto a wall, giving the rider a sense of zero gravity! They also feature a FlowRider surf simulator, a massive lazy river (Rio Grand), and even an arcade for when you need a break from the water.
Great Wolf Lodge (Grapevine): Great Wolf Lodge provides more than just a water park, it offers a full resort experience tailored specifically to families. The centerpiece is its expansive indoor water park, which includes popular attractions such as the Howlin' Tornado slide, Alberta Falls raft ride, Fort Mackenzie interactive water play area, and a wave pool. Since the park is indoors, guests can enjoy water activities year-round, regardless of the weather. Typically, access to the water park is reserved for overnight guests, creating a more private and less crowded environment.
The Cove at The Lakefront (Little Elm): This is another fantastic indoor option, The Cove offers year-round aquatic adventures perfect for families. It features thrilling water slides, a lazy river, splash zones, and even a FlowRider surf simulator. Known for being a bit more affordable and less crowded than some of the larger resorts, it's a great pick for a day of fun, especially with younger children. The park is a climate-controlled environment which means it is a perfect water park weather any day of the year.
Fantastic Family Fun & Tropical Escapes:
NRH2O Family Water Park (North Richland Hills): Consistently ranked as a top family water park in the nation, NRH2O offers a fantastic blend of thrills and family-friendly attractions. You can get your heart racing on the Green Extreme, the world’s largest uphill water coaster, or if you are looking for something more brave the Viper. You can even look for an even more relaxed pace and enjoy the wave pool, lazy river, or the dedicated areas for younger children like Tadpole Swimming Hole or Frogstein's Splashatory. It's a DFW favorite for a reason!
Hawaiian Waters (Multiple Locations: The Colony, Garland, Mansfield, Roanoke): Formerly known as Hawaiian Falls, these parks bring a taste of the tropics to DFW. Each location offers its own unique lineup of slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and other features. These is great choices for a family day out, as you can expect attractions like high-speed body slides (The Flyin' Hawaiian at The Colony) and multi-slide complexes (Tiki Tower). Check the specific park location (The Colony, Garland, Mansfield, or Roanoke) for its unique ride offerings.
Bahama Beach Waterpark (Dallas): Looking fore more of a value as well as a fun day with the little ones? Bahama Beach, operated by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, is a good spot. Just a short drive south of downtown Dallas, the tropical-themed park features water slides like The Bermuda Triangle, a lazy river, an even interactive water playground with plenty of space to relax. It's particularly well-suited for families with younger children and offers a more budget-friendly option. Their 2025 season kicks off on May 24th!
Before You Go:
Remember that opening dates, hours, and specific attraction availability can vary so check each water parks website for specifies and the most up-to-date information before you pack your towels and sunscreen. Which DFW water park will you be conquering this summer? Whether you're after record-breaking slides or a gentle float down a lazy river, Dallas-Fort Worth has the perfect place for you to cool down and make some unforgettable summer memories!
