Kids Edited by Erin Kuschner


Cowabunga!


Our favorite water parks have Austin kiddos slipping and sliding their way into summer. By Erin Kuschner


Aquatica


the top of a zero-gravity wall), there’s a stingray pool in which kids can wade for the chance to pet and swim around the animals (reservations are required). Drive time: 1hr 30mins Thrill factor: à 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio (210-520-4732, aquaticabyseaworld.com). $44–$110.


Rock’N River Water Park Welcome to Splashville! No, seriously,


THERE ARE SWIMMING holes and streams aplenty in Austin, but sometimes you need a little more than natural spring water to appease the little ones. How about a couple of water slides—and maybe a wave pool? Kick your kids’ water experience up a notch this summer with a trip to some of our favorite water parks near Austin.


Aquatica You’ll have to head down to San Antonio for


this one—and push aside any ethical issues you might harbor (the joint is operated by SeaWorld)—but Aquatica is still a mecca on weekends for those wanting to cool down on triple-digit–temperature days. In addition to a handful of family-oriented rides (the Walhalla Wave lets the whole family climb onto a raft before shooting everyone to


Time Out Austin May 11–August 16, 2017


welcome to Splashville, Rock’N River’s newest play area that includes four water slides, tipping buckets, water guns and anything else you might find necessary when running around in your swimsuit. Be sure to check out the Quarry, too, where kids can scramble up a rock wall before jumping back into the water. A cavalcade of food trucks arrives each day; seek them when it’s time to refuel. Drive time: 30mins Thrill factor: à 3300 E Palm Valley, Round Rock (512-671-2737, roundrocktexas.gov). $5–$10.


Schlitterbahn Schlitterbahn’s New Braunfels location


is 70 acres of water wonderland, where looping waterslides, tube chutes and lazy rivers cater to both young’uns and adults. An on-site resort means you can head straight from your room to the Master


40 Schlitterbahn


Blaster Uphill Water Coaster, a six-story tall attraction that shoots riders up and down (à la Tower of Terror) before spiraling back to firm ground. Or, you know, there’s the kiddie pool. Drive time: 1hr Thrill factor: à 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX (855-246-0273, schlitterbahn.com). $39–$81.


PHOTOGRAPHS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): SHUTTERSTOCK; MIKIE FARIAS; COURTESY YELP/HEDY D.


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