5 Super Fun Hill Country Amusement Parks by Arlene Yuen

5 Don’t Miss Hill Country Amusement Parks

by Arlene Yuen

Whether you have extra time on your hands or need to plan a family outing, get yourself to one of these awesome amusement parks in the Hill Country.

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Wonder World Park in San Marcos, known as the first show cave in Texas and located on the Balcones fault line, has been entertaining families in the Hill Country for 105 years. Created by an earthquake, it also has the Tejas Observation Tower, Anti-gravity house, Mystery Mountain and Texas Wildlife Petting Park.  If you visit between September 1 and February 29, they are open Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 5pm.  Fridays are for groups only and require reservations.

Photo: http://texastriggs.blogspot.com/2011/12/morgans-wonderland.html

If you find yourself in the northeast side of San Antonio, be sure to make a stop at Morgan's Wonderland, constructed in an abandoned quarry.  This unique theme park was designed with special needs in mind.  Many different attractions will keep your day full including catch-and-release fishing, a gymnasium, playscapes and activities. Hours for Friday are 4-9pm, Saturday 12-9, Sunday 11am-4pm.

Photo: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/travel/weekend-getaways/article/New-Texas-roller-coaster-puts-riders-on-the-fast-6595861.php#photo-8864698

At ZDT's Amusement Park, located in Sequin, everyone from toddlers to teens will be entertained. Affectionately named after the owner's three children Zach, Danielle, and Tiffany, this park is growing and making improvements year after year.  The Mad Raft water coaster and the Switchback are some of the newest attractions to try. Along with the family thrill rides, there's also the Rock Wall and Silo Climb. Open weekends and spring break week, hours vary so be sure to check online.

Photo: https://sites.utexas.edu/isss/2015/05/texas-excursion-six-flags-fiesta-texas/

Six Flags Fiesta Texas, also located in San Antonio, provides rides of all thrill levels, from tame for the toddler to extreme for the teen.  See online for specific hours and dates. Holiday in the Park will be open through Sunday, January 3. Then closing and reopening the last weekend in February, weekends in March and two weeks for Spring Break. And, then again weekends through April.  Be sure to get there in May when the water park opens for business.

Photo: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/kiddie-acres-amusement-park-and-miniature-golf-austin?select=Av41S0yXOVlbZzCSnjK18g

For anyone with kids 10 and under, Austin has just the amusement park for you: Kiddie Acres.  Open to the public year round except on Mondays and specified holidays (January 1) weather permitting. There is no general admission but rather a ticket system for nominal fees. The kids can also try their hand at an 18-hole miniature golf course and take a ride on a pony.

Make a point to spend time with your family at one of these awesome amusement parks found in the Texas Hill Country.  Just be sure you check their websites for exact operating days/times. 

Also located in the Hill Country are: SeaWorld San Antonio, Schlitterbahn, and Splashtown San Antonio.