Photographer: Schlitterbahn-Photo

Texas' most innovative waterpark is nestled between the dunes and wetlands on South Padre Island. Splash into more than a dozen water attractions, including slides, tube chutes, uphill water coasters, the Sand Castle water fun house and the Boogie Bahn surfing ride. The award-winning Rio Aventura links the tube-chutes and water-coasters with the park's beaches, so guests float between rides on water. Kids can enjoy Sand Castle Cove, a five-story water fun house. There's also a year-round, full-service restaurant plus a sports bar. Family amenities include free parking, free use of inner tubes, and guests are welcome to bring in their own picnic basket and cooler into the park - no alcohol or glass containers please. Waterpark is open weekends beginning April 22; open daily May 19 - Aug. 20; open weekends Aug. 26 - Sept. 17. Call or visit the website for full schedule. Admission fee.