Texas’s theme parks offer you an incredible mix of thrills and family fun. You’ll find record-breaking roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Over Texas, historic charm at San Antonio’s Kiddie Park (America’s oldest children’s park), and pioneering accessibility at Morgan’s Wonderland. The Gulf Coast adds seaside excitement with Galveston’s Pleasure Pier and Kemah Boardwalk. From indoor water parks to vintage attractions, Texas’s amusement destinations pack countless adventures waiting to be explored.
Image: Matthew T Rader, https://matthewtrader.com, Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top Texas Amusement & Theme Parks
| Park | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Six Flags Over Texas | Arlington | The original Six Flags park (opened 1961) with coasters, themed zones, and year-round entertainment |
| Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio | Canyon-style park built in a former quarry, boasting coasters, shows, and water park integration |
| SeaWorld San Antonio | San Antonio | Marine life park plus thrill coasters, including the Texas Stingray and new launched water/flume hybrid |
| Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels | New Braunfels | Extensive water attractions and river systems, including one of the world’s longest waterpark rides |
| Morgan’s Wonderland | San Antonio | Ultra-accessible park designed for visitors of all abilities, with wheelchair-friendly rides and sensory play |
| Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier | Galveston | A seaside amusement pier with classic rides, ocean views, and compact thrills over water |
| Kemah Boardwalk | Kemah | Waterfront boardwalk amusement with rides, restaurants, and the Boardwalk Bullet coaster |
| ZDT’s Amusement Park | Seguin | Boutique park known for the 87° wooden coaster drop and interactive, high-thrill experiences |
| Wonderland Park | Amarillo | Family amusement park with mid-sized coasters and nostalgic rides in the Texas Panhandle |
| Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark | Grand Prairie | Indoor slides, FlowRider, and year-round water fun near the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex |
| Great Wolf Lodge | Grapevine | Resort + indoor waterpark with slides, kids’ play, and all-weather aquatic attractions |
| Kalahari Resorts / Tom Foolerys | Round Rock | Indoor waterpark plus adventure center with ropes, mini-golf, and family entertainment |
| Kiddie Park (San Antonio Zoo site) | San Antonio | Historic children’s ride park (founded 1925) now relocated to the zoo grounds with classic rides |
| NRH2O Family Water Park | North Richland Hills | Family-oriented water park with slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones near the DFW area |
The Historic Legacy of Texas Theme Parks
Texas has nurtured an amusement tradition stretching nearly a century. Six Flags Over Texas, which opened in 1961, was the first park in the Six Flags network and remains a central pillar in Texas amusement history. Meanwhile, Kiddie Park, established in 1925, endures (now as part of the San Antonio Zoo) as one of the oldest children’s amusement parks in the nation.
When Morgan’s Wonderland opened in 2010, Texas introduced the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park—a model of inclusion, offering free admission to guests with special needs and dozens of wheelchair-friendly rides. Six Flags Fiesta Texas, launched in 1992 on a repurposed limestone quarry, underlines the state’s inventive spirit in theme park design, with dramatic canyon landscapes and integrated entertainment experiences.
These historic and modern parks coexist across Texas today, creating a vibrant tapestry where innovation meets tradition.
View this post on Instagram
Must-Visit Roller Coaster Destinations
If you live for adrenaline, Texas delivers. At Six Flags Over Texas, look no further than New Texas Giant and Shock Wave. Six Flags Fiesta Texas counters with Iron Rattler and the floorless Superman: Krypton Coaster. Down in San Antonio, SeaWorld’s Texas Stingray stands as the state’s fastest wooden coaster, while its newly introduced Catapult Falls flume coaster pushes the boundaries of hybrid ride styles.
On the coast, Galveston’s Iron Shark presents a 100-foot vertical drop over water. Kemah Boardwalk’s Boardwalk Bullet weaves over 40 track crossovers in a compact footprint. For fans of bold experiences, ZDT’s Switchback delivers shuttle thrills and one of the steepest modern wooden drops (87°).
Each of these parks blends immersive theming, ride variety, and pure thrill to cater to coaster junkies.
View this post on Instagram
Family-Friendly Parks and Classic Attractions
exas doesn’t neglect its younger or differently-abled visitors. Kiddie Park remains a cherished family touchstone with vintage carousel rides and a gentle midwayscape. Morgan’s Wonderland champions universal access—with over 25 fully wheelchair-accessible attractions, Sensory Village, and admission policies that welcome all.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark (New Braunfels) complements water thrills with accessibility features, and Kalahari + Great Wolf Lodge deliver indoor resort environments suited to families year-round. Meanwhile, Wonderland Park in Amarillo embodies classic charm, and NRH2O brings splashy fun closer to DFW.
View this post on Instagram
Waterfront Entertainment Along the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast adds its own flair. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier stretches into the Gulf, pairing Iron Shark with carnival lights and ocean breezes. Just across the water, Kemah Boardwalk anchors entertainment on Galveston Bay, with the Boardwalk Bullet and a rich spectrum of dining and rides.
Schlitterbahn’s coastal presence (Galveston & New Braunfels connections) infuses a waterpark dimension to Gulf adventures. These parks deliver a balance of seaside scenery and adrenaline fun.
View this post on Instagram
Inclusive and Accessible Park Experiences
Texas stands at the forefront of inclusive entertainment with Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park designed specifically for individuals with special needs. You’ll find over 25 wheelchair-accessible attractions, including a Sensory Village and Butterfly Playground, where accommodations for special needs guarantee everyone can participate.
The park’s sensory friendly design elements create a welcoming environment, while free admission for guests with special needs makes fun accessible to all.
Beyond Morgan’s Wonderland, you can plunge into Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, which offers accessible water attractions for diverse abilities. In the Game Funtrackers in Corpus Christi adds to Texas’s inclusive entertainment options with adaptable activities like laser mazes, bowling, and batting cages, making your family outings truly memorable.
Year-Round Indoor Park Adventures
Rain or hot sun won’t stop the fun in Texas. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie offers slides, a FlowRider, and a climate-controlled aquatic escape. Great Wolf Lodge (Grapevine) combines resort lodging with a full indoor water experience—plus family games, mini-golf, and kids’ areas.
Kalahari Resorts & Tom Foolerys (Round Rock) fuse water, adventures, ropes courses, and more under one roof. For arcade or classic gaming fans, Pinballz Kingdom (Buda) and its larger sister in Austin offer sprawling collections of vintage and modern machines.
These indoor venues provide dependable entertainment across Texas, no matter the forecast.
View this post on Instagram
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the marquee names, Texas hides charming gems:
-
Wonder World Park in San Marcos combines a show cave, inclined elevator, and gravity house for an educational and quirky experience.
-
ZDT’s Amusement Park in Seguin feels small in scale but big in thrills—its Switchback coaster draws coaster fans statewide.
-
Wonderland Park (Amarillo) keeps regional roots alive with approachable coasters and family atmosphere.
-
In The Game Funtrackers (Corpus Christi) blends mini-golf, arcade, go-karts and more in a beach region setting.
These parks often fly under the radar but deliver character and delight.
View this post on Instagram
Located along the Gulf Coast, Kemah Boardwalk is a scenic waterfront amusement park featuring classic rides, seafood restaurants, and entertainment. Open year-round, visitors can take a ride on the Boardwalk Bullet, a wooden roller coaster with tight twists and turns, or enjoy a relaxing journey on the Boardwalk Ferris Wheel.
Seasonal Events and Special Celebrations
Texas parks often transform during holidays and events. Six Flags parks feature Fright Fest in October and Holiday in the Park in December. SeaWorld stages a massive Christmas Celebration and Howl-O-Scream. Galveston’s Pleasure Pier ties into Mardi Gras! Galveston, with parades and entertainment. Kemah Boardwalk lights up at the holidays with Jingle Fest and waterfront light displays.
Seasonal overlays turn familiar parks into fresh experiences—be sure to check event calendars when planning visits.
Final Thoughts
From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to refreshing water rides and family-friendly attractions, Texas offers a wide range of amusement parks to suit every taste.
Don’t miss Schlitterbahn’s transformation into a winter wonderland during their Christmas event, where you’ll uncover seasonal treats and holiday decorations throughout the park. These special events add an extra layer of magic to your amusement park experience.
