Looking for a Great Summer Vacation: Texas has one of the Hottest Water Parks Around. by Tymon Hytem

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Looking for a Great Summer Vacation: Texas has one of the Hottest Water Parks Around.
by Tymon Hytem

Dubbed the most popular waterpark in the United States, Schlitterbahn is an attraction that has many people flocking to central Texas. Opened in 1979 in New Braunfels, Texas with only four water slides coming out of a large German castle, the park has come a long way. Currently Schlitterbahn has opened two other locations across central texas; one in Galveston, Texas and one on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico on South Padre Island. Each park has its own unique settings with lots of different things to do for kids of all ages.

We will begin our exciting tour by exploring the first Schlitterbahn Park in New Braunfels, Texas. This park is situated along the shade treed banks of the Comal River. It is this natural setting that makes it an attractive spot for visitors from all over the world. Boasting more than 40 rides and attractions, it is definitely a place that will keep you busy while visiting. There are water attractions available for every age as well as all swimming ability. You can enjoy a lazy ride down a slow flowing river or jump right in on a raging river ride for a mile journey ending in a huge splash in the Comal River. There are also gift shops to check out, playgrounds for the young as well as hot tubs to enjoy. No matter where you go in this 65 acre resort, you will find something for everyone. It is a place that you will want to spend more than one day at, so take advantage of the onsite lodging and resort. You can also visit a lot of the area restaurants and bring your own food into the park for a picnic. This might be a great way to check out some of the local San Antonio Restaurants cuisine and save you a few bucks in the process. Remember that New Braunfels has many restaurants which offer great German food as well as good old fashion Texas Barbecue. No matter what your choice is, this is definitely a great place to take the whole family.

The second stop on our waterpark adventure is Schlitterbahn Beach. This park located on South Padre Island opened in 2001 as a revolutionary waterpark. Located at the very southern tip of Texas overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this is the ultimate tropical beach paradise for waterparks. You can rid the Rio Aventura around the park getting from activity to attraction without walking or having to get out of the water. There is a giant sandcastle to explore with shallow pools and flume rides for family entertainment. There is a boardwalk to enjoy and white sandy beaches to take a stroll on. If surfing is your thing then this is definitely the park for you. It has the largest man made surfing wave in the USA; and what a site to see. When it is time to eat, you have several choices. You can check out the quick BBQ Haus where you can get a taste of Texan Barbecue or opt for the fresh Gulf Shrimp by enjoying the Schlitterbahn’s Shrimp Haus Restaurants. Again, you don’t have to eat at the park; you always have the option of brining in your food choice from elsewhere and picnicking while in the park.

The third stop on our tour of Schlitterbahn Water Park is located in Galveston, Texas. The makers of Schlitterbahn’s went all out for this park as they added a retractable roof which allows for year round fun and entertainment. This is a much smaller park with only 26 acres to explore. Again, there is a large German castle that greets you upon entering the park. With over 20 water attractions for every age from the littlest to the oldest, this park is jam packed with a remarkable variety of water rides and activities. The big draw, MasterBlaster uphill water coaster, was invented by the people at Schlitterbahn’s. You can also get from attraction to attraction via a lazy river rids which makes it easy to get to where you want to go without having to walk or wait in line. This year, the park is expanding with a new ride called the Blastenhoff, the most thrilling slides ever dreamed of. One slide has a vertical drop of almost 80 feet; another slide is in total darkness. With so many new attractions to see, it is a definite must on your next vacation stop.

When planning your next vacation, make sure to check out all that Schlitterbahn’s has to offer. There is something for everyone no matter how big of a kid they are. While you are visiting, you are bound to have a great time experiencing one of the greatest attractions in all of central Texas. No matter which park you choose to visit, you will definitely get a taste of Big Texan Fun, but also some good Texan food.

Author's Biography:

Tymon Hytem is a native Texan who has lived in the Texas Hill Country his entire life. He is knowledgeable about the lifestyles, foods and travel destinations of Texas. You can find some more information on Texas restaurants, destinations and attractions that you do not want to miss by visiting

Posted on: May 16,2007

Email: tymonhytem@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.cuisineofsanantonio.com