It’s no exaggeration to say that Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a New Braunfels icon, beloved by both locals and tourists. Since 1979, it has consistently been named the World’s Best Waterpark by Amusement Today—and once you visit, you’ll understand why.
Across 70 acres and more than 45 attractions, Schlitterbahn offers a huge range of water activities, from relaxing pools with swim-up bars to not-so-lazy rivers, surf rides, splash zones for kids, and thrilling slides that get your heart racing.
What makes Schlitterbahn truly unique is its use of natural spring-fed water from the Comal River, which keeps several pools and river rides naturally cool even in peak Texas heat. It’s a refreshing and totally unforgettable experience.
This guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect Schlitterbahn day. Let’s get started!
Essential Park Info
Location
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is located at 400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130. The park sits between Austin and San Antonio, making it accessible from both cities in under an hour. If you’re coming from Houston or Dallas, expect a 2-3 hour drive depending on traffic.
Seasonality & Typical Hours
Here’s something crucial to understand: Schlitterbahn is a seasonal outdoor waterpark. The waterpark is closed from mid-September until mid-April, but the resort’s accommodations are open year-round and provide an excellent home base for exploring the Texas Hill Country.
Needless to say, the park typically operates during summer from mid-April through mid-September.
Operating hours vary significantly by day and season. Peak summer weekends (June-August) see longer hours, often 11 AM to 7 PM or later. Early and late season days might have shortened hours, sometimes from 10 AM to 6 PM.
The absolute most important thing you can do before visiting is check the current schedule on Schlitterbahn’s official website. Don’t assume they’re open just because it’s summer—specific days might be closed for private events or operational reasons. Don’t be that person who drives two hours only to find the park closed.
Tickets & Passes Overview
Schlitterbahn offers several ticket and pass options, and the pricing structure is designed to reward planning ahead and buying online.
Single-Day Tickets: Gate prices are $84 for anyone ages 3 and up, while online prices range from $49 to $65 plus taxes and fees. That’s a significant difference; you’re potentially saving $20-35 per person just by buying online instead of showing up at the gate.
The “Good Any Day Ticket” is only $42 when purchased online for the 2026 season, valid on any operating day.
Season Passes: The 2026 Gold Pass costs just 3 payments of $22 per month and provides unlimited visits to Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, plus access to 40+ Six Flags parks.
Park Layout & Major Areas
Understanding Schlitterbahn’s layout prevents wasted time wandering and helps you plan an efficient day. The park is divided into two main sections—East and West—each with its own character and attractions.
Schlitterbahn West is the original park that opened in 1979. You’ll recognize it by the iconic Schlitterbahn Castle visible as you pull up. West features eight tube chutes, seven kids’ play areas, a wave pool, and swim-up bars with heated pools.
Schlitterbahn East opened in 1991 and actually consists of three distinct areas. Surfenburg is home to the Boogie Bahn surfing ride and Dragon’s Revenge uphill water coaster.
Blastenhoff contains the Torrent River and the Blast Tower with three high-thrill slides, including Master Blaster, Wolf Pack, and Black Knight. Tubenbach features The Falls, the world’s longest tubing adventure ride.
Where to Base Yourself
If you have toddlers or young kids, start in Schlitterbahn West, where the majority of kiddie play areas are located. The shaded seating and proximity to multiple kids’ attractions make it convenient for families.
If you’re chasing thrill rides, head straight to Schlitterbahn East in the morning when lines are shortest. Hit the Blast Tower rides early, then work your way through other attractions as the day progresses.
If you want a central location with access to food and restrooms, both parks have multiple dining locations and facilities. Just grab a map when you enter and locate the nearest amenities to wherever you plan to spend the most time.
Must-Ride & Signature Attractions
Schlitterbahn’s 45 attractions range from gentle kiddie pools to heart-pounding thrill rides. Here’s an overview of what you absolutely shouldn’t miss, organized by thrill level.
Master Blaster
This is Schlitterbahn’s signature ride and the most popular attraction at the park. The Master Blaster is a water coaster that propels riders uphill using water jets through dips and turns.
Instead of just sliding downhill like traditional waterslides, the Master Blaster uses powerful water jets to blast you uphill, defying gravity and creating a roller coaster experience on water.
Expect lines: Master Blaster is popular, and lines can reach intense lengths in the middle of the day, so the best time to catch a ride is at the beginning of your day at Schlitterbahn.
Dragon’s Revenge
Dragon’s Revenge is the first-ever uphill water coaster, originally named Dragon Blaster when it opened in 1994. Like Master Blaster, this ride shoots you uphill using water pressure, but Dragon’s Revenge adds theatrical elements with audio and visual effects.
The first water coaster features action, effects, and a heart-pounding drop, with a minimum height requirement of 42 inches or 3.5 feet.
The Falls
The Falls is the world’s longest waterpark ride at 3,600 feet, taking riders on a high-energy tour through wild rapids, dramatic waterfalls, and giant waves.
On most days you don’t have to wait in line and can find a tube and float and relax in some calmer sections before the ride picks up with drops and rapids.
The Falls offers the best of both worlds—relaxing float sections where you can catch your breath and enjoy the scenery, combined with exciting rapids and drops that keep things interesting. It’s long enough to feel like a real river adventure but is contained within the park.
Hillside Tube Chute
This ride starts at the iconic Schlitterbahn Castle and winds down among beautiful landscaping before picking up pace with several drops and turns, ending with a big drop before gently dropping you into the Lagoon Pool.
It’s a classic tube chute experience—fast enough to be fun, dramatic enough to get your adrenaline going, but accessible to most ages and thrill tolerances.
Planning Your Visit
Ride-Order Strategy
Here’s the smart approach: hit the most popular thrill rides first thing in the morning when everyone else is still finding their bearings. Master Blaster and Dragon’s Revenge should be your first stops, followed by The Falls and other high-demand attractions.
Mid-morning through early afternoon (10 AM – 2 PM) is when lines peak. This is when you pivot to either kid areas if you have young children, lazy rivers, and wave pools where wait times don’t matter as much, or food and rest breaks.
Late afternoon and evening (after 3-4 PM) often see lines shorten as families with young kids leave and some day guests tire out. This is your second window for hitting rides you missed in the morning.
Single Day vs Multi-Day Visits
Can you do Schlitterbahn in one day? Technically, yes, but you’ll be exhausted and won’t experience everything.
With so many options, why visit for just a day?
A single day works if you’re strategic, arrive early, and prioritize your must-do attractions. Focus on either thrill rides or family attractions rather than trying to do absolutely everything.
Two days is ideal for experiencing the park thoroughly without feeling rushed. You can dedicate day one to Schlitterbahn East’s thrill rides and day two to Schlitterbahn West’s more relaxed attractions and kid areas.
Food, Drinks & Cabanas
Dining Options
Schlitterbahn features over 30 dining locations scattered throughout East and West parks, ranging from quick-service counters to sit-down restaurants with shaded seating.
Menu offerings include typical American fastfood meals and Tex-Mex options. Prices are follow theme park pricing so expect $10-15 for most entrees and $4-6 for drinks.
The park does offer seasonal dining plans so do check that out as well.
Cabanas & Premium Rentals
Private cabanas are available that you may reserve and rest in at the water park. Cabanas provide shaded seating, storage space, and a home base for your group throughout the day.
Pricing for cabanas varies by size and location, typically ranging from $150-400+ per day depending on amenities and capacity. While expensive, split among a large group, cabanas provide significant value in comfort and convenience.
Bringing Food & Cooler Policy
Here’s some great news that sets Schlitterbahn apart from many theme parks: guests are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, excluding glass containers and alcohol.
Coolers are welcome with some common-sense restrictions. Don’t bring massive commercial-sized coolers, of course. Soft-sided coolers work great and are easier to carry around the park.
Safety, Height Requirements & Ride Restrictions
General Safety Rules
Standard waterpark safety applies at Schlitterbahn: follow lifeguard instructions without argument, no diving in shallow areas or anywhere it’s prohibited.
Stay hydrated throughout the day (heat exhaustion is real), apply and reapply sunscreen religiously, and watch children closely even in seemingly safe areas.
Lifeguards are also posted at major attractions and monitor water quality throughout the park.
Height & Health Restrictions
Each ride has specific height requirements based on safety testing and regulations. To reiterate, Dragon’s Revenge has a minimum height requirement of 42 inches or 3.5 feet.
Master Blaster and other thrill rides have similar minimums to ensure riders can safely hold on and maintain proper riding position.
This should go without saying but health restrictions prohibit riding for guests with recent surgery, heart trouble, high blood pressure, neck or back problems, pregnancy, or any physical conditions that may be aggravated by the ride.
Check the official Schlitterbahn website for a complete list of ride restrictions before your visit. Knowing in advance what rides your family can and can’t do prevents disappointment and helps you plan your day.
One-Of-A-Kind Waterpark in New Braunfels
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has earned its reputation as one of the world’s best waterparks through decades of innovation, quality, and commitment to guest experience.
Whether you’re chasing thrill rides that defy gravity, seeking family fun everyone can enjoy together, or just wanting to float lazy rivers under the Texas sun, Schlitterbahn delivers.
Don’t try to do everything in one rushed day. Prioritize what matters most to your group, build in rest breaks, stay hydrated, and remember that waterparks are supposed to be fun, not forced marches through every attraction.
Book your tickets now through the official Schlitterbahn website, mark your calendar for a weekday visit if possible, pack your sunscreen and water shoes, and get ready for one of the best waterpark experiences Texas offers.
Featured image credit: @bahnnewbraunfels via Instagram