Looking for fun and unique ways to stay cool? Lazy rivers offer a perfect, relaxing way to beat the extreme heat of a Texas summer.
Lazy rivers are shallow pools with a gentle current designed on a winding path for visitors to float on using pool tubes. Typically surrounded by a serene environment, lazy rivers are the ideal way to kick back and relax under the sun.
The good news is that there is an abundance of lazy rivers located throughout Texas in water parks, resorts, and hotels. Today, we have compiled a full list of the most unique lazy rivers in the Lone Star State for you and your family to enjoy!
1. Waco Surf
Waco Surf is an entertainment resort located in Waco, Texas. Most famous for its cabins and water sports, thrill-seekers of all ages will have access to wakeboarding, water slides, an artificial wave pool, and a surf lagoon.
Waco Surf features one of the most spectacular lazy rivers in all of Texas. Surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping, the river runs for an impressive 5,280 ft — one whole mile! This makes it the longest man-made lazy river in the entire state.
2. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is one of the most frequented Texas hotels, and for good reason! Located in San Antonio, Texas, this Four-Diamond resort features an on-site luxury spa and a nine-acre water park.
Along with water slides, activity pools, a children’s pool, and an adults-only infinity pool and hot tub, the River Bluff Water Experience includes an impressive 1,100-foot lazy river. For something a little more thrilling, there is also a faster-paced Rapid River Ride.
3. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown is located in Spring, Texas, and operates every year from May to September. This spot is action-packed and features thrilling attractions like Runaway Rapids, Paradise Plunge, Big Kahuna, Bonzai Pipelines, and FlowRider.
At Splashtown, there are several areas for families to play together, including Coconut Bay, the Blue Lagoon Activity Pool, Tree House, and Hurricane Bay. Guests of all ages are welcome to grab a tube and float down the Paradise River lazy river.
4. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa is nestled upon 300 acres of historic ranch land in San Antonio, Texas. This hotel offers the perfect chance to step away from the chaos of work to enjoy a countryside getaway.
Between surfing, bike riding, golfing, and swimming, you will never run out of things to do during your stay! Be sure to make time for the water park and spectacular lazy river, which is designed with live oak trees and a dark bottom to replicate an authentic Texas river ride.
5. Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Texas, is 70 acres of innovative aquatic fun. This waterpark provides families with access to water coasters, tube chutes, wave pools, and swimming pools filled with refreshing spring water.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark has not one but two river rides. At the Kristal River, guests can enjoy an endless soothing ride on tubes over the water. For something a little more exciting, they can ride the Torrent River, where tidal waves break around every turn.
6. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is the perfect wilderness retreat for the whole family. Located in Cedar Creek — about 40 minutes outside of Austin — and resting on 400 acres of land just beside the banks of the Colorado River, this hotel is surrounded by natural beauty.
After guests check in at the front desk, they can have fun horseback riding, kayaking, competing at tennis and archery, hiking the riverwalk, and playing at the on-site water park. Aquatic features include a two-story waterslide, splash pad, family pool, adults-only pool, and soothing lazy river.
7. Comal River
Comal River offers up one of the best opportunities for natural tubing in the state of Texas. Originating from the springs at Landa Park in New Braunfels, Texas, it is the shortest navigable river in the state, meaning it is safe enough for visitors to ride the tide.
The Comal River maintains a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a prime location for tubing year-round. One of the most popular sections of the 2.5 miles of river is the man-made Tube Chute rapids section, where things get a little more exciting.
8. The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Woodlands Resort, located right outside Houston, is a family-friendly hotel, perfect for spending quality time together. The resort includes two championship golf courses, a lagoon-style pool, underwater treasure hunts, and 30-foot double helix tower waterslides.
With outdoor pools, waterslides, and waterfalls that are always heated to over 85 degrees, The Woodlands Resort is the best place to go for a swim, regardless of the time of year. Guests can mosey down the lazy river surrounded by palm trees and a pine forest.
9. Great Wolf Lodge Texas
Great Wolf Lodge Texas is an action-packed resort filled with fun for guests of all ages. Located in the city of Grapevine, this Great Wolf Lodge location includes bowling, mini-golf, a ropes course, an arcade, and several dining options.
The most famous attraction at Great Wolf Lodge Texas is the climate-controlled indoor pool and water park which includes Alberta Falls, Racoon Lagoon, Coyote Cannon, Fort Mackenzie, and Howlin’ Tornado. When it’s time to relax, hit up Crooked Creek, the gentle lazy river.
10. Hilton Anatole
The Hilton Anatole, located in Dallas, Texas, is known for its unique and expansive pool complex, JadeWaters. JadeWaters includes a 7,000 sq. ft. beach entry pool, an activity pool with play areas, and two water slides.
For grown-ups, there is the Leisure Cove pool with a swim-up bar and snacks from the Media Grill to enjoy poolside, as well as a full-service spa that offers facials, massages, manis, and pedis. The entire family can kick back and relax riding tubes down the 630 ft. lazy river.
What Hotel Has a Lazy River in the Shape of Texas?
The Marriott Marquis Houston is an upscale resort nestled in the middle of downtown Houston, Texas. Located by the Houston Rockets arena and the Houston Astros stadium, the hotel is built with a modern design and features more than 1,000 rooms and suites.
The impressive spa and convention center located on property grounds make it one of Texas’ most notable luxury hotels. Connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Marriott Marquis comes with 150,000 square feet of event space.
The Pure Spa invites guests to relax and replenish their bodies and minds with an array of facials, massages, and body treatments. Popular services include the HydraFacial and the Organic Detox & Tone Up Body Scrub.
On the 6th floor is the 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center. Spanning over 11,000 square feet, visitors looking to get in some exercise will have access to cross trainers, treadmills, recumbent bikes, strength training equipment, and more.
Perhaps the most popular amenity at the resort is the Altitude Rooftop and Pool area. Up on the roof of the Marquis is a beautiful poolscape fitted with loungers, cabanas, and pergolas. You can go for a swim in the beautiful infinity pool or soothing whirlpool.
The true piece-de-resistance is the lazy river. The Marriott Marquis Houston boasts the world’s only rooftop Texas-shaped lazy river. Heated all year long, you will be able to float around the distinctly designed river, taking in views of the Houston skyline.
When the sun begins to set, the lazy river is lit from down below. You will frequently find live music being performed for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to enjoy poolside food service and grab a drink at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool Bar.
How ResortPass Can Help
Why limit yourself to just one lazy river? With so many lazy rivers all throughout Texas, many of which are located on the grounds of luxury resorts, you can use ResortPass to try out multiple lazy rivers without breaking the bank.
By purchasing a DayPass through the ResortPass website or app, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the amenities at over 1000 hotels around the world. Take your pick at a resort in the area, reserve passes for you and your family, and get the fun started!
On the off chance that you need to postpone your trip to the pool, the typical cancellation policy for ResortPass is that if you cancel 48 hours before your reservation time, you will receive a full refund. That said, every hotel comes with its own set of policies, so be sure to check the details of your booking beforehand.
In no time at all, you and your family will be floating down a beautiful lazy river!
