Houston Waterparks with Lazy Rivers

Find lazy rivers at any of these Houston waterparks. And don't forget to check out all our favorite Outdoor Water Parks for Families.

1. Typhoon Texas Waterpark – Katy

The crystal clear Lazy T River at Typhoon Texas is filled with 480,000 gallons of cool water and features three different beach entries at various spots around the park. When you’re ready to move from one ride to the next, stay cool and hop in a tube to float to your next destination. (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the lazy river.) Typhoon Texas is filled with activities for the whole family, featuring more than 100 spray areas, thrilling slides and rides, water playgrounds for the tiny tots, and more.

2. Big Rivers Waterpark – New Caney

Located on a lake about 30 minutes north of Houston, Big Rivers Waterpark focuses on family fun in nature. The park’s Rio GRAND River claims to be the largest lazy river in the Houston area and gives you ample time to rest tired feet after a day of play on the destinations’ slides, fairgrounds, ropes course, and on-lake obstacle course. A petting zoo, play grounds, and alligator viewings round out the adventure at this Texas establishment.

3. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown – Spring

Hurricane Harbor Splashtown is home to Paradise River, where you can flop into your tube and have a relaxing float in the refreshing waters - a great place to kick back while teens go down the big slides. Guests who can’t swim well, are under 48”, or have certain health conditions must wear life jackets. Kids under 42” must also be supervised. Outside of this family-favorite lazy river near Houston, sun-seekers find loads of rides and attractions for all ages.

 
The lazy river in Pirates Bay loops around the whole park. Photo courtesy of Pirates Bay 

4. Pirates Bay – Baytown

Set sail down the Lazy River at Pirates Bay for a swashbuckling good time! This waterway loops around the entire park and is the ideal spot to take a load off when you’re ready to chill out after a day of play. Slides, rides, and playground areas for kiddos of all ages ensure your little buccaneers will get all tuckered out for an easy bedtime when you get home.

5. Palm Beach Moody Gardens – Galveston

While the Moody Gardens pyramids are a draw all on their own, the property’s Palm Beach offers the perfect summer escape for families looking for some structured beach and water play. A lazy river wends through the property for leisurely floats, and the space also includes wave and Texas-sized pools, a white-sand beach, tower slides, and a splash pad. Make a day of it by exploring everything Moody Gardens with Kids has to offer.

6. Splashway Waterpark – Sheridan

This waterpark and campground combo offers relaxing floats down the lazy river – perfect for planning which ride to try next – juxtaposed by the rowdy raft ride, wave pool, slides, and an obstacle course. Toddler and kids spaces ensure even your littlest splashers have a great time while staying cool. One reason we love Splashway so much: you can pack a cooler and bring your own food and drinks (no alcohol, knives, or glass)!

 
Schlitterbahn Waterpark's lazy river takes you around the whole park. courtesy of Visit Galveston

7. Schlitterbahn Waterpark – Galveston

Whether you travel for just the waterpark or a whole weekend of Things to Do in Galveston, Schlitterbahn takes the lazy river concept up a notch with their Transportainment River System featuring three not-so-lazy rivers that join together to transport guests through the entire park – no steps required. The Kristal River is the laziest of the three and features calmer waters and currents, the Whitewater River is true to its name and boasts whitewater thrills and rapids, and the Torrent River is the most heart-pounding, with giant waves that crash around every twist and turn. (Life jackets required for floaters under 48” on all rivers. All visitors must wear life jackets on the Torrent River.) Pack your own picnic and get ready for a day of splashing with your littles with slides, heated pools, kids areas, and so much more.

8. Rob Fleming Aquatic Center – The Woodlands

Part of the public parks system, this aquatic center offers a resort-style waterpark for family time that won’t break the bank. Complete with a 500-foot lazy river, children also enjoy the zero-entry pool, two-story slide, and a 150-gallon dump bucket on the splash pad that will have your little ones squealing with delight. Bring your own snacks or grab a bite from the concession stand at this beloved park in The Woodlands.

Resorts and Hotels in Houston with Lazy Rivers

Heads up: many Hotel Pools Around Houston that Offer Day Passes also have lazy rivers.

9. The Woodlands Resort Forest Oasis Waterpark and Lazy River – The Woodlands

Tucked into a lush resort property about 30 miles north of downtown Houston, the Forest Oasis Waterpark is complete with a 1,005-ft. lazy river, slides, and a splash pad. Waterfalls, underwater music, and a submerged mural in the main pool add to the ambiance. 

10. Marriott Marquis Houston - Downtown

Known for its 6th-floor rooftop Texas-shaped lazy river, this Houston resort’s pool area is a downtown staple. After a float, hop into the infinity edge pool overlooking Space City. And don’t think you have to catch the current during the warmer months – this lazy river is heated seasonally so it’s a great place to tube all year long. You won’t regret a family staycation at Marriott Marquis Houston. (Day passes are available for guests 21 and older; however, children staying at the hotel are permitted at the pool.)

11. Margaritaville Lake Resort – Conroe

Embrace Jimmy Buffet’s way of life and take the kids out to the lakeside Margaritaville in Lake Conroe for an unforgettable family adventure. The property’s 3.5-acre Jolly Mon Water Park features an infinity-shaped lazy river that’s been named one of the Top 13 in Texas for its lush tropical landscaping and a relaxing float that packs in fun for youngsters, too. Water slides, a water playground, a splash pad, a variety of pools, and a private beach will keep you busy during your visit. Book a stay for a weekend escape or enjoy a day pass.

12. Great Wolf Lodge – Webster

This resort is known for its 92,000-square-foot indoor waterpark that lets families enjoy all-day water play any time of year. The Crooked Creek Lazy River keeps it gentle with a light current that can carry you around the park. The water stays at a comfy 84 degrees year-round, so and your littles can enjoy a float without freezing your tail off. Rides, slides, and lots of fun will have your family returning to Great Wolf Lodge again and again. Make a long weekend out of it or take advantage of the resort’s day passes for a quick visit (discounted rates are available for half day passes). Read more about our experience here.

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you click through our link and make a purchase. This revenue helps us maintain this site, so thank you for supporting us.