Waterparks

We love camping (okay, it’s really glamping) at Splashway Campground!

Every year, visiting Splashway is a highlight of our summer. Not only do we like the waterpark, but we LOVE the campground.

Splashway is full of families and it looks a lot like an old-fashioned movie. Just imagine hearing laughter from the waterpark and pond, seeing families outside cabins and RVs cooking dinner over the fire and kids zipping by on their bikes.

I always feel like I’m at a 4th of July block party and at any minute, Benny will be racing down the picnic tables, outrunning Hercules.

This year we had to decide if we would make the annual camping (glamping) trip… and ultimately decided that we would go to the campgrounds. The kids and I had an agreement that we would stick to the cabin and outdoor activities… and only visit the waterpark if it was not too crowded.

I know this kind of deal won’t work for everyone… but my kids are mostly big and they know from experience that I’ll follow through on my crazy ideas. (I’ve been leaving crowded spots long before it was cool.)

Coincidentally, at the same time of our trip, the hurricane was headed for Texas. Since it since it was to the west, we opted to keep our plans… even if it was a rainy glamping trip.

It turns out that this was the perfect time to go, because after the storm, we had the waterpark to ourselves.

Splashway is limiting the numbers everyday, but after the storm it was almost our own personal park. The next day we went in the morning, and when it got more busy, we went to kayak and glamp. In the evening, we returned before closing.

At Splashway, we swam, ran, played, mini-golf-ed, paddle-board-ed and s’mored. And after dark, we went on walks and the outdoor movie. We did it all together as a family… and without the distractions at home.

If you are thinking of going to Splashway, know that…

• You can go HERE to learn all about the waterpark and campground. All of our tips for beating crowds, having fun and saving money have been compiled in past posts.
• If you just go to the campground (and not the waterpark), you can still have a lot of fun. There are scavenger hunts, a mini library, fishing, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, playgrounds, giant chess and giant checkers. And for a fee, there is laser tag, mini golf, pedal carts, kayaks and paddle boats! Plus, every night there are activities, like outdoor movies.
• If you just want to camp (glamp), you will see the waterpark when you drive in and when you do some activities… but you could ask for a cabin on the far side of the park so it’s easier to forget.
• At the campground and waterpark ticket counters and food stands, there are clear dividers. Employees are mostly wearing masks (but not lifeguards). Swimmers are not wearing masks and campers that are playing outside are generally not wearing masks.
• For social distancing, I don’t ever expect anyone else to do it. A lot of people are very willing to give space, but I’ve found that if I want to maintain 6 feet of separation, I have to do it myself. If the grocery store aisle is too full, I skip it. And if the campstore is too busy, I have to wait until it’s less busy. Splashway has a lot of space on the campground and in the waterpark… but if things got crowded, we just waited or left.
• Splashway Waterpark is limiting the number of tickets sold each day. Saturday is still the busiest day, so try to pick another day if you can.
• I’ve disliked crowds, long before social distancing became a thing. Going somewhere in the rain is always a bit of a risk, because everything could get shut down due to lightning or severe weather… but the gamble is that it will be open and there will be no crowds. Our gamble paid off at Splashway Waterpark and we nearly had the place to ourselves for a day.
• There are plenty of covered picnic tables to claim at Splashway Waterpark. You just leave your cooler on top and come and go as you wish. Some areas are a little crowded but some have lots of space (so just keep looking).
• You can also pay to reserve a cabana where you have a little more privacy, a locked box for your valuables and a server that will bring food and drinks (instead of staying in line).
• Load up your Splash Cash wristband, lock away your wallet and buy food, drinks, activities and merchandise from all over the waterpark and campgrounds. This is very convenient and a good way to stay on budget.
• Stollers/wagons and coolers are allowed everywhere.
• Parking is free everywhere.
• If you decide to visit the waterpark (and not just the campground), you can use code “BIGKID” for $7 OFF an online tickets for Sunday-Friday. OR you can take advantage of the Back to School deals. Get $29.99 Tickets (Sunday – Wednesday, August 2nd-5th & 9th-12th. Buy online or at the gate.) or BOGO DAYS (Thursday, August 6th & 13th. After 2 tickets, all tickets will be discounted to $22.50.)

Also, here are tips glamping at the cabins:

• Big families can stay comfortably. At hotels, a family of six is supposed to pay extra for two of the kids or get two rooms or just quietly cram everyone in. At Splashway you can bring the family plus grandma and all stay together.
• The cabins come with 3 queen beds and 2 full beds. The mattresses and pillows are covered in a slick cleanable cover and they NOW rent linens. (This is great because you don’t have to haul as much or do extra laundry when you get home.)
• The cabins are air conditioned with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, loft, screened in porch and satellite TV.
• Splashway also has spaces for tents and RVs. They have cabins that sleep 12 and smaller cottages.
• You need to bring soap and shampoo. (Including hand soap for the bathroom sink.)
• The kitchen is fully stocked with pots and plates and silverware… but you need to wash and return everything you use!
• The campgrounds have a putt putt golf course, a high tech laser tag course, pedal cars and kayaks, pedal boats and golf carts to rent.
• The campgrounds also have lots of free things to do including hikes, fishing, playgrounds, games in the family center, basketball, sand volleyball and more.
• If you have room in your car, bring bikes and balls so you have even more to do.
• The really cool campers seem to bring rope lights to decorate their cabins, RVs, golf carts and bikes… and one of these days we’ll be the cool campers.
• This campground is nothing like Lake Houston Wilderness Park. If you want wilderness, this is not it. If you want fun and glamping, we found it here!
• Do not expect to get lots of groceries in Sheridan. There is a convenience store, but the closes real grocery store is probably 20 minutes away. Also, if you need just a couple items, likely the camp store has what you need.
• The campstore has a little drink, icee, ice cream, cookie and breakfast bar… called The Hideaway Express. This is also a new restaurant, called The Hiedaway, open on weekends.
• There is now free wifi near the Camp Store.
• If you plan to go in the winter, read THIS post!
• Take a look at more pictures below… and decide if glamping at Splashway Waterpark & Campground is right for you!
• If you need a list of things to bring, here’s what we packed. (But remember, I’m not a real camping pro!)
  • Maybe the most essential:
    • Bug Spray
    • Sun Screen
    • Water
  • For the cabin:
    • Shampoo, Lotion and Soap (including hand soap for the bathroom)
  • For the Fire:
    • Firewood (also available at the Camp Store)
    • Lighter/Matches
    • Lighter Fluid
    • Leather Gloves
    • Stick for roasting marshmallows
  •  Groceries:
    • Bread
    • Cheese and Turkey
    • Marshmallows
    • Graham Crackers
    • Chocolate
    • Water
    • Snacks (Granola Bars, Trail Mix)
    • Watermelon
    • Cold Coffee (There is also a coffee maker in the kitchen.)
    • Supplies for Foil Dinners
      • Foil
      • Tongs (for taking them off the fire)
      • Vegetables
      • Hot Dogs
      • Butter
      • Salt
    • Cooking Supplies (The kitchen has most of these, but I like to have my own and not worry about washing everything):
      • Knife
      • Veggie Peeler
      • Cutting Board
      • Paper Towels
      • Paper Plates
      • Sporks
      • Cups/Water Bottles
      • Plastic Bags (for storing food)
      • Cooler
    • More supplies:
      • Flash Lights
      • Duct Tape
      • Pocket Knife
      • Hand Sanitizer
      • Trash Bags
      • Deck of Cards
      • Phone/Charger
    • For the waterpark:
      • Flip Flops/Water shoes
      • Swim Suits
      • Goggles
      • Towels
      • Cooler with water, sandwiches and watermelon
      • Swim bag

Take a look at more pictures below… and decide if Splashway Waterpark & Campground is right for you… and use code BIGKID for $7 off an online tickets for Sunday-Friday OR use the Back to School savings!

(And for lots more photos, look at this old post!)

Splashway Campground and Waterpark:

Address: 5211 Main Street, Sheridan, Texas 77475

Take a good look. This isn’t my kid… this is me on the Boogie Bahn at Schlitterbahn Galveston!

Schlitterbahn hosted a women in surfing event… and after a morning of learning to boogie board, my daughter and I quickly went to Google all the Flow Riders in East Texas.

It turns out there are not that many spots for this kind of boogie boarding… but you can find them at Schlitterbahn Galveston and New Braunfels!

So Schlitterbahn is our spot!

In addition to the Boogie Bahn, here’s why I like Schlitterbahn Galveston:

• You can bring in coolers and parking is free. Admission is expensive enough… no need to buy lunch or pay for parking.
• The staff is very friendly. As we walked through, several employees stopped to say hello and give us tips on where to set up for the day.
• There are pools for little kids and slides for big kids in every section of the park. There is plenty to do for everyone!

If you also want to go this summer, more tips are below:

• Arrive at opening… and do your favorite rides first. Massiv and the new Infinity Racers have big lines, so try it early (or late) in the day.
• Parking is FREE!
• You can bring in COOLERS! Food is also for sale, but bringing in our own lunch saved us at least $10 each.
• Bring a cooler on wheels or a little cart. The park is big and you could pick a picnic table far away!
• There a picnic tables all over the park and people just claim tables with their coolers… and come back when they are hungry. I wasn’t sure how well this would go… but we had no problems!
• We grabbed a table by the lockers so we had a central spot. If you have a favorite pool or slide, you can grab a table next to it so you can let the kids play while you hang out.
• Lockers are available for $10-$20. I’m not sure how to get around renting the locker if everyone plans to swim and you have keys and a phone. The good thing is that you can open and close all day for one price.
• Consider wearing water shoes. The sidewalks are rough and hot!
• Lifeguards are everywhere. But, of course, you have to watch your kids!
• The 3 rivers connect! On the map it looks like there are 3 rivers… but they actually connect. So if you were to send your oldest around the river and expect him to come back to the same spot… well, you might be surprised.
• Have a meet up spot planned in advance… just in case you get separated!
• This is a lot of walking and climbing! The stairs and ramps to the top of the slides can take you several stories in the air.
• Tubes are available for all the slides that require tubes and for the lazy river. I really liked that there were double tubes with one side that was meant for little kids under 50lbs. It had a closed bottom so they did not fall though the hole.
• Life vests are available for free, all over the park. You can also bring in your own devices. My youngest wore her Puddle Jumper.
• Strollers are allowed in the park.

Check out more pictures below and decide if Schlitterbahn is right for you!

Address: 5211 Main Street, Sheridan, Texas 77475
Use code BIGKID5 to save$5 off online tickets valid Sunday-Friday

As I sat by the pedal carts and watched families cooking dinner on campfires and kids riding bikes around the cabins, RVs and playgrounds… I thought I might just be in a feel-good All-American movie.

Behind me, the big waterpark had just closed for the day and in front of me were my kids on pedal carts, riding around the campground. The sun was going down and we were busy riding the bikes, playing mini golf, competing at laser tag and kayaking before making our own campfire.

Visiting Splashway Waterpark and Campground is always a highlight of our summer. We drive just an hour past Katy… but get away from it all. We spend a few days swimming, playing, cooking and eating together… without all the distractions at home.

We like one day visits to the waterpark, but we love these three day trips to the campground. Splashway invited us out again this year, and it was like the 4th of July block party from The Sandlot… but every night of the summer (and without the Benny outrunning Hercules).

Splashway Waterpark is perfect for families. Which other waterpark has frequent calls over the intercom asking kids to check in with their parents? Where else does someone accidentally bump into you and actually stop to apologize and make sure everything is okay? And who else stops everything at 1:00pm, every day, for the national anthem?

The waterpark is big, but not TOO big. There are plenty of big slides for the 12, 10 and 7 year old… lots of little slides for the 2 year old… but it’s all small enough for mom to supervise. I can wait at the base of the slides, in a toddler pool, while the big kids race down.

And the slides generally do not have huge lines. Some days are busier than others… but while we were there, the kids were going down slides as fast as they could climb the ladders.

And after we’d done all the slides and pools, there are a lot of activities waiting for us at the campground! Scavenger hunts, mini library, fishing, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, playgrounds, giant chess and giant checkers! And for a fee, there is laser tag, mini golf, pedal carts, kayaks and paddle boats! And every night there are activities, like outdoor movies.

My kids like this place so much, they have been making plans to stay there all summer long. I hope they figure something out, because I’d also like to have a never ending All-American summer block party.

If you plan to go to Splashway Waterpark & Campground, here are some things to know:

• Use code BIGKID5 to save $5 off online tickets valid Sunday-Friday.
• You can load up your Splash Cash wristband, lock away your wallet and buy food, drinks, activities and merchandise from all over the waterpark and campgrounds. This is very convenient and a good way to stay on budget!
• All the big slides, except 2, are for kids 42″ and above. (The others are for 48″ and above.)
• There are 2 toddler slide areas and lots of slides for kids between toddler and 42″.
• Parking is FREE!
• Life Jackets and Tubes are free to use.
• You can bring in COOLERS! Food is also for sale and you can use any payment form… including your wristband. (Bring a cooler on wheels to get it across the park.)
• Lockers are available to rent. If you rent a cabana instead, there are locked boxes you can use.
• Arrive before opening. You cannot go in the water until opening, but you might get in early, be able to find a table/cabana and be at your favorite slide at opening.
• Do your favorite rides first. Ray’s Riptide and Loco Mono had the biggest line… so do it early if you can.
• A new slide is about to open for 2019… but it wasn’t open while we were there.
• There a picnic tables all over the park and people just claim tables with their coolers… and come back when they are hungry.
• Consider wearing water shoes. The sidewalks are hot!
• Lifeguards are everywhere. But, of course, you have to watch your kids!
• Have a meet up spot planned in advance… just in case you get separated!
• This is a lot of walking and climbing! The stairs and ramps to the top of the slides can take you several stories in the air. Each summer I rediscover my waterpark muscles!
• Strollers are allowed in the park.

If you want to rent the cabins, more tips are below:

• Big families can stay comfortably. At hotels, a family of six is supposed to pay extra for two of the kids or get two rooms or just quietly cram everyone in. At Splashway you can bring the family plus grandma plus some friends and all stay together.
• The cabins come with 3 queen beds and 2 full beds. The mattresses and pillows are covered in a slick cleanable cover and they NOW rent linens. (This is great because you don’t have to haul as much or do extra laundry when you get home!)
• The cabins are air conditioned with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, loft, screened in porch and satellite TV.
• Splashway also has spaces for tents and RVs. They have cabins that sleep 12 and smaller cottages.
• You need to bring soap and shampoo. (Including hand soap for the bathroom sink.)
• The kitchen is fully stocked with pots and plates and silverware… but you need to wash and return everything you use!
• The campgrounds have a putt putt golf course, a high tech laser tag course, pedal cars and kayaks, pedal boats and golf carts to rent.
• The campgrounds also have lots of free things to do including hikes, fishing, playgrounds, games in the family center, basketball, sand volleyball and more.
• If you have room in your car, bring bikes and balls so you have even more to do!
• The really cool campers seem to bring rope lights to decorate their cabins, RVs, golf carts and bikes… and one of these days we’ll be the cool campers!
• This campground is nothing like Lake Houston Wilderness Park. If you want wilderness, this is not it. If you want fun, we found it here!
• Do not expect to get lots of groceries in Sheridan. There is a convenience store, but the closes real grocery store is probably 20 minutes away. Also, if you need just a couple items, likely the camp store has what you need.
• The campstore now has a little drink, icee, ice cream, cookie and breakfast bar… called The Hideaway Express!
• There is now free wifi near the Camp Store!
• If you plan to go in the winter, read THIS post!
• Take a look at more pictures below… and decide if Splashway Waterpark & Campground is right for you!

• If you need a list of things to bring, here’s what we packed. (But remember, I’m not a real camping pro!)
  • Maybe the most essential:
    • Bug Spray
    • Sun Screen
    • Water
  • For the cabin:
    • Shampoo and Soap (including hand soap for the bathroom)
  • For the Fire:
    • Firewood (also available at the Camp Store)
    • Lighter/Matches
    • Lighter Fluid
    • Leather Gloves
    • Stick for roasting marshmallows
  •  Groceries:
    • Bread
    • Cheese and Turkey
    • Peanut Butter
    • Marshmallows
    • Graham Crackers
    • Chocolate
    • Water
    • Snacks (Granola Bars, Trail Mix)
    • Watermelon
    • Supplies for Foil Dinners
      • Foil
      • Tongs (for taking them off the fire)
      • Vegetables
      • Hot Dogs
      • Butter
      • Salt
    • Cooking Supplies:
      • Knife
      • Veggie Peeler
      • Cutting Board
      • Paper Towels
      • Paper Plates
      • Sporks
      • Cups/Water Bottles
      • Plastic Bags (for storing food)
      • Cooler
    • More supplies:
      • Flash Lights
      • Duct Tape
      • Pocket Knife
      • Hand Sanitizer
      • Trash Bags
      • Deck of Cards
      • Phone/Charger
      • For the waterpark:
        • Flip Flops/Water shoes
        • Swim Suits
        • Goggles
        • Towels
        • Cooler with water, sandwiches and watermelon
        • Swim bag

Take a look at more pictures below… and decide if Splashway Waterpark & Campground is right for you… and use code BIGKID5 for $5 off online tickets valid Sunday-Friday, which is already discounted $5 from at the gate!

Address: 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Here’s what I like about Schlitterbahn New Braunfels:

1. It is at the Comal River and the rides run through the trees and along the water. We felt like we were river tubing all day… but with some added thrills (and food and restrooms and kiddie pools)!
2. There are lots of long family rides and places for all ages to play. It’s not just climbing ladders, waiting in lines and shooting down slides.
3. It’s a resort and you can stay there. Any time we get to get away, it is magical. And resort guests get into the park early!

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has 51 rivers, rides, slides and chutes. Miles of rivers in the Original section of Schlitterbahn are powered by water from the Comal River.

The newer section is right next door, and connected by free shuttle (and you can park on either side). Both areas have rivers and slides and lots of places for the little kids to play!

Schlitterbahn invited us out during the week. We stayed at the resort, so we got in an hour before everyone else… plus, we had the Blast Pass, which got us to the front of the line of popular rides.

Having fast access to the rides was great, but the staff really makes Schlitterbahn great. Let me just tell you about being rescued from the river.

My little girl was begging to go down a river and I thought it looked a little bumpy, but lots of kids were tubing down it and I thought we could handle it. So, we found our tubes and jumped in.

After the first big bump, my girl was terrified but there was no way out of the ride.

The lifeguard quickly realized what was happening, pulled us to the side and whistled for help. As we waited, and as my daughter cried, the lifeguard calmed her down and gave her the #Bahn40 Rainbow Band.

Another guard came and pulled my daughter out of the river (up and over the big concrete side) and came back for me. And he smiled the whole time.

The staff could have just let us scream the whole way down the river, but they insisted on helping out my daughter and it was so nice that they did.

If you are thinking about visiting Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, here are some more things to know:

• Parking is FREE! You can park at either side of the park and there is a free shuttle.
• You can bring in COOLERS! Food is also for sale, but bringing in our own lunch saved us at least $10 each.
• Bring a cooler on wheels or a little cart. The park is big and you could pick a picnic table far away!
• There a picnic tables all over the park and people just claim tables with their coolers… and come back when they are hungry. I wasn’t sure how well this would go… but we had no problems!
• The new section is more modern… but the original section has the giant trees and is unique for a big waterpark!
• On day one, we explored the original section of the waterpark. The next day, we went to the newer section. You could do it all in one day… but it would be a lot!
• You will notice some slides that look dirty. It’s because no acid washing/pressure washing is done to protect the river. Also, the original side of the park uses river water.
• If you stay in the resort (which has basic rooms and luxurious accommodations) you get to enter part of the park, one hour early!
• If you purchase a Blast Pass, you can reserve a time to ride the most popular slides. You get a basic smartwatch, select a time to ride certain slides and then jump to the front of the line. This costs extra, but is great if the park is busy!
• If you purchase a Souvenir Bottle, you get Unlimited Refills all day (of soda, sweet tea and sports drink).
• Tubes are free. They should be available at every ride… but they can be hard to find and people tend to claim them for the day. This is a little irritating because I don’t want to carry a toddler and tube everywhere I go! My wish is for Schlitterbahn to get twice as many… and have more than any guest could possibly carry around!
• Life vests are available for free, all over the park. You can also bring in your own. My youngest wore her Puddle Jumper because she doesn’t like how traditional life jackets hit around her neck.
• Lockers are available. If you are not going to get one, consider buying a (affiliate) waterproof phone/key pouch.
• Consider wearing water shoes. The sidewalks are rough and hot!
  
• Lifeguards are everywhere. But, of course, you have to watch your kids!
• Strollers are allowed in the park (but we did have to carry it down some stairs on the original side).
• Have a meet up spot planned in advance… just in case you get separated!

Check out more pictures below and decide if Schlitterbahn is right for you!

Check out more pictures below and decide if Schlitterbahn is right for you!

The Schlitterbahn Indoor Waterpark in Galveston is open weekends (and select holidays) through December 30, 2018… and this is why we think it is great:

• We get to visit Schlitterbahn, without the summertime crowds!
• The really wild slides are closed, but we get to boogie board, play on the pirate ship, race down several slides and brave the not-so-lazy river!
• You can bring in coolers and parking is free. Admission is expensive enough… no need to buy snacks or pay for parking.
• The staff is very friendly. Lots of employees were happy to help us throughout the day.
• The water is warm and the hallways are heated. The walk to the outdoor heated pools/slides is the coldest spot.

Schlitterbahn invited us out last week and we headed down to Galveston after Thanksgiving. We arrived at Schlitterbahn at opening and closed them down at 5:00pm.

We brought in our cooler and snacks, set it on a table and did all the slides and pools… but the favorite for the 11 and 9 year old was Boogle Bahn.

My big kids basically got 5 hours straight on the boogie boards. For the first few hours, they took turns with three other boys. From 3:00pm to 5:00pm, it was just the two of them, going over and over and over again.

At the start of the trip, they could barely boogie board and would be thrown off the board within second. But by the end of the day, they were steering the board, getting on their knees and even sitting up and doing little tricks. (Watch the video!)

AND my favorite part was that after hours on Boogie Bahn, my daughter got up to her knees on the board and I saw the lifeguard smile… and after her turn, he gave her a high five.

I thought it was pretty cool for a teenager to care enough to encourage her… but then again, the staff at Schlitterbahn is always very kind.

As soon as we had arrived at the front gate, my toddler was devistated that she did not get an admission wristband (because 2 year olds are free). Without us even asking, the manager figured out the problem, ran to the booth and brought out an extra one.

When we got to the pools, a lifeguard gave us an overview of the indoor park and told us her favorite spot to sit. (It was by the entrance to the river!)

My 7 year old adored the indoor slides. He took is tube up over and over and over. My 2 year old liked the kid’s pirate ship and floating around the Torrent River.

And about the Torrent River… a couple of summers ago, I thought I was going to need rescue along the river. I am a strong swimmer, but I did not know just how big the waves were on the river. One hit me by surprise and I held the toddler out of the water as I went under and had a few seconds of panic. So now we know that on the Torrent River, the toddler must wear her lifevest (even if she complains) and sit in the tube (even if she complains). Doing this made it fun for us to float around and around and around!

We played for just about every minute we were at the waterpark… and I mean played. There were virtually no lines, so it was nonstop action. The only time I got the kids to stop was for lunch.

For just $2.00 more than the main gate price of admission, guests have the option to buy the discounted Holiday Grill & Thrill package online to add an all-you-can-eat catered picnic lunch to their day.

Right by the river entrance was a buffet where we were able to get all-we-could-eat hamburgers, hotdoogs, beans, chips, drinks and popscicles. (Served 12:00pm-1:30pm.)

The kids ate quick and got back to the slides and boogie boards!

If you are interested in going to Schlitterbahn, here’s what else you need to know:

[Read more…] about Schlitterbahn Galveston Indoor Waterpark… Play All Day without the Summertime Crowds!

Address: 5211 Main Street, Sheridan, Texas 77475 (For the winter post, go HERE!)
Use code BigKidSmallCity to save $5 on full price waterpark tickets!

Splashway Waterpark & Campground is our very favorite Houston-area waterpark. It’s a big park, but it’s not TOO big. There is plenty to do for my 11, 9, 6 and 1 year olds… but it is not too big for mom to supervise.

Not only this, but Splashway is perfect for families. Which other waterpark has frequent calls over the intercom asking kids to check in with their parents? Where else does someone accidentally bump into you and actually stop to apologize and make sure everything is okay? And who else stops everything at 1:00pm, every day, for the national anthem?

AND, the only thing we like better than visiting this waterpark is staying in the cabins while we are there. We swim all day and build campfires, play horseshoes, mini golf and laser tag all evening!

Splashway Waterpark & Campground invited us out again this summer, and we had the very best time. We’ve now been for a one night waterpark trip, for a winter camping trip… and now we have spent four days at the waterpark and campgrounds. All the trips have been great, but the long summer trip was AMAZING.

We could wake up, casually eat breakfast, walk over to the waterpark, go down all our favorites before the crowds arrived… head back to the cabin for breaks… and back to the swim in the afternoon. The evenings were filled with campfires, outdoor movies, golf, laser tag, corn hole, playgrounds, horseshoes and more.

The kids got to do all the fun camp activities and play at the waterpark… and I got to have everyone together and away from the distractions at home.

AND I like that big families can stay comfortably and for not a ton of money. At hotels, a family of six is supposed to pay extra for two of the kids or get two rooms or just quietly cram everyone in. At Splashway you can bring the family plus grandma plus some friends and all stay together.

This trip was definitely a highlight of our summer so far. Our week happened to be a very very busy week at the waterpark, but with our cabin, cabana and multiple day tickets, we did not mind. We had plenty of time for everything… and when things go too busy, we found something different to do.

I have been asking the kids their favorite part of the vacation… and all they can tell me is EVERYTHING! And they want to know when we will go back!

If you plan to go to Splashway Waterpark & Campground, here is what we learned:

• Use code BigKidSmallCity for $5 off your full priced ticket!
• You can now load up your Splash Cash wristband, lock away your wallet and buy food, drinks, activities and merchandise from all over the waterpark and campgrounds. This is very convenient and a good way to stay on budget!
• All the big slides, except 2, are for kids 42″ and above. (The others are for 48″ and above.)
• There are 2 toddler slide areas and lots of slides for kids between toddler and 42″.
• Parking is FREE!
• Life Jackets and Tubes are free to use.
• You can bring in COOLERS! Food is also for sale and you can use any payment form… including your wristband. (Bring one on wheels to get it across the park.)
• There are free grills to cook your own lunch. (First come first served.)
• Lockers are available to rent. If you rent a cabana instead, there are locked boxes you can use.
• Arrive by 9:30am. You cannot go in the water until opening, but you might get in early, be able to find a table/cabana and be at your favorite slide at opening. Do your favorite rides first. Ray’s Riptide and Loco Mono had the biggest line… so do it early if you can.
• We went on a weekday with a promotion going on. There were crowds… but still no worse than other Houston waterparks on an average day.
• There a picnic tables all over the park and people just claim tables with their coolers… and come back when they are hungry.
• Consider wearing water shoes. The sidewalks are hot!
• Lifeguards are everywhere. But, of course, you have to watch your kids!
• Have a meet up spot planned in advance… just in case you get separated!
• This is a lot of walking and climbing! The stairs and ramps to the top of the slides can take you several stories in the air.
• Life vests are available for free, all over the park. You can also bring in your own devices.
• Strollers are allowed in the park.

If you want to rent the cabins, more tips are below:

• The cabins come with 3 queen beds and 2 full beds. The mattresses and pillows are covered in a slick cleanable cover and they NOW rent linens. (This is great because you don’t have to haul as much or do extra laundry when you get home!)
• The cabins are air conditioned with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, loft, screened in porch and satellite TV.
• Splashway also has spaces for tents and RVs. They have cabins that sleep 12 and smaller cottages.
• You need to bring soap and shampoo. (Linens are now available to rent!)
• The kitchen is fully stocked with pots and plates and silverware… but you need to wash and return everything you use!
• The campgrounds have a new putt putt golf course, a high tech laser tag course, pedal cars and pedal boats to rent.
• The campgrounds also have lots of free things to do including hikes, fishing, playgrounds, games in the family center, basketball, sand volleyball and more.
• If you have room in your car, bring bikes and balls so you have even more to do!
• The really cool campers seem to bring rope lights to decorate their cabins, RVs, golf carts and bikes… and one of these days we’ll be the cool campers!
• This campground is nothing like Lake Houston Wilderness Park. If you want wilderness, this is not it. If you want fun, we found it here!
• Do not expect to get lots of groceries in Sheridan. There is a convenience store, but the closes real grocery store is probably 20 minutes away. Also, if you need just a couple items, likely the camp store has what you need.
• If you plan to go in the winter, read THIS post!
• Take a look at more pictures below… and decide if Splashway Waterpark & Campground is right for you!

[Read more…] about Big but not TOO big… Take the family to our favorite Splashway Waterpark & Campground!

Last summer we went to Splashway Waterpark and Campground… and we had such a good time that we went back to the campgrounds this winter.

And this is why:

1. I can take the kids camping without really going camping.
2. Big families and extended families can stay together, for not too much money.

Splashway invited us back out over the winter break. We had a heated cabin with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, loft and screened in porch. The cabin sleeps 12, so there was plenty of room for our family plus some extra friends.

At Splashway, the kids could play at the playground right outside our door, roast marshmallows over the fire and run wild… and then come inside for showers, bathrooms and air conditioning.

The waterpark is closed for the season, but we found plenty of fun things to do. We went for a hike on the property, went fishing with a bamboo fishing rod, fed the ducks, played at the playgrounds, played games in the family center, rented pedal cars and built campfires. (And we could have played basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole and rented pedal boats and kayaks.) We had so much fun it was kind of nice to not have the waterpark open!

We cooked our meals together, played together and had fun together.

I like the campgrounds because we get to spend a whole lot of time as a family, with no distractions, and without really roughing it. AND I like that big families can stay comfortably and for not a ton of money.

At hotels, a family of six is supposed to pay extra for two of the kids or get two rooms or just quietly cram everyone in. At Splashway you can bring the family plus grandma plus some friends and all stay together.

If you want to rent the cabins, more tips are below:

• The cabins come with 3 queen beds and 2 full beds. The mattresses and pillows are covered in a slick cleanable cover and you need to bring linens.
• The cabins are cleaned between uses. I don’t know if this is always the case, but I saw the cleaning crew next door for a hour… so I think they do a pretty thorough job.
• Splashway also has spaces for tents and RVs. They have cabins that sleep 12 and smaller cottages.
• In addition to sheets, blankets/sleeping bags and towels, you need to bring soap and shampoo.
• The kitchen is fully stocked with pots and plates and silverware… but you need to wash and return everything you use!
• Mosquitoes were not really an issue like they are in Houston. Ants were a bigger issue for us.
• The campgrounds have lots of things to do and boats to rent. If you have room in your car, bring bikes and balls so you have even more to do!
• This campground is nothing like Lake Houston Wilderness Park. If you want wilderness, this is not it. If you want fun, we found it here!
• Do not expect to get lots of groceries in Sheridan. There is a convenience store, but the closest real grocery store is probably 20 minutes away.
• We went in the freezing cold (really, the freezing cold) but stayed warm in the cabins.
• If you go in the summer, read THIS post about the waterpark!
• If you need a list of things to bring, here’s what we packed. (But remember, I’m not a real camping pro!)
  • Maybe the most essential:
    • Bug Spray
    • Sun Screen
    • Water
  • For the cabin:
    • Fitted Sheets, Blankets and Sleeping Bags.
    • Shampoo, Soap (including for the bathroom sink)
  • For the Fire:
    • Firewood (also available at the entrance of the park)
    • Charcoal
    • Lighter/Matches
    • Lighter Fluid
    • Leather Gloves
    • Stick for roasting marshmallows
  •  Groceries:
    • Bread
    • Cheese and Turkey
    • Peanut Butter
    • Marshmallows
    • Graham Crackers
    • Chocolate
    • Water
    • Snacks (Granola Bars, Trail Mix)
    • Fruit/Veggies
    • Supplies for Foil Dinners
      • Foil
      • Tongs (for taking them off the fire)
      • Vegetables
      • Hot Dogs
      • Butter
      • Salt
    • Cooking Supplies:
      • Knife
      • Veggie Peeler
      • Cutting Board
      • Paper Towels
      • Paper Plates
      • Sporks
      • Cups/Water Bottles
      • Plastic Bags (for storing food)
      • Cooler
    • More supplies:
      • Flash Lights
      • Duct Tape
      • Pocket Knife
      • Hand Sanitizer
      • Trash Bags
      • Deck of Cards
      • Phone/Charger

Take a look at more pictures below… and decide if Splashway Waterpark & Campground is right for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have the VERY BEST TIME at Splashway Waterpark & Campgrounds. Stay in the Splashway Cabins (and find the Splashway Campground map HERE)!

This trip to Splashway Waterpark was AMAZING. My kids got to go camping and stay in the Splashway cabins, I got to have all the amenities of home AND we got to visit a big waterpark!

Splashway Waterpark & Campground in Sheridan, just outside Houston, has a whole lot to do and a campground. My kids love water slides and camping and I love cool water activities and the idea of camping.

 

 

As far as camping goes, I like the bonfires and outdoor activities but I prefer to stay somewhere with running water, air conditioning and a bed!

Well, at Splashway Waterpark & Campground, we had an air conditioned Splashway cabin with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, loft and screened in porch! Here the kids could play at the playground right outside our door, roast marshmallows over the fire and run wild… and then come inside for showers, bathrooms and air conditioning.

You can find the Splashway Campground map HERE.

 

At the Campground:

We arrived at Splashway on a weekday afternoon, set up the 5 beds and prepared veggies for our foil dinners. Then, after the temperature dropped, families came out to their decks for dinner and to the common areas for games, bikes, playing on the playground, giant chess games and the outdoor movie.

Then we made our fire, cooked our foil dinners, hot dogs and s’mores and ran wild through the campground. Later, the kids all climbed up to the loft (with 4 mattresses) and dreamed about the next day at the waterpark.

 

 

At the Waterpark:

The next morning we arrived at opening, found our table and the kids were off! The big kids went on the huge slides and the baby and I waved at them from the little kid areas.

The waterpark is not as huge at Wet’n’Wild or Schlitterbahn, but it is plenty big with lots to do… making it much easier to handle.

AND the thing that most impressed me was how friendly and polite the customers were. Any time a kid bumped in to my baby, the parents jumped in and apologized and made things right. I think it was helped that the staff was very helpful, the music was all family friendly and there were frequent announcements connecting up lost parents and also reminding people to check in with their groups. This was the best experience we’ve had at a waterpark all summer.

In the end, the kids had so much fun that I had to peel them away after 7 hours of swimming… with the promise of going back again next year!

 

 

If you plan to go to Splashway Waterpark, here is what we learned:

• All the slides, except 1, are for kids 42″ and above. (The other is for 48″ and above.)
• Parking is FREE!
• Life Jackets and Tubes are free to use.
• You can bring in COOLERS! Food is also for sale, but bringing in our own lunch saved us at least $10 each. (Bring one on wheels to get it across the park.)
• There are free grills to cook your own lunch. (First come first served.)
• Arrive at opening… and do your favorite rides first. The new Ray’s Riptide had the biggest line… so do it early if you can.
• We went on a weekday with a buy one get one free promotion going on. There were crowds… but still not as big as the other Houston waterparks. I bet on a usual weekday you can go down slides as fast as you can climb the stairs.
• There a picnic tables all over the park and people just claim tables with their coolers… and come back when they are hungry.
• Consider wearing water shoes. The sidewalks are hot!
• Lifeguards are everywhere. But, of course, you have to watch your kids!
• Have a meet up spot planned in advance… just in case you get separated!
• This is a lot of walking and climbing! The stairs and ramps to the top of the slides can take you several stories in the air.
• Life vests are available for free, all over the park. You can also bring in your own devices. My youngest wore his Puddle Jumper, even though he can swim. (It made his mom feel better.)
• Strollers are allowed in the park.

 

 

If you want to rent the Splashway cabins at Splashway Waterpark & Campground, more tips are below:

• The Splashway cabins come with 3 queen beds and 2 full beds. The mattresses and pillows are covered in a slick cleanable cover and you need to bring linens.
• Splashway Waterpark & Campground also has spaces for tents and RVs. They have cabins that sleep 12 and smaller cottages.
• In addition to sheets, blankets/sleeping bags and towels, you need to bring soap and shampoo.
• The kitchen is fully stocked with pots and plates and silverware… but you need to wash and return everything you use!
• Mosquitoes were not really an issue like they are in Houston. Ants were a bigger issue for us.
• The campgrounds have lots of things to do and boats to rent. If you have room in your car, bring bikes and balls so you have even more to do!
• This campground is nothing like Lake Houston Wilderness Park. If you want wilderness, this is not it. If you want fun, we found it here!
• Find the Splashway Campground map HERE.
• We just stayed one night and checked out before going to the waterpark. This worked well… but it would have been awesome to stay 2 nights. We could have woken up in the cabin, gone to the waterpark and then enjoyed a second evening in the cabin.
• Do not expect to get lots of groceries in Sheridan. There is a convenience store, but the closes real grocery store is probably 20 minutes away.
• If you plan to go in the winter, ready THIS post!
• If you need a list of things to bring, here’s what we packed. (But remember, I’m not a real camping pro!)
  • Maybe the most essential:
    • Bug Spray
    • Sun Screen
    • Water
  • For the Splashway cabin:
    • Fitted Sheets, Blankets and Sleeping Bags.
    • Shampoo and Soap
  • For the Fire:
    • Firewood (also available at the entrance of the park)
    • Charcoal
    • Lighter/Matches
    • Lighter Fluid
    • Leather Gloves
    • Stick for roasting marshmallows
  •  Groceries:
    • Bread
    • Cheese and Turkey
    • Peanut Butter
    • Marshmallows
    • Graham Crackers
    • Chocolate
    • Water
    • Snacks (Granola Bars, Trail Mix)
    • Watermelon
    • Supplies for Foil Dinners
      • Foil
      • Tongs (for taking them off the fire)
      • Vegetables
      • Hot Dogs
      • Butter
      • Salt
      • Cooking Supplies:
        • Knife
        • Veggie Peeler
        • Cutting Board
        • Paper Towels
        • Paper Plates
        • Sporks
        • Cups/Water Bottles
        • Plastic Bags (for storing food)
        • Cooler
      • More supplies:
        • Flash Lights
        • Duct Tape
        • Pocket Knife
        • Hand Sanitizer
        • Trash Bags
        • Deck of Cards
        • Phone/Charger
      • For the waterpark:
        • Flip Flops
        • Swim Suits
        • Towels
        • Cooler with water, sandwiches and watermelon

Take a look at more pictures below… and decide if Splashway Waterpark & Campground is right for you!

Looking for the Splashway Campground map?  Find it HERE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Splashway Waterpark:

Address: 5211 Main Street, Sheridan, Texas 77475 (For the winter post, go HERE! See the 2020 Post HERE!)

 

 

 

Address: 21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77373

There is one thing we know for sure… Houston is HOT and will be HOT all summer long! This is why we were excited when Wet’n’Wild Splashtown invited us back out this week.

We went last year and had a great time running from slides to pools to the lazy river and tree house. What was new for us this year was that I did it on my own (plus the kids).

Most of our outings are done with just me and the kids… but for big water parks, I really try to bring another adults with me. I like to have the extra set of eyes around the water and and extra set of legs to take kids up the age-appropriate slides.

This year it just did not work out to have someone with me… so off we went to Wet’n’Wild Splashtown with strict orders to stick together… and the an understanding that we may not get to do absolutely everything.

But guess what, we did it all. The placement of the slides and pools allowed us to stick together and send the kids up the right sized slides.

This summer my kids are 10 years, 8 years, 5 years and 9 months. More importantly, two are over 48″, one over 42″ and a little one… so not all can go on the same sized slides. Also, my 5 year old really wanted to do slides but does not like the long walk to the top.

After some trial and error, we figured out what to do. We found some slides that were okay for the 3 big kids. I walked the 5 year old to the top (while holding the baby), and then walked back down. (After a couple times, he was okay to go with his brother and sister.) For the slides for only 48″ and above, the 2 big kids would slide and we would play right next door at the treehouse or smaller slide.

With this, the big kids got to do everything and we still took time to play with baby in the toddler pool and lazy river!

If you want to go this summer, here are our tips!

• Arrive at opening… and do your favorite rides first. I’d go to Big Kahuna and the Tornado before the lines get long.
• Save the lazy river, treehouse, kid pool and wave pool for later… because these do not have lines.
• The Stingray Racer is tucked away near the entrance… and often had no lines. This was our favorite thing to do and it was good for 42″ and up!
• Consider wearing water shoes. The sidewalks are rough and hot!
• Little kids can play at Wet’n’Wild Junior, Tree House Island, Blue Lagoon, Paradise River and the Wave Pool. Bigger little kids can body board at Flow Rider, tube down Big Kahuna and race down a lot of slides.
• Alien Chaser is NOW open. It’s a six-story tall two person slalom, drop and dive tube slide. Kids 48″ can ride it!
• Lifeguards are everywhere. But, of course, you have to watch your kids!
• This is a lot of walking and climbing! The stairs to the top of the slides can take you several stories in the air.
• Lockers are available for $10-$20. I’m not sure how to get around renting the locker if everyone plans to swim and you have keys and a phone. The small locker will hold your keys, towel and change of clothes… and not a whole lot more. The jumbo held my camera, phone, sunscreen and clothes for 5 people… but it’s not gigantic. The good thing is that you can open and close all day for one price… so store your sunscreen and water… swim… and come back for more.
• Parking is $10.
• Outside food is not allowed in the waterpark… BUT you can bring in water, infant formula and food for those with special needs. You can also leave a cooler in the car and re-enter the park.
• Food inside the park has amusement park price tags. Most things are around $10, but it looks like you can find tacos, pretzels and popcorn for $3-$4. Bottles of water are $3 but I did see lots of coolers and cups for water.
• Going to a water park is a good way to unplug. With all the water, I locked away my phone and was offline all day. The only trouble was that I had no idea about the time. Next time I’ll wear a waterproof watch. (I also saw lots of people with waterproof phone cases.)
• Tubes are available for all the slides that require tubes. There are also tubes you can rent… but you can skip this expense (unless you are determined to float and not swim down the lazy river). I would personally skip the rental because it’s hard to store these tubes and keep others from grabbing.
• Life vests are available for free, all over the park. You can also bring in your own devices. My youngest wore his Puddle Jumper, even though he can swim. (It made his mom feel better.)
• Lots of slides have shallow water at the end. The ones with deep water say that you need to be a strong swimmer to use them.
• Strollers are allowed in the park. (But all the strollers I saw had one parent watching over them.)
• Wet’n’Wild will stay open in the rain and they only close the attractions for lightning/severe weather. When we went last year, it was rainy, which kept the crowds away and only had to leave the water one time. If you want to gamble and go on a rainy day, you might also see fewer crowds… and who cares if you get wet at the water park? The catch is that NO rainchecks are issued… so if you spend a lot of money on tickets and then lighting closes the rides, you lose on the bet.

Look at the pictures below… and look for coupons at local McDonald’s or on affiliate Groupon or season passes!