Earlier this week #GrowingUpInTexas was trending on Twitter.
I was stuck in an airport and spent a bit of time going through the tweets with a big ol’ Texas size homesickness going on.
Texas: it’s a whole other country. Okay, not anymore (hey, we were a country once!) but sometimes it does seem to be just a different place.
Now that I’m visiting as an adult, I’m taking note of all the things that make Texas unique.
One big one is Schlitterbahn, the best water park in the world (awarded by?Amusement Today?s Golden Ticket Awards) 18 years running.
And yes, it’s that cool. Kinda literally- because the river water is a bit chilly!
It’s a family owned park located in New Braunfels, Texas. There are many reasons to love this park, but I’m going to run down a few from a mom perspective.
Six Reasons Moms Love Schlitterbahn
Free Parking.?Parking is always free at Schlitterbahn. What a wonderful welcome from the nickel and diming that we see at most amusement parks. If you show up early, you may even find a bit of shade from the hot Texas sun.
Pack Your Lunch.?This park is as budget friendly as they come. The tickets cover your?entrance to all three sections. It may be my background with Disney prices, but Schlitterbahn’s tickets are moderately priced. If you are local with a season pass, you are getting quite a deal. But what sells me on this park is the fact that we can pack in our lunch. We loaded the coolers up with water, fruit, veggies, sandwich makings, chips, and sodas. Found a perfect location under some shade and made it through the day without breaking the bank!
Tubes with bottoms for little ones.?I’m a fan of water parks, but so far, Schlitterbahn is the only one I’ve found that offers tubes with bottoms for the little ones. Since my youngest is 5 and on the small side, she can’t comfortably fit in most tubes. Having these fabulous bottoms for her make our adventures much safer and happier all round.
Safety.?Speaking of safety, there are lifeguards errrryyyywhere. I felt like someone was watching the water every 15 feet or so, and never worried about my kids or any others out there. Schlitterbahn had this covered. They also offer free life vests for anyone who needs them.
Ride Options. There is something for everyone here. We traveled with kids aged 68 to 5 years old, and no one was bored! We stayed for two days and easily could have stayed another.
Free Transportation.?This park has three sections. Two are within walking distance of each other (I highly suggest water shoes, y’all!) but the original park is a short distance away. Enter the Schlitterbahn buses. Easy on, easy off, and the open windows provided a cool ride between the sections. All for FREE.
We might not be a short trip up I-35 anymore, but I believe in tradition, and I?m happy to share this one with a new generation of Schlitterbahn lovers. This park is Mom Approved!
If you go:
Schlitterbahn is open seven days a week in New Braunfels, Texas. ?There are plenty of activities for kids of all ages and levels of swim ability. ?We traveled with kids 5-68 (ha!), and ALL had the best. time. ever! ?Safety is priority number 1 at Schlitterbahn: life vests and lifeguards were plenty!
400 N. Liberty Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
1-830-625-2351
Parking and tubes are always free!
Disclosure: ?I was given free one-day admission for my family for purposes of review. ?As always, opinions and love of Schlitterbahn are honest and all mine!
Have you ever been to a Schlitterbahn Park? ?I?d love to hear about your favorite memory!?
Patty Holliday is a Marvel loving, Disney obsessed wife, and mother of four. She’s a travel agent specializing in Disney & Universal vacations- and loves a candid confession. Find her in Virginia (or anywhere frequent flyer miles or her trusty minivan takes her.)
vicki says
We visit the Schlitterbahn in Galveston a lot, love the free parking and free tubes! I live in the lazy river 🙂
patty says
I haven’t been to that one yet- but I want to!