The Tree House area is for all ages and includes a pool with ladders, slides and rope swings.[/caption]

The park now known as Wet ‘n’ Wild SplashTown has been a familiar sight on I-45 for 30 years, providing relief from Texas summers with a variety of water rides.

The park now includes more than 40 rides and attractions.

Water park rides are loosely categorized as for kids, families or thrills—a distinction based largely on height requirements and swimming ability, General Manager Jody Kneupper said.

The Tornado, a family raft ride, opened in 2006 and allows up to four people on a raft to ride through the park’s iconic blue-and-yellow funnel and into a pool.

The Brain Drain, a thrill ride, includes a seven-story drop down a slide and is Kneupper’s favorite attraction.

“That nervous feeling when the floor drops—it’s a pretty unique ride for this area,” she said.

The 80-acre site originally opened in 1984 as Hanna-Barbera Land, a theme park that closed after two years. The park was redesigned as a waterpark and reopened in 1986. Originally privately owned, the park has changed hands several times and is now owned by CNL Lifestyle Management and operated by Premier Parks, said Rosie Shepard, director of sales and marketing.

After gathering feedback from guests, the waterpark added several attractions, including The Big Kahuna, which recreates a whitewater rafting experience, and FlowRider, which allows riders to simulate surfing, Shepard said.

The Tornado sends riders down a long slide and through a funnel into a pool.[/caption]

The park also added more shade structures, chairs, seating and changes in the food concession area.

“We brought in some healthier food options like salad and sandwich wraps and fruit,” Shepard said.

Events throughout the summer include a Fourth of July fireworks event with a DJ; Texas Fest on July 31, featuring food trucks and barbecue; and a

Up to four riders can plummet down a slide on a raft into a pool on Thunder Run.[/caption]

Scout Day on Aug. 27, with discounts available for Girl and Boy Scouts and their families.

Although park management does not make its annual visitor numbers available to the public, Kneupper said it draws attendees from the greater Houston area and enjoys a steady stream of visitors all summer.

Rain does not generally affect daily operations at the water park except when safety, such as lightning, is a concern.

“Most rain is brief and just goes through,” Kneupper said. “It’s just part of summer in Houston.”

21300 I-45 N., Spring, 281-355-3300, www.wetnwildsplashtown.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (hours change after June 18)