Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is the park that put the town on the national waterpark map. It opened in 1979 as a modest riverside operation and grew into a sprawling complex stretched along the Comal River, where spring-fed water is used to feed rides, lazy rivers and tube chutes. The setting is unusual for a waterpark, since the old live oaks, the river banks and the German-influenced architecture give it the feeling of a summer camp that happens to include a dozen thrill slides.The park is organised in sections, each with a different mood. There are family-friendly lazy rivers, wave pools and kiddie areas for little ones, and then the headline rides: steep multi-lane mat racers, tall body slides, transportation systems that carry tubers uphill on conveyor belts and the signature uphill water coasters that make a Schlitterbahn day feel different from an ordinary slide park. The operators keep adding new rides, so check what is new before you go.
Treat the day as an outdoor trip, not a quick visit. Arrive near opening so you can claim a shaded table or locker, hit the biggest rides before the afternoon queues form, and then drift to the lazy rivers and food areas while the heat peaks. The park is large and walking is part of the experience, so wear water shoes, bring a spare dry set of clothes and plan for lots of sunscreen.
Check the height and swimming rules for the rides you want, since the biggest slides have restrictions, and read the current policy on what you can bring through the gate.Seasonality is strict. The park runs for the warm months, normally opening in spring, running daily through the summer and returning to weekends in early autumn. Weather can close rides at short notice, so keep a flexible plan and watch the park website on the morning you go.
Midweek visits during school term are far calmer than July weekends. Parking, food and lockers are extra, so factor them into the budget, and think about a combination ticket if you also want a second day.Many visitors pair Schlitterbahn with an evening in Gruene or a stroll around Landa Park, and a family with small children might choose a park day followed by a quiet picnic along the river.
If your group is divided, with some people wanting to do rides and others wanting to float, the Comal tubing experience sits just across the water and is an easy alternative. Whatever you choose, expect a long, loud, sunny day, bring more water than you think you need, and remember that the cheapest tickets are almost always the ones booked in advance online.
What to expect
The experience
A large waterpark on the Comal River with tube chutes, slides, lazy rivers and mat racers.
Best time
Weekday mornings in summer for shorter lines; check seasonal opening days before you plan.
How long
Plan for six to eight hours, arriving close to opening.
Tips
Book tickets online ahead of time, bring water shoes and a dry change of clothes, and check ride height rules before you queue.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and thrill-seekers who want a full waterpark day.
- Families
- Excellent for all ages, with dedicated areas for small children.
- Couples
- A fun date day if you both like slides, less so if you want quiet.
- Pair with
- An evening in Gruene or a sunset at Landa Park.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
When is the park open?+
It operates in the warm months, with daily service in summer and limited days in spring and autumn. Check the park calendar before you travel.
Is it suitable for small children?+
Yes. There are shallow areas, lazy rivers and children-only sections alongside the big rides.
Can I bring my own food?+
Rules change, so read the current policy before you go and plan to buy at least some food and drink inside.
What should I wear?+
A swimsuit that stays put, water shoes and a hat, with sunscreen reapplied through the day.
Is there a good time to avoid crowds?+
Weekdays during school term and the first hour after opening are the quietest periods.