The thrill slides that made Hurricane Harbor famous? Still here. Still wild. Still a total blast. But what makes this latest chapter so special is the park’s shift toward a full-family experience. This isn’t just a waterpark for teens and adrenaline-seekers anymore. The park’s team walked through the entire guest experience—from toddlers to grandparents—and rebuilt it with every age group in mind.
They’ve truly knocked it out of the park. Whether you’re pushing a stroller, planning a birthday party, or reuniting with a multigenerational family crew, there’s something here for everyone. And it all comes to life in bright color, cool water, and genuine Texas hospitality.
They’ve truly knocked it out of the park. Whether you’re pushing a stroller, planning a birthday party, or reuniting with a multigenerational family crew, there’s something here for everyone. And it all comes to life in bright color, cool water, and genuine Texas hospitality.
The NEW Splash Island: 58,000 Square Feet of Pure Joy
At the heart of the renovation is Splash Island—a colorful, splash-filled paradise that’s already stealing the spotlight. I had a chance to talk to the park manager, who has worked at parks across the country but calls this one “her baby.” Her pride in the project is clear—and rightfully so.
Let’s start with the sheer scale:
- A whopping 58,000 square feet of space for families to explore
- A multi-level treehouse play structure standing 50 feet tall
- 17 unique water slides of every twist, drop, and speed imaginable
- 110 interactive water features, from sprayers to cannons
- A sprawling splash pad for easy, playful fun
When the bell rings to announce the bucket drop, kids and adults alike rush under in anticipation. It's the kind of shared, spontaneous moment that turns into the stuff of lifelong memories. Whether you're sliding down one of the many bright, kid-friendly slides or dodging streams from a mischievous water cannon, there's never a dull second at Splash Island.
And let’s talk about access: most of the slides have a 36-inch height requirement, meaning even your younger adventurers can dive into the fun. My 8-year-old had a blast—and made sure I knew that the lime green slide is the best one (a sentiment shared by the park manager herself). Taylor from the PR team made a strong case for the yellow slide, and my son agrees—it’s way too much fun to ride just once.
If you’re looking for a shady spot to relax while the kids go full throttle, you’ve got options. Lounge chairs in the sun and shade are included with admission (first come, first served).
And let’s talk about access: most of the slides have a 36-inch height requirement, meaning even your younger adventurers can dive into the fun. My 8-year-old had a blast—and made sure I knew that the lime green slide is the best one (a sentiment shared by the park manager herself). Taylor from the PR team made a strong case for the yellow slide, and my son agrees—it’s way too much fun to ride just once.
If you’re looking for a shady spot to relax while the kids go full throttle, you’ve got options. Lounge chairs in the sun and shade are included with admission (first come, first served).
You can also rent one of the tropical cabanas for a day of comfort and convenience. They're perfect for birthdays, family reunions, or just treating your family to something special. Truly, renting a cabana is the ultimate birthday party idea for summer birthday celebrations in DFW!
Big Flavor, Bigger Brisket at Smokehouse on the Water
Of course, no Texas destination would be complete without something mouthwatering, and Hurricane Harbor delivers! I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Nico, the executive chef for both Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor, whose experience spans restaurants and parks across the country. But make no mistake—he’s a native Texan at heart, and it shows in every bite.
Smokehouse on the Water is the perfect restaurant for a Texas waterpark. The brisket and mac and cheese is nothing short of incredible. Thick-cut brisket, perfectly seasoned and tender, paired with creamy, cheesy mac that would make any Southern grandma proud. This isn’t just good for a theme park—it’s competition-worthy barbecue, served up in the middle of a waterpark. They really ought to enter that brisket into a Texas cookoff.
Hurricane Harbor food prices are posted throughout the park. Prices may change over time, but I took a few snapshots of the food prices from when we visited this week so that you have an idea of the options available at the Smokehouse on the Water restaurant (July 15, 2025).
The baskets are nice for lunch or dinner! While appetites may vary, one basket is plenty to split with my son.
Of course, they have fries and more as well!
They offer plenty of options to stay hydrated. Personally, I recommend the All Season cups. It's a great deal that you can even buy online in advance of your visit. You can then use the cups at Hurricane Harbor or Six Flags Over Texas throughout the year!
And honestly, that brisket? Worth every penny. Celebrate Something Big—or Just Celebrate Summer
Hurricane Harbor isn’t just a great place for a casual family outing—it’s also ideal for birthdays, family reunions, or special celebrations. The tropical cabanas can be rented for the day and include food and drink delivery, making it easy to create a special experience without ever leaving your shaded spot.
And here’s a hot tip for families across North Texas: the Season Passes are one of the best entertainment deals around. They give you access to both Hurricane Harbor Arlington and Six Flags Over Texas, just down the road. As of July 15, 2025, they even include free parking with every pass level! So once you have your pass, all you need to do is show up and enjoy. (Visit here to learn more about season passes.)
Even if you only visit once each season, you’ll get your money’s worth. But with all that Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags have to offer, you’ll likely be tempted to come again and again.
Even if you only visit once each season, you’ll get your money’s worth. But with all that Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags have to offer, you’ll likely be tempted to come again and again.
And keep your eyes open—2026 Season Passes will be announced soon. They’ll give you access for the rest of 2025 and all of next year. That means summer splashes at Hurricane Harbor and year-round fun at Six Flags, including seasonal favorites like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park.
What I love most is how the Six Flags team makes a point to include everyone throughout the year. For instance, you may think that Fright Fest is only for adults. That's no longer the case because they have festive day-time events for our little Texans! Fright Fest has its legendary scares, sure—but it also has pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating in Bugs Bunny Boom Town, so even the littlest family members can take part in the festivities.
What I love most is how the Six Flags team makes a point to include everyone throughout the year. For instance, you may think that Fright Fest is only for adults. That's no longer the case because they have festive day-time events for our little Texans! Fright Fest has its legendary scares, sure—but it also has pumpkin painting and trick-or-treating in Bugs Bunny Boom Town, so even the littlest family members can take part in the festivities.
The Memories Are Waiting
There’s nothing quite like the sound of your child’s laughter under a spray of water, or the sight of them racing to get one more slide in before lunch. This park is more than a destination—it’s a memory-making machine, and it’s now designed to welcome every member of the family with open arms.
So grab your towels, load up the car, and head to Hurricane Harbor Arlington. From the splash-tastic new Splash Island to the smoky brisket, tropical cabanas, and unbeatable value of a season pass, this park is bringing Texas-sized fun to a whole new level.
And if you need a reason to go? Just look at the giant grin on my son’s face as the 1,000-gallon bucket drenched him in water and pure happiness. That smile is what summer’s all about.
There’s nothing quite like the sound of your child’s laughter under a spray of water, or the sight of them racing to get one more slide in before lunch. This park is more than a destination—it’s a memory-making machine, and it’s now designed to welcome every member of the family with open arms.
So grab your towels, load up the car, and head to Hurricane Harbor Arlington. From the splash-tastic new Splash Island to the smoky brisket, tropical cabanas, and unbeatable value of a season pass, this park is bringing Texas-sized fun to a whole new level.
And if you need a reason to go? Just look at the giant grin on my son’s face as the 1,000-gallon bucket drenched him in water and pure happiness. That smile is what summer’s all about.
Learn More
Visit Hurricane Harbor's website and follow them on Facebook!
Read about the new Splash Island!
Get your Hurricane Harbor tickets in advance to score the best deals!
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