Everyone knows that Texas has big-name theme parks, but what about the ones that don’t always make the top of the list?
Scattered across the state, there are some seriously cool spots where you can ride roller coasters over the ocean, explore an underground cave, or even zipline after splashing down a water slide.
Some of these places are packed with heart-pounding rides, while others feature unusual attractions, outdoor adventures and old-school fun.
If you’re looking for something different—less crowds, more surprises, and just as much fun—then you’re in the right place.
1. Morgan’s Wonderland, San Antonio
Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio is the world’s first fully accessible theme park, designed for people of all ages and abilities to have fun together.
It has more than 25 attractions, including wheelchair-friendly carousels, an accessible Ferris wheel, and a Pirate Island playground with ramps and sensory-friendly activities.
There’s also a water park called Morgan’s Inspiration Island, where every splash pad is designed for guests with disabilities.
The park closes over the winter, but admission is free for anyone with special needs, making this a one-of-a-kind park that’s all about inclusivity and fun.
2. Wonderland Amusement Park, Amarillo
Since 1951, Wonderland Amusement Park has been delivering old-school thrills in Amarillo—except in the winter when it’s closed.
It’s got everything from classic roller coasters to spinning rides that will make you dizzy, plus a log flume and a raft ride to cool off in the Texas heat.
The Texas Tornado, a double-looping coaster, is the star of the park, but there’s also a mini coaster and plenty of kid-friendly rides if you’re not into big drops.
Throw in some classic carnival games, a retro snack bar, and plenty of picnic space, and you’ve got the perfect spot for a laid-back day of fun.
3. ZDT’s Amusement Park, Seguin
Down in Seguin, ZDT’s Amusement Park is a family-run spot that packs a ton of action into a small space, and it’s got one seriously wild wooden coaster.
The Switchback is the world’s first modern wooden shuttle coaster, which means it rockets forward, then reverses and sends you flying backward through the same track.
Besides that, you can race go-karts, scale a rock wall, take on a multi-level arcade, and then cool off at the splash park with high-speed water slides.
It’s way less crowded than the big parks, so you can ride your favorites over and over without spending half your day waiting in line.
4. Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park, San Marcos
In San Marcos, Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park takes the theme park experience underground with the only dry-formed cave in Texas that you can actually tour.
A guided walk through the cave shows off earthquake-formed cracks, fossilized seashells, and some seriously cool rock formations.
After that, you can hop on a train that takes you through a wildlife park full of friendly deer or step inside an anti-gravity house where water runs uphill.
It’s part cave tour, part classic roadside attraction, and 100% a quirky Texas experience you won’t find anywhere else.
5. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Galveston
Right on the Gulf of Mexico, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier features classic boardwalk vibes with a side of ocean views and wild rides.
This pier isn’t just for strolling—it’s packed with high-flying attractions, including the Iron Shark roller coaster, which drops you 100 feet at a near-vertical angle.
If you’re not into thrills, you can play carnival games, grab fried Oreos or turkey legs, and just soak up the breeze while watching the waves crash below.
It’s a mix of old-school fun and adrenaline-pumping rides, all sitting right over the Gulf, so even waiting in line comes with a view.
6. Adventure Park, Lubbock
In Lubbock, Adventure Park is all about outdoor fun, with a little bit of everything for anyone who loves an active day out.
You can zipline over the park, tackle an aerial ropes course, or test your skills on an outdoor rock-climbing wall.
Plus, there’s mini-golf, go-karts, and a massive arcade when you’re ready to slow down.
For something different, hop in a paddleboat and float around Adventure Lake, or try the park’s underground mine experience, where you can dig for hidden treasures.
It’s got high-energy thrills and laid-back activities, making it a fun break from the usual theme park scene.
7. Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah
Down on the coast near Houston, Kemah Boardwalk feels like a never-ending festival with rides, restaurants, and waterfront views all in one spot.
The Boardwalk Bullet, a crazy-fast wooden roller coaster, is the main attraction, but there’s also a giant Ferris wheel, a drop tower, and classic carnival rides.
If you’re more into food than fast rides, you can feast on fresh seafood, grab a funnel cake, or sit back at a patio restaurant and watch boats cruise through Galveston Bay.
Plus, with live music and street performers, it’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole day and never run out of things to do.
8. Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Grand Prairie
In Grand Prairie, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark lets you splash around year-round, thanks to its giant retractable roof that keeps the fun going rain or shine.
It’s home to some of the most unique water slides in Texas, including the Lasso Loop, the state’s tallest indoor aqua-loop.
There’s also a lazy river, a massive (but seasonal) wave pool, an indoor surfing simulator, and a giant arcade when you need a break from the water.
Whether it’s the middle of summer or a chilly winter day, this place is where the water park fun never stops.
9. Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine
In Grapevine, near Dallas-Fort Worth, Great Wolf Lodge is part water park, part hotel, and all about nonstop family fun.
The indoor water park has giant tube slides, a wave pool, and a multi-level play structure with a massive tipping bucket that drenches everything in sight.
Beyond the water, there’s MagiQuest, an interactive adventure where kids run around with magic wands solving puzzles, plus mini-golf, a ropes course, and a bowling alley.
With themed hotel rooms and plenty of on-site dining, you can easily spend an entire weekend here without ever needing to leave.
10. Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
In New Braunfels, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is basically the king of Texas water parks, with miles of slides, tube chutes, and river rides.
The park is split into two sections—one with modern water slides like the Master Blaster and another with natural spring-fed rides that float you through real river water.
The lazy rivers here aren’t just for relaxing; some turn into wild rapids that send you twisting and spinning, while others take you on a long, scenic float under shady cypress trees.
The park only runs in the warmer months, so be sure to check the season before planning your trip.
11. Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures, New Caney
In New Caney, Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures is like a summer camp cranked up to the next level, with water rides, ziplines, and even an alligator encounter.
The water park side has giant slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, but it also throws in a floating obstacle course where you can slip, slide, and wipe out as much as you want.
On the adventure side, you can tackle a high-ropes course, race down a giant slide, or try axe throwing!
It closes for the winter, so you’ll have to wait for warm weather to check it out, but when summer hits, this place is packed with action.
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