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9 Best Lazy Rivers in Dallas & Fort Worth for Kids
Take a leisurely float on North Texas' longest indoor lazy river at Epic Waters. Photo courtesy of Epic Waters
7/13/25
- By Gabby Cullen
Epic Waters
Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center
Hilton Anatole
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Texas
Summer in North Texas often means finding a body of water and spending plenty of time in it. Luckily, there are lazy rivers in Dallas, Fort Worth and the rest of the metroplex that are not only an easy way to cool off, but they're perfect if you aren't a huge fan of the thrills that come from some of the other water attractions out there: You can get away from the busy lines of the water slides, enjoy the current that pulls you along, and you can watch the kids as they swing or float by. Some are attached to family-friendly hotels, and some are in bigger waterparks, but all of them promise fun for the whole family.
Looking for more activities to cool off from the summer heat? Check out our massive Dallas-Fort Worth Kids Summer Guide for all things summer vacation, with awesome ideas about ways to entertain, save money, and have fun this summer!
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The relaxing lazy river at Hawaiian Waters is a mellow ride past waterfalls, waves, and a water volcano. Photo by the author
Outdoor Lazy Rivers in Dallas-Fort Worth
Hawaiian Waters - Garland and The Colony
Why the Kids Love It: The Kona Kooler is a blissful ride past waterfalls and a volcano, plus it’s got a wave section that keeps tubes moving.
Other Attractions: Both Hawaiian Waters are some of the most popular water park destinations in DFW. There’s also the Oahu Bay wave pool, Honolulu Bay, where the older kids can enjoy ropes courses and water basketball while the littles splash around.
Other Ammenities: There are several spots to grab a bite at both waterparks, lockers, and cabanas available for rent. Special events like dive-in movies and luaus occur throughout the summer.
JadeWaters Resort Pool at the Hilton Anatole - Dallas
Why Kids Love It: The 630-foot lazy river at one of Dallas’ best family-friendly hotels meanders throughout the waterpark for a perfect chance to chill out.
Other attractions: There are two slides, a splash pad, a water basketball area, a 7,000 square-foot beach entry, two pools, plus a huge green space with lawn games when you need to take a break from the water.
Other Amenities: There are two restaurants, a grab-and-go snack center, and a TopGolf swing suite located in the Hilton Anatole Hotel—all are open to the public. You can also make a staycation out of your visit and book a room! If you don't want to stay overnight, you can book a day pass.
Riders Field Lazy River - Frisco
Why Kids Love It: A 3,000 square-foot lazy river that surrounds a baseball field? Only in Texas. Single-ticket holders get a 270-degree view of the field in what’s known to be the largest water feature at any professional sports arena.
Other Attractions: Why, a baseball game, of course!
Other Amenities: Sunday is Family-Friendly Day; a $25 ticket includes all-you-can-eat hot dogs and brats, and there are adult beverage specials for parents. You bring the towels, the RoughRiders provide the floats.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor - Arlington
Why Kids Love It: This lazy river in Dallas-Fort Worth’s iconic waterpark roams around the entire exterior of the park. It’s 3.5 feet deep, and once you’re in, you’ll float by all the sites, including Sea Wolf, Der Suka, and Suntan Lagoon.
Other Attractions: There are so many rides at Hurricane Harbor that it’s hard to include them all. The most popular rides include the Tornado, the Banzai Pipeline, Surf Rider, and Buccaneer Bay.
Other Amenities: You can rent cabanas and lockers, and grab food at any of the 14 dining locations.
Paradise Springs at the Gaylord Texan - Grapevine
Why Kids Love It: They can float the day away in the 600-foot winding lazy river that passes rock waterfalls and has water jets and spray features in the 10-acre waterpark located in this popular family-friendly hotel in Grapevine.
Other Attractions: There’s a giant water playhouse with a splash bucket perched at the very top, four twisting slides, ziplines, a family lagoon, a toddler pool, and water basketball.
Other Amenities: There’s a poolside bar and grill that serves kid-friendly fare and plenty of musical entertainment, as well as games and activities. You must be a guest at the Gaylord Texan to enjoy the Paradise Springs Waterpark
NRH20 - North Richland Hills
Why Kids Love It: It’s 660 feet of relaxing floating under waterfalls and around rock islands.
Other Attractions: There are 11 other attractions at this family-friendly waterpark and one area especially for toddlers. Splash in the water playground, race friends down a three-story-high, 200-foot-long waterslide, lounge in Beachside Bay, and much more.
Other Amenities: There are six places to grab a bite to eat, including pizza, hamburgers, chicken tenders, ice cream, and the famous Pepsi Freeze. Grab a picnic table, rent a cabana or lounger, and enjoy an entire day in the sun.
Indoor Lazy Rivers in Dallas-Fort Worth
Rio Grand at Epic Waters - Grand Prairie
Why Kids Love It: This lazy river in Dallas-Fort Worth is the longest indoor action river in Texas and has rapids and currents that move floaters along at an easy pace.
Other Attractions: Besides the six massive slides, there’s also a Flowrider surfing station, pools, and an outdoor wave pool. If the kids get tired of the water, there’s also an arcade!
Other Ammenities: The Hungry Wave Cafe is where you’ll want to head when the kids get hungry. They have everything from salads to quesadillas and sweet treats.
Other Ammenities: The Hungry Wave Cafe is where you’ll want to head when the kids get hungry. They have everything from salads to quesadillas and sweet treats.
The Cove at Lakefront - Little Elm
Why Kids Love It: The lazy river inside this massive indoor waterpark goes right by the cliff jump and rock climbing sections of the park.
Other Attractions: Besides the cliff jump and rock climbing, there’s a FlowRider Double Surf Machine, a ropes course, a water playground for the littles, big slides for the tweens and teens, and plenty of places to lounge around.
Other Amenities: This waterpark is located in the Lakefront at Little Elm district, so if you do go, you can easily spend an entire day there. If you want to eat somewhere besides the snack shop, try any of the 10+ restaurants, rent a boat to wakeboard, or relax on the beach. There is usually some form of live entertainment on The Lawn as well.
Great Wolf Lodge - Grapevine
Why Kids Love It: It might not be one of the longest lazy rivers in Dallas or Fort Worth, but it wanders right through other main attractions at this popular indoor water resort.
Other Attractions: Fort Mackenzie, River Canyon Run, and Coyote Canyon are popular indoor rides, while Raccoon Lagoon is a great place to swim around when the kids want to be outdoors.
Other Amenities: Magi Quest is almost as popular as the indoor waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge! And, with the recent renovation, the arcade has a new look, and there are all-new attractions like virtual reality experiences, mini bowling, a new TopGolf Swing Suite, and new dining options for the waterpark. The family-friendly restaurant has more seating, and the lobby has more space for daily activities!
Places featured in this article:
Epic Waters
Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center
Hilton Anatole
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Texas
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