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Schlitterbahn is so much more than a waterpark. The history of Schlitterbahn and the endless amounts of fun are all reasons why families travel to this one-of-a-kind waterpark. There is no short supply of family-friendly activites and it’s a great place for kids of all ages. This is our complete guide on visiting Schlitterbahn with younger kids.
Tips for Visiting Schlitterbahn Waterpark with Younger Kids
Traveling to a waterpark with younger kids can feel overwhelming. It’s an exciting getaway but a lot of work for mom and dad, as we plan for long days in the sun, waiting in lines, and preparing to safely enjoy the water. I completely understand feeling anxious about what to expect. I recently took our three kids under the age of ten to the Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, Texas (located near San Antonio, Texas hill country).
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Schlitterbahn, so much so that when we were asked about if our experience was what we had expected, I answered, “No.” Prior to this experience, I was very hesitant to visit any outdoor waterpark. Truthfully, it’s not easy taking young kids to theme parks and water parks. With that being said, I was completely blown away by how different Schlitterbahn is and how it doesn’t belong in the same category as other outdoor waterparks that I’ve visited in the past.
Why I Loved Visiting Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels with Younger Kids
There are so many great places and rides for the entire family to enjoy. Bringing younger kids won’t exclude you from any of the fun at Schlitterbahn. This waterpark is focused on creating an experience for the entire family. They do have some of the world’s best rides, but more importantly they kept us laughing and playing together. Enjoying time together seemed to be Schlitterbahn’s main objective, and that made for an incredible experience.
We know water safety is one of the biggest concerns you have, especially with younger kids, and rightly so. I was so impressed by the number of lifeguards at the waterpark. All the rides and floats had lifeguards around every corner, I was confident that Schlitterbahn takes the safety of their guests very seriously. Life jackets are provided for FREE.
You can take your own food and drinks (except alcohol and glass containers) into the park! This is a HUGE cost savings when taking a family on vacation. Pack your lunch, snacks, and all the water you’ll need.
A List of Things the Younger Kids Can Enjoy
Some of the rides require that you be over 42″ tall. This typically means those who are 6 and older. We will sort this list by the 4 different sections of the park and the rides with no height requirement and those over 42″ tall. Please keep in mind that any activity that does no have a height requirement should still have a parent present and might not be suitable for younger kids on their own. When visiting Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels with younger kids, I would suggest having one adult per child.
Blastenhoff
This was by far the busiest area of the park but there are so many activities for the family to enjoy together.
No Height Requirement
- Wolfpack (this is a fun family raft ride)
- Bamboozle Bay (heated pool)
- Kinderhaven (children’s pool area, great for young children)
- The Torrent (we recommend having a parent per child on this tidal wave river)
- Blastenhoff Beach (a giant wave pool)
- Han’s Hideout (this water fun house was one of my kids favorites)
Over 42″ tall
- Master Blaster (this ride has been voted the BEST WATER RIDE in the world)
- Black Knight (dark tunnel water slide, recommended for kids who wouldn’t be afraid of the dark tunnel, it is a 2 person raft ride)
- Sky Coaster (this does not come including in the price of your ticket; it would require an additional charge)
Tubenbach
There are no rides in this part of the part that require a 42″ or over height requirement. Tubenbach is where the world’s longest waterpark ride is located (The Falls).
No Height Requirement
- The Deluge (a very fast-moving whirlpool river)
- Sea Creature Cove (a fun children’s pool area with slides)
- Riverbend (heated pool)
- Riverbend Children’s pool
- The Falls (the world’s longest waterpark ride)
- Aqua Veyer (you can ride the conveyor as you enter The Falls, it’s very family-friendly)
- Boogie Bay (heated pool)
- Butterfly Bayou (a great place for little ones with a kids pool and slides)
Surfenburg
We spent an entire morning in this area. The Kristal River was a great place to relax and enjoy endless floating.
No Height Requirement
- Hang Ten Harbor (a family activity pool)
- Dragon’s Lair (heated pool)
- Kristal River (an endless float, one of our families favorites)
- Kiddie Coast (a great children’s pool area)
- Kristal Cover (a family pool)
Over 42″ Tall
- Boogie Bahn (this is the world’s FIRST inland surfing ride)
- Dragon’s Revenge (our 6-year-olds favorite ride, it’s a water coaster with special effects)
- Backsplash (slide into the Kristal River on a giant body slide)
The Original Schlitterbahn
There is something special about visiting the original Schlitterbahn. The rich history, the originality of the rides and the natural landscape is not to be missed.
No Height Requirement
- Raging River (a 45-minute tubing adventures that kept us laughing)
- Hillside (a serpentine tube chute)
- Lagoon Kiddie Park (children’s slide’s)
- Lagoon (heated pool & activity pool)
- Whitewater (this is a tube chute with a few daring drops)
- Cliffhanger (a tube chute with a final drop to the edge of the Comal River)
- Der Bahn (these are body slides)
- Polywog Pond (this is a kids water fantasy land area)
- Tadpool (perfect for your little tadpoles, it’s a shallow family pool)
- Biergarten (heated pool)
- Lava Lagoon (heated pool)
- Congo River Expedition (a mysterious river floating experience)
- The Beach (a family wave pool)
- Gator Bowl (a spring-fed activity pool)
Over 42″ Tall
- Downhill Racer (this is a head first mat slide)
- Bahnzai Pipeline (a 4-story high tube slide)
- Double Loop (body slides)
- Soda Straws (this is a twisting tubular body slide)
TravelingMom Schlitterbahn Tips
- Consider renting a cabana during your visit. There are several different types of cabanas in different areas of the park; choose one that fits your group size and preferences.
- Skip the hotel room–there are plenty of lodging options to choose from at Schlitterbahn, such as luxury treehouses, cabins and the resort. We stayed at the SchlitterStein Lofts during out visit and we loved them. It was very easy to check-in and we loved that it’s located just a few minutes from the park and next to the Comal river. These are ideal accommodations if you’re traveling with grandparents or friends. These upscale lofts have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and can sleep 6.
- Feel free to pack your own meals and take them into the park (remember no glass or alcohol). We do recommend trying the BBQ and their special funnel cakes inside the park. The kids will love this sweet treat.
- Schlitterbahn offers all of their guest FREE parking!
- Don’t forget to pack your towels and swim diapers. If you forget them, you can purchase these items inside the park at the gift shops.
- When visiting with younger kids, we recommend the Blast Pass, which is a ride reservation wristband that allows you reserve your spot on a ride and skip the lines!
Other Resources to Help Plan Your Visit to Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels
If you’re looking for a luxury experience at Schlitterbahn read this post on ‘The Ultimate Schlitterbahn Experience in New Braunfels, TX’.
Schlitterbahn is great for young kids but we think it’s great for teens too, check out our story on ‘7 Reasons Schlitterbahn is the Best Water Park in Texas for Teens‘.
We also want you to be prepared for your visit to a water park so check out ‘Taking Your Kids to a Waterpark? What You Need to Know‘.
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