Summer in Splashtown – Houston’s Largest Waterpark
- What is Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown?
- Notable Things to See and Experience in the Waterpark
- Enjoy Some Family Activities
- Test How High You Can Go
- Get Dizzy with Twists and Turns
- Get an Ocean and River Experience
- Go for Group Rides
- Challenge Someone to a Race
- Things to Know
- Best time to go
- How to Get There
- Things to Remember
- Where to eat
- El Palenque Mexican Restaurant
- Puffabelly's Restaurant
- Lynn's Table
- Loose Caboose
- Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon
- Where to stay
- Residence Inn by Marriott Houston Springwoods Village
- Hilton Garden Inn North Houston Spring
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Spring - Woodlands Area, an IHG Hotel
- Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village
- Courtyard by Marriott Houston Springwoods Village
Hold onto your swim trunks and sunscreen because we’re about to make a splash in the heart of Houston! If you’re in the mood for watery thrills, then Six Flags Splashtown is your ticket to the coolest summer escape.
Nestled right in the heart of Spring, Texas, just a short drive from Houston, this waterpark is more than just a collection of pools – it’s a kingdom of aquatic adventures waiting to be conquered.
So, grab your floaties, crank up the excitement, and let’s dive into the wet and wild world of Six Flags Splashtown!
What is Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown?
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown is the biggest water park in Houston, spanning over 40-acres of land and various water-centered attractions.
Splashtown was originally Hanna-Barbera Land, a theme park, back in the early 1980s.
In the ’90s, the park switched owners twice, passing into the hands of the Morris Family in 1994 and then to the renowned Six Flags in May 1999.
The Six Flags owners purchased the waterpark to eliminate competition with its other water park, Six Flags WaterWorld, located nearby in Houston. The park’s identity evolved once more in 2000 when it was rechristened Six Flags SplashTown.
After the closure of Six Flags WaterWorld and the adjacent Six Flags AstroWorld in October 2005, Six Flags decided to revamp Six Flags SplashTown.
After a much-needed update and some general tidying up, Six Flags SplashTown was ready for its grand reopening on April 28, 2006.
After decades of ownership changes and multiple renovations, in 2019, the park was unveiled as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown.
Address: 21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77373, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-355-3300
Hours:
- Summer Season (June to August) – Everyday from 11 am to 6 pm
- Off Season – Saturday and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm
Notable Things to See and Experience in the Waterpark
Enjoy Some Family Activities
The Tree House, which is basically a giant playground with water offers a safe and shallow space for even the tiniest water enthusiasts to frolic in.
As you approach, your eyes will be drawn to the vibrant slides that spiral out from a central treehouse structure, promising endless fun. At the top sits a massive bucket, constantly getting filled and tipping over to drench the people below.
The kids can climb rope ladders, navigate through mazes, and take aim with water cannons. Enormous spraying fountains and rain curtain waterfalls help to keep everyone cool in the summer heat.
The Coconut Bay is for even younger visitors, with much simpler attractions like swings and climbing nets, as well as water slides that lead into the shallow kiddie pool beneath.
After the kids tire themselves out at the 2 water playgrounds, the whole family can enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation without having to part with the water. The park’s Paradise River is a great attraction for some family fun.
You grab an inner tube and take a seat while you soak in the sun’s rays and unwind as you float along this soothing lazy river.
Getting the chance to enjoy a little peace and quiet while watching the clouds float alongside you is probably one of our favorite parts of the waterpark experience.
The Blue Lagoon Activity Pool is Splashtown’s very own version of a kid-friendly obstacle course. Here, kids (and adults) can hone their balance and athleticism by trying to hop from one of the giant floating lily pads in the water to another.
Test How High You Can Go
For all thrill-seekers, the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown has several slides and attractions to scratch your itch for an adrenaline rush.
Runaway Rapids is the ultimate water adventure for those who crave excitement. This 60 foot ride takes you on a thrilling journey through a dark tunnel, twisting and turning before dropping you into a three-foot-deep pool of water.
The Bonzai Pipelines are another must-visit attraction. Soaring seven stories high, these waterslides offer an experience that had our hearts pumping throughout the 333 feet of twists and turns.
The slide takes you on a 360-degree journey that literally flips you upside down in some parts.
But if we’re talking about heights and thrills, the Tornado is still the number one attraction in the park. This attraction features a gigantic blue and yellow checkerboard structure that’s impossible to miss.
You climb seven stories to the top of the tower, grab a raft with 3 other people, and steel your nerves.
From a height of 75 feet, you’re pushed down a 132-foot tunnel, reaching speeds of 35 feet per second, with the combined weight of all the riders making sure you drop at faster speeds!
But the real thrill comes as you’re shot into an enormous 60-foot-wide funnel, with more than 5,000 gallons of water rushing around you. You’ll feel like you’re being thrown around by the water jets spinning you without direction (like a Tornado).
Your raft swishes up the tall walls, sliding you back and forth before being shot out the bottom.
Get Dizzy with Twists and Turns
If you’re not much into heights, but you still enjoy the thrill of getting jostled in the water, the waterpark also has several attractions to cater to your wants!
To ease you into things, the Big Spin is a unique waterslide designed like an inverted heart. You start off at the top and slide down a curved slide specially engineered to induce a small amount of G-force.
You’re then flung into a huge circle where you slip and slide until you fall into the water below. You can choose between an open air one or a close one.
The covered option is completely dark inside which adds to the thrill since you can’t control or even see where you’re going.
The RipQurl is a feature attraction in the park. The adventure begins with a launch that sends one or two of you through a dark tunnel at speeds of up to 26 feet per second.
You’ll twist and turn within the belly of the slide, then you’ll be thrust through a corkscrew chute, hurtling you into a splash pool below.
For a more traditional take on a water slide, the Bamboo Shoots is a trio of tubing slides that feature multiple twists and turns, at high-speeds and sharp angles. The slide features two semi-enclosed slides that loop around several times for some classic fun!
Get an Ocean and River Experience
A trip to the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown can also be a makeshift trip to the beach if you’re craving the excitement of being in the ocean.
For a more extreme take on activities to do in the ocean, the park’s Flowrider is perfect for you. You get to hangten and ride the waves without hitting the ocean! On this ride, you can grab a board and ride the waves.
This surf simulator provides an exhilarating experience for surfers of all ages and skill levels, with beginners warmly welcomed. It’s perfect for first-time riders who are a little nervous of the vast ocean and for seasoned pros itching to catch some waves.
For those who love the thrill of being tossed around by massive waves, Hurricane Bay should be your first stop. This huge wave pool is engineered to create ocean-sized waves, delivering a top tier ocean experience without having to make the drive there.
With a capacity of over half a million gallons, there’s ample space for you to ride the waves like a pro. You can grab a raft and conquer the waves that can reach 4 feet in height or you can take on the waves freestyle, riding them like a true water enthusiast.
If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, we love heading to the shallow end for gentle ripples that are perfect for the little ones.
But, if you venture deeper into the pool, you’ll find yourself rising and falling with the waves and occasionally swallowing some water accidentally. The experience brings in a lot of laughs and fun!
Go for Group Rides
Most of our core memories are usually defined by who we’re with instead of where we are or what we’re doing, so enjoying some fun with loved ones is the best way to make the most out of your day in the sun and in the water.
Standing tall at 60 feet, Vortex lets you hop onto two-person tubes as you’re taken on a ride through dark tunnels that catapult you into massive saucers.
The Big Kahuna is perfect for larger friend groups. The ride takes you on a whitewater journey filled with alternating tunnels and twists and turns on a 4-seater inflatable.
It’s hard to miss the Wahoo Wave, standing tall at a towering six stories. This epic water ride is perfect for thrill-seekers looking to make a splash with friends and family. You gather up to three companions and for one of the best attractions in the water park.
The experience starts you off in a typical tunnel slide that extends for 30 feet that sort of lulls you into a false sense of security.
But the real excitement starts when you suddenly drop 3 stories into a massive water wave wall. The fall itself leaves you breathless, but sliding vertically up the wall and experiencing weightlessness as gravity pulls you back down is truly something else.
Challenge Someone to a Race
Some of the best ways to enjoy any activity is to add in a little friendly competition. Splashtown offers loads of opportunities to challenge your friends to some fun.
At the no frills Wala Wala Falls, you can challenge a friend to a thrilling race down two 30-foot slides.
The Stingray Racer takes water racing to the next level. This slide puts you headfirst on a racing mat down a giant waterslide. The six lanes built into the slide means you can slide side by side with family and friends to see who can make it to the bottom faster.
Extreme speeds are the name of the game on Paradise Plunge. This seven-story-high thrill attraction is not for the faint of heart. You’ll face an open water slide with a steep drop that will leave you free-falling into the waters below.
At least it features 2 tubes side by side, so you can focus on seeing if your co-slider is ahead or behind you instead of the height!
Things to Know
Buying tickets to Six Flags Splashtown is an overall easy process that you can complete on their website. Listed on the Tickets page, you can select any of the options below, check out, and pay with a card:
- $30: Daily Ticket – 1 day admission to the park and rides
- $9.99 per month: Six Flags Plus
- Admission to all Six Flags Parks for the time period
- Free parking
- 15% discount on park goods
- $59 per year: Platinum Season Pass
- Admission to Hurricane Harbor Splashtown and Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- Free parking
- 15% discount on park goods
- $150 per year: Diamond Pass
- Admission to all Six Flags Parks for the time period
- Reserved parking
- 20% discount on park goods
Pro Tip:
After buying your ticket, check to see if it indicates Guest on it. If not, you’ll need to register your ticket by pressing the Register and Print button which you can see on the confirmation page or email confirmation.
Best time to go
The best time to Visit Splashtown Waterpark is when the crowds are the smallest to avoid wasting your whole day waiting in line. Try to plan your visits on summer weekdays or between August and September on Sundays.
Peak season is during the summer from June to August with most schools being closed for summer break.
How to Get There
To get to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown from Houston, start by heading northeast on Bagby St. After, make a left turn onto Walker St. From there, merge onto I-45 N using the ramp on the left to Dallas, and continue for approximately 21.4 miles.
Take exit 70A, which is directed toward FM 2920. Finally, merge onto N Fwy Service Road where you’ll find the waterpark. You can park at the park’s extensive parking lot for $10, while the seasonal passes already have free parking included in them.
Things to Remember
- All of the establishments inside the waterpark only accept credit cards for payments, but they have kiosks scattered around the park where you can convert cash into a prepaid debit card.
- Park management stresses family friendly attire and advises guests to wear a shirt and shorts over their swimsuits.
- You are expected to wear footwear at all times while walking around the waterpark.
- You can’t bring any food, drinks, or cooking paraphernalia into the premises.
- Floaties aren’t allowed to be brought in. They do have life vests but on a first come first serve basis!
- You can exit and re-enter, but make sure you get a re-entry stamp at the exit booth.
Where to eat
El Palenque Mexican Restaurant
Address: 1485 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX 77373, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 353 4055
Pricing: $$
At El Palenque Mexican Restaurant, you can discover the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine as your perfect post-waterpark dining spot.
This lively eatery is known for its handmade tamales and generous portions of Tex-Mex favorites like sizzling fajitas, savory enchiladas, and both soft-shelled and hard-shelled tacos.
Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their signature margaritas for the full Tex-Mex experience!
Puffabelly’s Restaurant
Address: 100 Main St, Spring, TX 77373, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 350 3376
Pricing: $$
After a day of waterpark fun, head over to Puffabelly’s Restaurant for some hearty comfort food. This rustic, down-home eatery is a local favorite, and for good reason.
We always enjoy their juicy burgers and homemade casseroles.
As you savor your meal, you get to enjoy the lively atmosphere and occasional live music. For adults looking to extend the fun, they also offer several local and internation beers on tap to help you cool down further in the summer heat.
Lynn’s Table
Address: 307 Gentry St, Spring, TX 77373, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 353 9229
Pricing: $$
For those with a sweet tooth like us, Lynn’s Table is a must-visit near the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown. This charming and homey cafe offers a wide selection of treats, from creamy fudge to homemade ice cream, milkshakes and floats.
But it’s not just about desserts here. You can also enjoy American lunch classics like hotdogs and sandwiches, as well as pastas and soups. Their breakfast plates are also very enjoyable, especially their take on French Toast topped with savory bacon.
Loose Caboose
Address: 26403 Preston Ave, Spring, TX 77373, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 288 1733
Pricing: $
If you’re in the mood for something delicious and straightforward, you need not look further than Loose Caboose. This neighborhood joint offers a diverse menu of classic American grub that will satisfy your cravings.
They have everything from their pulled pork burgers, flavorful BBQ dishes like smoked turkey legs, and a variety of snacks like fries, nachos, and sausages.
You can pair your meal with a cold beer and take advantage of the outdoor seating to soak up the Texas sunshine.
Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon
Address: 103 Midway St, Spring, TX 77373, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 350 2233
Pricing: $$$
For a more formal and fine dining experience, Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon is the place to be. This iconic eatery has been serving up American fare with a Texas accent since 1902.
Their chicken fried steak with whipped potatoes and country style white gravy is our go to order here. If you’re more of a seafood lover, definitely get their seared ahi tuna or their grilled salmon.
Don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note with their signature whiskey cake!
Where to stay
Residence Inn by Marriott Houston Springwoods Village
Address: 22814 Holzwarth Rd, Spring, TX 77389, United States
Phone Number:+1 281 353 2237
Pricing: $$$
When planning your visit to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, you can consider staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott Houston Springwoods Village.
This modern and comfortable hotel offers spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, making it an ideal choice for families and extended stays.
Here, you get to enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast to kickstart your day before heading to the waterpark. After your aquatic adventures, unwind in the outdoor pool or take advantage of the fitness center.
Hilton Garden Inn North Houston Spring
Address: 23535 Northgate Crossing Blvd, Spring, TX 77373, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 528 2900
Pricing: $$$
For a comfortable and convenient stay near the waterpark, you don’t have to look further than the Hilton Garden Inn North Houston Spring. This hotel offers well-decorated rooms with modern amenities for a restful night’s sleep.
You can dine at the on-site restaurant which serves a variety of delicious dishes, or grab a drink at the bar. Plus, the hotel’s location near the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown makes it an excellent choice.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Spring – Woodlands Area, an IHG Hotel
Address: 21606 Spring Plaza Dr, Spring, TX 77388, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 462 9150
Pricing: $$
Convenience meets comfort at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Spring – Woodlands Area. This IHG hotel offers a range of well-furnished rooms and suites, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests.
They wake you up with a complimentary hot breakfast, providing the energy you need for a day of waterpark fun. Access to the pool, gym, meeting rooms; plus the fact that their pet-friendly nature makes sure you get a lot for your buck here!
Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village
Address: 1200 Lake Plaza Dr, Spring, TX 77389, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 350 4000
Pricing: $$$
For a touch of luxury during your waterpark adventure, check out the Houston CityPlace Marriott at Springwoods Village. This upscale hotel boasts elegant rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding area.
SwitcHouse Plates and Pours, their onsite restaurant and bar offers great food so you don’t have to venture outside for some quality meals and drinks.
Not only is it close to the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown location, but it’s also near popular spots in the area like Market Street and Hughes Landing.
Courtyard by Marriott Houston Springwoods Village
Address: 22742 Holzwarth Rd, Spring, TX 77389, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 353 1910
Pricing: $$$
The Courtyard by Marriott Houston Springwoods Village is one of our go to choices whenever we visit the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown Waterpark or just the Spring area in general.
This hotel is set in the City Place community which means you have access to shopping centers, entertainment and dining spots, and public amenities all within walking distance.
The hotel itself is beautifully designed, but our favorite part is the outdoor fire pit where you can sit and talk and maybe roast a marshmallow or two.