Water parks in Arlington, Texas provide loads of fun relief from the Lone Star State's sizzling summer heat. Towering, twisting slides, children's areas full of splash and play zones and wave pools await families who know that the best way to beat the heat is with water--and lots of it. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Arlington, Texas water parks.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Arlington
With over 47 acres filled with water slides and attractions, Hurricane Harbor is the largest water park in North Texas. In addition, many of
's attractions, such as the 500-foot
tube slides and the
's surfable waves, are state-of-the-art attractions you can't find at just any water park.
Four-Story Slide
The four-story
looks like a gigantic version of the half pipes found at skateboarding or snowboard parks. Riders on this Hurricane Harbor water attraction fly down one side of the U-shaped slide, then up the other at speeds of over 20 mph. As the name implies, it's a wedgie-inducing experience.
Other Attractions
If you enjoy flying blindly in total darkness, then the 500-foot Black Hole's tube slides are for you. If you prefer plunging seven stories straight down, then look for the
slide (temporarily closed as of July 2011). If slides aren't for you but you've always wanted to try surfing, hop aboard Surf Rider, which gives you perfect waves time and time again. Little ones haven't been forgotten: Hurricane Harbor has a
full of fun water activities and slides built just for them.
Meats And Sweets
Look for pizza at Peg Leg Pete's as well as grilled hamburgers, chicken and fries at the Surfside Grill. In addition, the park has plenty of options for a sweet tooth, including Dippin' Dots, Smoothies and soft-serve ice cream.
Safety Record
, Six Flags Arlington flooded in September 2010. At least one person was reported dead from the flooding waters.
Address: 1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006Phone: 817-640-8900Hours: Opens in summer months at 10:30 a.m. and closes between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. depending on the day and month. Limited schedule in May, the first week of June, late August and September.Price: Adults, $27.99; juniors (shorter than 48 inches), $21.99; children 2 and younger, free.
NRH2O
NRH2O considers itself a family friendly park that allows guests to bring coolers in and offers "dive-in" movies on Friday nights in the summer. The park has a number of water slides ranging from the thrilling new Viper to little ones that are perfect for the tots in the family. Of course NRH2O also has the two big family favorites, a lazy river and a wave pool, as well.
Snake-like Slide
Thrill seekers won't want to miss the
, NRH2O's newest and coolest-looking slide. This colorful ride has fast, twisting turns, high banks and a drop into a 20-foot tube. According to
, an amusement-industry newsletter, as of 2011 this is the only ride of its kind in the United States.
Other Slides
NRH2O has a number of other slides, including the 1,161-foot-long
, which stands seven stories tall. Children can play, slide and splash to their hearts' content in the colorful
, an area designed especially for them. After the family has had as much fun as they can take, everyone can chill out on the relaxing lazy river.
Park Fare
NRH2O's concession stands sell standard park fare such as pizza, hamburgers and snacks. NRH2O allows families to bring in coolers filled with their own beverages and food. Prepared food from outside vendors or restaurants is not allowed, nor is glass containers.
Safety Record
In 2004, a
of a preexisting heart condition while at the park. Our research has turned up no other reports of serious accidents or deaths at NRH2O.
Address: 9001 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, TX 76180Phone: 817-427-6500Hours: Opens daily in summer months at 10 a.m. and closes between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. depending on the day of the week and month. Limited schedule in May, the last weeks of August and September.Price: Adults and those taller than 48 inches, $23.99; children shorter than 48 inches, $19.99; children 2 and younger, free.
Other Noteworthy Parks Near New Jersey
What's your favorite water park near Arlington?
Check out more WATER PARKS.
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