On May 15, 2023, the Texas State Aquarium posted on their Instagram account that they had a “big announcement” for a new addition. The next day, the account unveiled a project titled ‘H-E-B Splash Park’. The new park will be 15,000 square feet, three times the size of the current water park present at the aquarium, and has a budget of $2.8 million.

    The Aquarium stated that the park is designed to appeal to all age groups, from tall slides and spray features for tweens to an area with interactive water features designed for toddlers. The new park will also have all custom water features, which includes a multi-level slide play structure that has three slides, and a 350-gallon water dump feature.

    Guests will recognize familiar species along the waterscape as seen in the Aquarium’s Caribbean Journey exhibit. The new H-E-B Splash Park will be located on the right side of the Aquarium’s main ramp, behind the ticketing booth.  

    For parents and other guests who do not plan on getting in the water, there will be 30 tables with umbrellas for lounging, with a Dippin’ Dots station, snacks, drinks, and a mobile ordering food service from the Pepsi Shoreline Grill, the Aquarium’s main restaurant. 

    The H-E-B Splash Park is designed to mirror the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the Caribbean and the animals that reside there. This new space will enhance the Aquarium visitor experience, adding more value to each membership and admission ticket, according to the Aquarium’s website.