Spread over 48 acres in Spring, Hurricane Harbor Splashtown is the largest water park in the Houston area. It’s also one of the oldest and has been providing Houstonians of all ages loads of water-based fun since 1984. The park’s rides include seven high-powered experiences for thrill seekers, and five other more leisurely paced ones that are perfect for families. Standouts include interactive play areas for the kiddos, a half-million-gallon wave pool, and a truly Texas-size lazy river.

More than 30 attractions sprinkled across 26 acres in Galveston sport a pretty even mix between wild and mild, meaning every member of your family can participate in the fun. Schlitterbahn also has a not-so-lazy river with rapids and white water.

The aquatic complex at the Woodlands Resort is home to pools (family-friendly recreation and a lagoon-style one), a kiddo-centric “sprayground,” two waterslides, multiple lounge areas, and a lazy river. Shaded cabanas are also available to rent, perfect for tired parental units who don’t want to leave, while well-appointed hotel rooms make it a true staycation destination.

Second Ward’s El Segundo Swim Club is a 21-and-over oasis featuring a 1,350-square-foot pool, upcycled cabanas fashioned from industrial containers, and an elevated yet casual drink menu to help you further enjoy the summer vibes. The Gin Braverman–designed space sports a retro look and feel inspired by Rio de Janeiro in the 1970s, complete with colorful textiles, murals, and plenty of tropical vegetation. For $30–35, guests can purchase a day pass, which allows them to take advantage of the pool as well as the swimming club’s drink menu (paid for separately): think cocktails by the pitcher, canned beer and wine, and a bevy of sparkling options. The best time to stop by is on the weekend, when DJs spin poolside. Not interested in a party? Claim a comfy lounge chair or hammock, or even splurge for a private cabana, and curl up with your favorite book.

About an hour’s drive south from Houston, fittingly named Surfside has been built around a particular sport—bet you can guess which one. If you don’t have your own board but still want to try to get on the waves, rent one, or a Jet Ski or kayak, too, from one of many local outfitters. And while the beach can get pretty packed on weekends and holidays, rest assured it’s still nowhere near as crowded as Galveston’s beaches.

Texas’s third-largest lake is only an hour and a half north of the city, and when it comes to water-based activities, you’d be hard-pressed to find a spot in the region with more options. The lake is home to six public boat ramps, as well as plenty of spots where you can rent a boat (or Jet Ski, canoe, or kayak) for the day, which means you can launch your next adventure with ease. Nearby cabin rentals are another option for a comfortable home-away-from-home base. And if you’re okay forgoing air conditioning (gulp), then camping in one of the park’s myriad campsites is always an option.

When most people think of prime locales for scuba diving, Texas is probably not at the top of their list. Those people have never been to Huntsville’s Blue Lagoon, 90 minutes north of Houston. The lagoon rests in a former limestone quarry fed by crystal-blue spring water, and divers pay $25 per person for the opportunity to explore the quarry’s warm water and deep caves. If you’re looking to get certified yourself, Texan Scuba offers weekend diving classes. Swimmers are also welcome, but they’re allowed into the lagoon only at certain times, and they’re charged an extra $5 for the trouble.

If you’re unable to go on that dream Caribbean vacation this summer, the next best thing might be Lagoonfest Texas in Texas City. This man-made lagoon, the largest in Texas, encompasses 12 acres and 24 million gallons of water. Naturally, it’s home to several bars and restaurants, as well as paddleboard, kayak, and aqua cycle rentals. The lagoon also sports a floating aqua course for a water-based workout of sorts. And if your personal style is more in line with chillaxing beachside, consider renting a cabana or a pavilion for the day to spend your visit with a good book and a tropical drink.

If you’re looking for a staycation but still want to cover some ground in Texas, check out the Marriott Marquis’s Texas-shaped lazy river. Perched on a deck, the pool offers great views of downtown’s skyline as you slowly float your way through the state. When you hit El Paso, an underwater window allows guests to peer down at the street-level park a staggering 110 feet below. If lazy rivers aren’t your thing, there’s also an infinity pool, cabanas for rent, and a poolside bar and grill. 

This is where the families go in Galveston. Stewart Beach, located at Broadway Avenue and Seawall Boulevard, comes with a host of amenities not offered at other area sand stops: highly trained lifeguards, a children’s playground, and activities like cornhole and giant Jenga. Another win for parents? Alcohol, loud music, and ATVs are banned, so the kids can build sandcastles and boogie-board in peace.

This Galveston summertime attraction includes a lazy river, wave pool, white sand beach, and interactive play area perfect for the kids. For parents, there’s a spa and a handful of cabanas available to rent. The best part? It’s located in one of the most family-friendly complexes in the entire state.  Make a weekend of it and stay at the Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center, which offers easy access to Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and Discovery Museum.