Top 10 Best Amusement Parks in Texas
Texas hosts over 25 major amusement parks attracting more than 15 million visitors annually, making the Lone Star State one of America’s premier theme park destinations. The best amusement parks in Texas range from record-breaking thrill destinations like Six Flags Over Texas to award-winning water parks like Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, which has held the “World’s Best Water Park” title for 26 consecutive years according to Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards.
This 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about Texas’s top 10 amusement parks. You’ll find current ticket prices, operating hours, and insider tips for maximizing your visit. We also highlight the groundbreaking Tormenta Rampaging Run coaster opening at Six Flags Over Texas in 2026—the world’s first giga dive coaster standing 309 feet tall.
This guide helps families plan vacations to San Antonio’s theme parks and assists thrill-seekers looking for excitement near Dallas-Fort Worth. We’ve organized our rankings by visitor experience, value, and unique features to match every age group and budget.
Best Theme Parks in Texas: Our Top 10 Rankings
Our rankings consider ride variety, visitor reviews, ticket value, and unique experiences. We’ve visited these parks and verified all 2026 pricing and hours directly with official sources.
| Rank | Amusement Park | Location | Best For | 2026 Single-Day Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Six Flags Over Texas | Arlington | Thrill Rides | $49.99+ |
| 2 | Schlitterbahn New Braunfels | New Braunfels | Water Fun | $42+ |
| 3 | Six Flags Fiesta Texas | San Antonio | Coasters | $45-75 |
| 4 | Galveston Pleasure Pier | Galveston | Coastal Views | $26.99+ |
| 5 | Schlitterbahn Galveston | Galveston | Year-Round Water | $42+ |
| 6 | Hurricane Harbor Arlington | Arlington | Water Thrills | $35-45 |
| 7 | SeaWorld San Antonio | San Antonio | Marine Life | $60-85 |
| 8 | Hurricane Harbor San Antonio | San Antonio | Wave Pool | Included with Fiesta Texas |
| 9 | ZDT’s Amusement Park | Seguin | Young Kids | $25-35 |
| 10 | Kiddie Park | San Antonio | Toddlers | $15-20 |
Six Flags Over Texas: The Thrill Capital
Six Flags Over Texas opened in 1961 as the first Six Flags theme park in the world, founded by Texas oilman Angus G. Wynne, Jr. The Arlington park spans 212 acres and features over 100 rides and attractions including 15 world-class roller coasters.
Located between Dallas and Fort Worth at 2201 Road to Six Flags Street East, this flagship park draws over 3 million visitors annually. It serves as the premier thrill destination in North Texas, consistently ranking among the region’s top attractions.
2026 Attractions: Tormenta Rampaging Run
The 2026 season marks Six Flags Over Texas’s 65th anniversary with the highly anticipated opening of Tormenta Rampaging Run on March 7, 2026. According to Six Flags, this giga dive coaster stands 309 feet tall and reaches speeds of 87 mph.
The ride breaks six world records, including the tallest dive coaster, fastest dive coaster at 87 mph, and longest dive coaster with 4,199 feet of track. An 18-story, 179-foot vertical loop—the world’s tallest—was completed in February 2026.
Other signature coasters include New Texas Giant, the hyper-coaster Titan at 245 feet tall, and AQUAMAN: Power Wave. The DC Universe area features Batman: The Ride and Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast.
2026 Hours and Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price (2026) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single Day Admission | $49.99+ | Varies by date; buy online for best rates |
| Season Pass Gold | $99+ | Access to all Texas Six Flags parks |
| Season Pass Prestige | $199+ | Includes Fast Lane and premium perks |
| Fast Lane Upgrade | $35+ | Skip regular lines on most rides |
| Parking | $25-40 | General to preferred parking |
The park operates seasonally with varying hours. Spring and fall weekends typically run 12 PM to 8 PM, while summer extends to 10 PM or later. Holiday in the Park runs November through early January.
The park closes January through February 2026 for maintenance and Tormenta construction. It reopens March 7, 2026, for the 65th anniversary season.
Why Visit Six Flags Over Texas?
Thrill-seekers choose this park for the world-class coaster collection and the new Tormenta Rampaging Run opening in 2026. Families appreciate the variety of rides for all ages plus the attached Hurricane Harbor water park.
The park’s central location between Dallas and Fort Worth makes it accessible to over 7 million metro residents within a 45-minute drive. It’s also conveniently located near other Dallas attractions and Fort Worth activities.
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels: World’s Best Water Park
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has won “World’s Best Water Park” for 26 consecutive years according to Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards. The park sprawls across 70 acres in the Texas Hill Country, 30 miles northeast of San Antonio.
Located at 400 N. Liberty Avenue, this legendary destination features 45 rivers, rides, slides, and chutes across four distinct sections. The park pioneered the uphill water coaster with the iconic Master Blaster.
Signature Attractions and Rides
The park divides into four areas, each containing a swim-up bar, not-so-lazy river, children’s area, and signature attractions. The original section features the Master Blaster water coaster that propels riders uphill using water jets.
The Dragon Blaster and Black Knight offer enclosed tube experiences, while the Torrent Wave River generates waves every 90 seconds. The park also features the world’s first uphill water coaster technology.
Schatze’s Storybrook Park provides a dedicated children’s area with six body slides and over 70 interactive water features. The 1,200-gallon tipping bucket remains a favorite for younger visitors.
Tickets and Pricing Information
| Ticket Option | 2026 Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Good Any Day Ticket | $42+ | Single day admission; valid any operating day |
| Season Pass | $84+ | Unlimited visits all season |
| Fast Lane | $30+ | Priority access to popular slides |
| Cabana Rentals | $125+ | Private seating with food service |
Schlitterbahn offers free general parking—a major advantage over competitors. Guests can also bring coolers with food and drinks, saving families significant money.
The park operates seasonally from March through September, with select weekends in early fall. Hours vary by season, with summer offering extended evening access.
Resort Accommodations
Schlitterbahn’s on-site resort offers six accommodation styles ranging from standard hotel rooms to multi-room vacation homes. Resort guests receive complimentary water park admission during their stay.
Year-round resort activities include pool access, dining, and Hill Country experiences. This makes Schlitterbahn an excellent base for exploring other Texas Hill Country attractions.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas: San Antonio’s Premier Theme Park
Six Flags Fiesta Texas occupies a former rock quarry in San Antonio, creating a stunning natural backdrop. Located at 17000 W. IH-10, the park opened in 1992 and features over 60 rides and attractions.
The quarry walls provide natural theming and enhance the visual impact of signature rides diving off the limestone cliffs. This unique setting distinguishes Fiesta Texas from other regional parks.
Top Coasters and Thrill Rides
Iron Rattler features a breathtaking 171-foot drop off the quarry wall at 81 degrees. This Rocky Mountain Construction hybrid coaster consistently ranks among Texas’s best.
Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster stands as the world’s first single-rail coaster. Other standout attractions include Superman: Krypton Coaster, Batman: The Ride, and Pandemonium.
The attached Hurricane Harbor San Antonio water park comes included with admission. It features a Texas-shaped wave pool and numerous water slides for cooling off during summer visits.
2026 Season and Special Events
Six Flags Fiesta Texas operates year-round with varying hours. Spring and summer feature daily operations from 10:30 AM to 9 PM or later.
The Mardi Gras Festival runs February 7 through March 15, 2026. Fright Fest transforms the park each fall, while Holiday in the Park offers winter experiences from November through early January.
Admission and Pass Options
| Pass Type | Price Range | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Single Day Ticket | $45-75 | Varies by date; online discounts available |
| Gold Season Pass | $99+ | Access to all Texas Six Flags parks |
| Prestige Pass | $199+ | Fast Lane included; premium perks |
| Membership | $8/month+ | Monthly payment option available |
The park sits approximately 20 minutes northwest of downtown San Antonio. Its location off Interstate 10 makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists visiting the San Antonio attractions.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Coastal Thrills
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier extends 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico. Located at 2501 Seawall Boulevard, this 16-acre pier park offers 16 rides and stunning coastal views.
The pier opened in its current form in 2012, replacing the original that operated from 1943 to 1961. It combines nostalgic boardwalk charm with modern thrill rides.
Rides and Attractions
The Iron Shark coaster features a 100-foot vertical lift and loops suspended over the water. The Galaxy Wheel stands as one of Texas’s tallest Ferris wheels at 100 feet with climate-controlled gondolas.
Other popular rides include the Texas Star Flyer swinging chair ride and Pirates Plunge water coaster. Family-friendly options include a carousel, kiddie rides, and midway games.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company anchors the pier’s dining options with ocean views. Visitors can experience all attractions in a half-day visit, making it perfect for combining with Galveston beach activities.
Pricing and Hours
| Ticket Type | Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Day Ride Pass | $26.99+ | Unlimited rides all day |
| Individual Ride Tickets | $5-7 each | Pay per ride option |
| SkyPass (Ferris Wheel) | $15 | Wheel only access |
| All-Day + Meal | $35+ | Includes dining credit |
The pier operates year-round with seasonal hours. Summer brings extended hours from 10 AM to 11 PM, while winter months feature weekend-only operations.
Special events include summer fireworks displays and holiday lighting during November and December. Check the official Pleasure Pier website for current hours.
Schlitterbahn Galveston: Indoor and Outdoor Water Paradise
Schlitterbahn Galveston provides a unique convertible water park experience with both indoor and outdoor sections. Located at 2109 Gene Lucas Boulevard, this 26-acre park operates year-round regardless of weather.
The park features over 30 attractions including MASSIV, the world’s tallest water coaster at 81 feet 6 inches tall. The heated indoor section maintains 80-degree water temperatures year-round.
Key Attractions and Features
MASSIV offers a triple-drop water coaster experience from its towering height. The Infinity Racers competitive slide allows friends to race head-to-head.
The Torrent River generates waves for inner tube adventures. Indoor amenities include slides, a lazy river, and hot tubs perfect for winter visits.
Like its New Braunfels sister park, Schlitterbahn Galveston allows free parking and cooler bring-in. This policy provides significant family value compared to competitors.
2026 Ticket Information
| Admission Type | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Good Any Day | $42+ | Single day admission; valid any day |
| Season Pass | $84+ | Unlimited visits all season |
| Fast Lane | $30+ | Priority line access |
| Cabana Rental | $100+ | Private space with seating |
Operating hours expand from March through August for full park access. Limited indoor-only operations occur during winter months.
Hurricane Harbor Arlington: North Texas Water Destination
Hurricane Harbor Arlington operates as the largest water park in North Texas at 47 acres. Located adjacent to Six Flags Over Texas at 1800 E. Lamar Boulevard, it features over 20 water slides and attractions.
The park shares parking facilities with Six Flags Over Texas and offers combo tickets. It operates seasonally from May through September.
Water Attractions and Slides
Thrill slides like Bomb Blast, Geronimo, and Dive Bomber provide high-speed adrenaline rushes. The Hook’s Lagoon treehouse offers multi-level interactive water play with a massive tipping bucket.
The lazy river and wave pool provide relaxation between intense slide experiences. The park caters to all thrill levels from gentle wading pools to extreme speed slides.
Tickets and Access
Single-day water park tickets typically range from $35-45 for 2026. Hurricane Harbor admission bundles with Six Flags Over Texas tickets for a complete theme park experience.
Six Flags season pass holders receive access to Hurricane Harbor as part of their benefits. The Arlington location serves as the primary water destination for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
SeaWorld San Antonio: Marine Adventures
SeaWorld San Antonio combines marine animal encounters with theme park thrills across 416 acres. Located at 10500 SeaWorld Drive, approximately 20 minutes west of downtown San Antonio, the park opened in 1988.
According to SeaWorld, the park distinguishes itself through educational animal presentations alongside traditional rides. It remains one of Texas’s most visited attractions.
Animal Encounters and Shows
Signature presentations include the orca encounter, dolphin shows, and sea lion performances. Interactive experiences like Dolphin Cove, Stingray Lagoon, and Animal Connections allow close encounters with marine life.
The park operates a rescue and rehabilitation program treating thousands of injured marine animals annually. This conservation mission differentiates SeaWorld from traditional theme parks.
Rides and Attractions
Texas Stingray stands as the state’s tallest, fastest, and longest wooden coaster at 96 feet tall. Journey to Atlantis combines a water coaster with dark ride elements.
The Great White inverted coaster delivers intense loops and rolls. The Sesame Street Bay of Play area provides young children with themed rides and playground equipment.
2026 Season Information
| Ticket Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single Day | $60-85 | One-time visitors; online discounts |
| Fun Card | $99+ | Multiple visits through 2026 |
| Annual Pass | $150+ | Frequent guests; dining discounts |
| All-Day Dining | $35+ | Multiple meals at park restaurants |
SeaWorld operates year-round with expanded summer hours. The Seven Seas Food Festival runs spring through early summer featuring international cuisine.
Christmas Celebration transforms the park with holiday lights and shows from November through early January. Check their events page for specific 2026 dates.
Planning Your Texas Theme Park Visit: Essential Tips
Best Times to Visit Texas Amusement Parks
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal weather and smaller crowds at most Texas theme parks. Summer brings peak attendance despite heat exceeding 95°F at outdoor parks.
Weekdays typically see lower crowds than weekends throughout the year. Holiday weekends and school vacation periods generate the highest attendance.
For water parks, visit early in the season (late May/early June) or late August for optimal weather and reduced crowds. Special events like Fright Fest draw larger crowds but offer unique experiences.
What to Bring and Park Policies
Most Texas theme parks prohibit outside food and drinks, with Schlitterbahn being the notable exception allowing coolers. Recommended items include sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and refillable water bottles.
Water parks require appropriate swimwear without metal fasteners or zippers. All major parks offer locker rentals, stroller rentals, and wheelchair accessibility.
Download park apps for real-time wait times, show schedules, and mobile food ordering. Height restrictions apply to most thrill rides for safety reasons.
Accommodation Options Near Major Parks
On-site resorts at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels provide the most convenient multi-day water park access. Six Flags parks partner with nearby hotels offering package deals with early entry.
Arlington’s Entertainment District clusters Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, AT&T Stadium, and Globe Life Field within a 2-mile radius. Hotels along Interstate 30 serve this area with walkable or shuttle-accessible accommodations.
Galveston offers beachfront hotels within walking distance of both Pleasure Pier and Schlitterbahn Galveston. San Antonio visitors find abundant lodging near both SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas along Interstate 10.
Comparing Texas Theme Parks: Which Is Right for You?
Best Park for Thrill Seekers
Six Flags Over Texas leads for pure adrenaline with Tormenta Rampaging Run opening in 2026, 15 coasters, and intense thrill rides. Six Flags Fiesta Texas provides the second-best coaster collection with its stunning quarry setting.
Both parks offer Fast Lane options to maximize ride count during busy visits. These destinations rank among the best Texas theme parks for thrill rides.
Best Park for Families with Young Children
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels excels for families with kids of all ages, offering toddler areas and attractions for teens and adults. SeaWorld San Antonio provides animal encounters that fascinate young children.
ZDT’s Amusement Park in Seguin specializes in younger children with pint-sized rides. Kiddie Park in San Antonio focuses specifically on toddler-friendly attractions.
Best Water Park Experience
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels remains the undisputed champion with the most attractions and unique water coaster technology. The free parking and cooler policies add significant value.
Schlitterbahn Galveston provides year-round indoor options perfect for winter visits. Hurricane Harbor locations serve as convenient add-ons to Six Flags theme park visits.
Best Value for Money
Schlitterbahn parks offer exceptional value with free parking and outside food allowances. Six Flags season passes provide regional access to multiple parks across Texas.
Pleasure Pier’s compact size allows experiencing all attractions without expensive all-day commitments. Consider combining your visit with other Dallas activities or Galveston attractions for a complete vacation.
Conclusion
Texas delivers world-class amusement park experiences ranging from record-breaking coasters to award-winning water parks. The state’s top 10 amusement parks offer something for every age group, thrill tolerance, and budget.
Six Flags Over Texas celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2026 with the groundbreaking Tormenta Rampaging Run. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels continues its reign as the world’s best water park for 26 consecutive years.
Plan your visit during shoulder seasons for optimal weather and crowd levels. Consider season passes for multiple-park access across the Lone Star State. With new attractions opening annually, Texas remains a top destination for amusement park enthusiasts nationwide.
