Amusement Parks in Houston
Houston is a city that thrives on energy and excitement, and its amusement parks reflect that spirit. Whether you’re a roller coaster enthusiast chasing the next big thrill, a family searching for a fun-filled day, or someone who loves the refreshing splash of a water park, Houston’s parks deliver a mix of adventure, relaxation, and entertainment. From coasters that leave your heart racing to kid-friendly rides that delight the little ones, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for high-speed loops and daring drops? Houston’s roller coasters bring the heat with rides like the iconic Boardwalk Bullet and the adrenaline-packed Iron Shark. Prefer a more laid-back vibe? These parks also offer scenic strolls, carnival games, and entertainment that make every visit unforgettable. Dive into this guide to discover the best Houston amusement parks and all the excitement waiting for you. Whether it’s summer vacation, a weekend getaway, or just a break from routine, Houston’s parks are ready to make your day one to remember!
Roller Coasters in Houston
If you’re hunting for roller coasters that deliver big thrills, Houston might not be the first city that comes to mind. But don’t let that fool you—this Texas hotspot has its own charm when it comes to adrenaline-pumping rides and amusement park fun. From jaw-dropping steel coasters to family-friendly rides, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s explore the best roller coasters in and around Houston, plus tips to make your visit unforgettable.
Steel Marvels: High-Speed Adventures
Let’s start with the big one: the Iron Shark at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. It’s technically outside Houston, but well worth the short drive. This coaster packs a punch with a 100-foot vertical drop, twists, and inversions that will leave you breathless. The ride is perched right over the Gulf of Mexico, so you get stunning ocean views—if you dare open your eyes.
For an indoor twist, check out smaller entertainment venues in Houston, where you can find unique rides designed for compact spaces. While these aren’t massive thrill machines, they’re a fun option, especially when the Texas heat gets too intense.
Wooden Wonders: Classic Thrills
Now, let’s talk about the Boardwalk Bullet at Kemah Boardwalk. This wooden coaster might look traditional, but it’s anything but boring. Known for its intense turns and rapid-fire hills, it’s a favorite for those who appreciate a more classic roller coaster experience. The best part? It’s right by the water, so you can cool off with a breeze (or a splash) after your ride.
Family-Friendly Rides
If you’re bringing the kids along or prefer gentler rides, Houston’s got you covered. The Kemah Boardwalk has smaller, kid-friendly coasters alongside carnival rides that are perfect for the little ones. Over at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, you’ll find water-themed attractions with a mix of thrill and family-friendly vibes, ideal for cooling off and having fun at the same time.
Houston’s Amusement Park Highlights
Not every moment has to be spent screaming your lungs out on a roller coaster. Houston’s amusement parks offer plenty of other attractions to round out your visit.
At Kemah Boardwalk, you’ll find waterfront dining with everything from fresh seafood to classic burgers. Pair that with live music and carnival games, and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect day. Over at the Downtown Aquarium, there’s a shark-themed ride that’s great for younger kids, plus exhibits featuring marine life.
If you’re heading to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, don’t miss the nostalgic midway games and stunning Gulf Coast views. There’s a little bit of everything here, making it a great option for groups with different interests.
Most venues are open year-round so you can visit a different park every weekend. Here are the top 10 amusement parks within driving distance of Houston City:
Grand Texas
23101 State Highway 242, New Caney, TX 77357
Whether spent relaxing on the largest lazy river in the Houston area, splashing in the tallest waves, or flying down our giant, gleaming slides, summer at Big Rivers can’t be beat!
- Boca Chica Bay Wave Pool – Experience the tallest waves in Houston, and stay cool at the best wave pool in town!
- Rio GRAND River – The largest lazy river in the Houston area, it truly is a GRAND river!
- Storm Surge – “Brave the Wave” as you and up to three other riders are engulfed by a massive current.
- Frio Falls – Spiral down a towering, coiling slide and plummet off a tower over six stores tall!
Grand Texas is the newest and biggest theme park in Houston. Constructed on a 632-acre property, it has two significant parks stretching on 80-acre land: Gator Bayou Adventure Park and Big Rivers Waterpark. It also has a racing park, shopping areas, and an RV resort, including a few features.
Typhoon Texas Waterpark
555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 774; (832) 426-7071
Typhoon Texas Waterpark features over 30 rides and attractions, including the world’s largest man-made wave, a lazy river, and a family raft ride. It also has an extensive children’s area and plenty of food and drink options.
This is the place to be if your child loves playing with water. Just as its name suggests, the park features a swimming pool fitted with water slides where kids get to slide down before splashing into the pool. The park has several dining areas, including Taco Shack, River Grill, and Corn dog shack.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565; (281) 535-8100
Located on the banks of Galveston Bay, Kemah Boardwalk offers a variety of thrill rides, carnival games, restaurants, and shops. The park’s highlight is the Boardwalk Bullet, a wooden roller coaster that reaches up to 51 mph speeds.
Located 20 miles south of Houston, this amusement park and restaurant overlooks Galveston Bay. Kids can explore plenty of fun areas, including the Ferris wheel, the wooden roller coaster, carnival midway-style games, and the double-decker carousel. The entertainment complex has waterfront shops and restaurants, among other attractions.
- Pros: This park has a great location right on the waterfront, with beautiful harbor views. It also has a good selection of restaurants and shops, as well as some fun rides and attractions.
- Cons: The rides are not as thrilling as some of the other amusement parks in the area, and there are not as many options for entertainment. The cost of food and drinks can also be quite high.
Houston Funplex
13700 Beechnut St, Houston, TX 77083; (281) 530-7777
To say FunPlex is unique is an understatement. Simply no other amusement park can compare to the 200,000 sq. foot establishment. Houston Funplex provides an environment unaffected by the seasons and a safe gathering place filled with activities, rides, and games, providing FUN FOR ALL AGES.
Houston Funplex is one of the best theme parks in Houston. It has swings, rides, miniature games, a roller coaster, a Two-Storey Playport for kids, Go-Karts, and video and Arcade games for people of all ages. What’s more, Houston Funplex is the only theme park with a Roller Rink.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550; (855) 789-7437
Located on the Gulf of Mexico in southeastern Texas, the pier offers various entertainment options to suit any taste. C thrill-seekers can enjoy over 25 rides and attractions from gentle carousel rides to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Meanwhile, those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere can take advantage of the various shopping and dining opportunities, such as The Saltwater Grill and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Galveston Island is 40 miles south of Houston, and the pier was constructed on a dock overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The most exciting part of this park is the roller coaster with turns that extend over the Pirate’s Plunge. There are numerous food venues for you and your family to eat and re-energize before returning for fun activities.
Hermann Park Railroad
6102 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030; (713) 524-5876
The Hermann Park Railroad takes a 14-minute journey around Hermann Park. The train departs from Kinder Station every 20-25 minutes. You may board the train at any stop and ride to Kinder Station in Lake Plaza, where all riders must exit. Those who boarded at a stop should buy a ticket at Kinder Station and may get back on the train to ride back to the stop where they originally boarded if they wish.
This amusement park is great for kids who love boat and train rides. Herman Park Railroad is a great place to relax during the weekend, with a mini railway operating from as early as 6 a.m. to late at night (11 p.m.). It also has a café that serves a range of kids’ foods, including burgers and smoothies.
Moody Gardens
1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554; (409) 683-4200
Welcome to Moody Gardens – a place of wonder and exploration! Here you can discover the ocean’s mysteries at the Aquarium Pyramid, explore a vibrant rainforest full of unique animals and plants at the Rainforest Pyramid, and have fun in the sun or marvel at holiday lights at Palm Beach. If you’re looking for some offsite adventure, participate in a Colonel Paddlewheel Boat cruise; there’s something for everyone here. Back at base, learn about science at the Discovery Museum, enjoy cutting-edge entertainment at the 3D and 4D Theatres, and wind down with an afternoon of golfing or relax in the comfort of the Moody Gardens Hotel. With so much to do under one roof, you’ll never run out of things to explore – get ready for your Moody Gardens adventure!
Moody Gardens is located on the Gulf in Galveston, TX, just an hour outside Houston. This all-in-one attraction offers something for everyone, including a hotel, aquarium, rainforest, golf course, rope course, zipline, and much more. You will need to spend the weekend here to enjoy all the activities this place offers.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
San Antonio, TX 78257
This park has a variety of thrilling rides, including several roller coasters and water rides. It also has a great selection of food and entertainment options. Cons: It can get very crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays. The park is also expensive, and some visitors have reported long lines for the most popular rides.
This 48-acre water park features an array of exciting water rides, including the tallest water slide in Houston, the Tornado. It has a wave pool, lazy river, and other fun attractions. Six Flags Fiesta Texas has some of the wildest and most thrilling rides, such as The Joker Carnival of Chaos, Iron Rattler, and Superman Krypton Coaster. For families and kids, there are also several fun rides like The Runaway Mine Train, Bugs’ White Water Rapids, and the classic Ferris wheel.
Downtown Aquarium Houston
410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002; (713) 223-3474
Although it’s not a traditional amusement park, Downtown Aquarium offers a unique combination of marine life exhibits and amusement park rides. The park’s highlight is the Ferris wheel, which offers stunning views of Houston’s skyline.
This six-acre entertainment and dining complex has a massive aquarium where visitors can view sharks and over 200 species of sea life. At the Stingray Reef, kids can feed and touch live stingrays and monitor the movement of sharks in real-time at the interactive Education Room.
Splashway Water Park
5211 Main St, Sheridan, TX 77475; (979) 234-7718
Splashway is so much more than just a summer vacation destination! In Sheridan, Texas and conveniently situated between San Antonio, Houston, and Austin, Splashway Waterpark & Campground offers year-round fun for the whole family. With attractions ranging from wave pools to speed slides to laser tag and putt-putt, there’s something for everyone! Plus, special events feature themed activities all weekend long!
At Splashway Waterpark, guests can cool off in the cleanest waterpark in Texas with its wave pools, kiddie areas, speed slides, mat racers, slides, and lazy river. Or camp in one of our RV sites, cabins, cottages, bunkhouses, or tent sites and enjoy fishing, arts and crafts, outdoor games, and so much more! No matter the time of year, your family will never be bored when you visit Splashway. Come find out why Splashway is one of Texas’s best family vacation destinations!
- Pros: This park is perfect for families with young children, as it has a variety of water rides and attractions suitable for all ages. It’s also more affordable than some of the larger amusement parks in the area.
- Cons: The park is quite small compared to other water parks, so older kids and adults may not find as many thrilling rides. Some visitors have also complained about long lines during peak season.
Space Center Houston
1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058; (281) 244-2100
Space Center Houston is a fantastic destination for those vacationing with children. Little ones and adults alike can experience exciting interactive exhibits that make learning about the wonders of space exploration both fun and informative. The Rocket Park, an outdoor area filled with replicas of historic rockets, is perfect for rambunctious kids eager to learn more about the history of space travel. Those looking to get a more up-close-and-personal look at the science behind spacecraft will want to check out the Astronaut Gallery, which features a wealth of Apollo missions artifacts and interactive displays that allow would-be astronauts to explore astronaut training simulators.
Science geeks and kids who want to get a feel of space should visit Space Center Houston. The attraction uses a special projector that mimics the sensation of movement on the theater seat and has interactive demonstrations and science exhibits, which are part of NASA’s complex. Also, visitors can take a guided Level 9 Tour for behind-the-scenes exploration of engineers and astronauts at work.
Ticket prices and discounts for Houston amusement parks
When planning a trip to an amusement park, it’s important to consider the ticket prices and any available discounts. Most amusement parks offer ticket options, including single-day admission, multi-day admission, and season passes.
Some of the top amusement parks in Houston include Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and Kemah Boardwalk. Each park offers its own unique pricing structure and discounts.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas, for example, offers a variety of ticket options, starting at around $60 for a single-day admission. However, visitors can save money by purchasing tickets in advance or by taking advantage of special promotions, such as discounted tickets for military personnel or groups.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark also offers a range of ticket options, starting at around $40 for a single-day admission. Visitors can save money by purchasing tickets online in advance or by taking advantage of special deals, such as discounted tickets for Texas residents.
At Kemah Boardwalk, visitors can purchase an All-Day Ride Pass for around $25, including unlimited rides on all amusement park attractions. Visitors can also save money by purchasing tickets online or taking advantage of special promotions, such as discounted tickets for seniors or military personnel.
By researching and planning ahead, visitors can find the best ticket prices and discounts for each amusement park in Houston, allowing them to enjoy a day of thrilling fun without breaking the bank.
Best Times and Tips for Visiting
To make the most of your visit, timing is key. Weekdays, especially outside school holidays, are ideal for avoiding long lines. Spring and fall bring pleasant weather, making outdoor attractions like Kemah Boardwalk more enjoyable.
Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to take advantage of discounts and combo deals. Season passes for popular destinations like the Boardwalk or Hurricane Harbor Splashtown often include perks like free parking and meal discounts, enhancing your experience while saving money.
For the ultimate experience, aim to arrive early to hit the most popular rides before the crowds swell and take advantage of fast-pass options when available.
Recommendations for amusement parks near Houston
Houston’s amusement parks offer a mix of thrills, family-friendly fun, and relaxing escapes, making them perfect for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re soaring through the air on a roller coaster, cooling off at a water park, or enjoying the lively atmosphere with games and attractions, there’s no shortage of ways to create unforgettable memories.
From heart-pounding rides like the Boardwalk Bullet to scenic spots like Kemah Boardwalk and everything in between, Houston’s parks are packed with excitement and charm. So whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a family planning a day out, or just someone looking for a good time, Houston’s amusement parks are ready to deliver fun, laughter, and plenty of reasons to come back again and again.
That wraps up our guide to the best amusement parks in Houston! Nothing is quite like the thrill of a roller coaster or the excitement of a water slide on a hot summer day. With so many great parks in Houston, deciding which one to visit can be tough. We hope our guide has helped you narrow your options and plan an unforgettable, fun day for you and your family or friends. So grab your sunscreen, camera, and sense of adventure, and prepare for a wild ride!
