From a 2015 groundbreaking to a major children’s expansion, Typhoon Texas Katy has grown into one of the community’s most recognizable family attractions.
By The Katy News Staff
Long before its towering slides became part of Katy’s landscape, Typhoon Texas began as an ambitious plan to create a major family-entertainment destination near Katy Mills.
Construction started in August 2015. Less than a year later, the waterpark welcomed its first visitors during Memorial Day weekend in 2016. Now, in 2026, Katy marks 10 years since the attraction made its highly anticipated debut.
Although the park is marketed regionally as Typhoon Texas Houston, its home is firmly in Katy at 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, next to Katy Mills.
A $45 Million Vision for Katy
Typhoon Texas was developed by Houston-area businessmen Keith Dalton, Terry Hlavinka and Ray DeLaughter. The founders envisioned an entertainment destination that could serve Katy families while also attracting visitors from across Greater Houston and other parts of Texas.
Groundbreaking took place in August 2015. According to KDW’s history of the project, construction was completed in May 2016 on an original 25-acre site.
The development represented an estimated investment of approximately $45 million. At the time, industry publications described it as one of the largest privately developed waterparks built in the United States during the previous decade.
The project also added employment opportunities to the Katy area. Before opening, park officials announced plans to hire approximately 600 seasonal workers for positions ranging from lifeguards and food service employees to maintenance and guest-service personnel.
Typhoon Texas Opens in May 2016
Typhoon Texas officially opened to the public on Saturday, May 28, 2016.
The opening-day park included five slide towers, approximately 1.3 miles of waterslides, a children’s play area, a 25,000-square-foot wave pool and a winding lazy river.
The nearly 1,500-foot lazy river was designed to hold approximately 480,000 gallons of water. The park’s pumps were capable of recirculating roughly 70,000 gallons per minute through its attractions and filtration systems.
Among the original attractions were family raft rides, tube slides, body slides, an eight-lane racing slide and the Texas-themed Buckaroo Bayou children’s area.
The colorful slide towers were visible well before opening day, creating excitement among residents traveling around Katy Mills and Interstate 10. When the gates finally opened, news coverage documented long lines as families arrived to experience Katy’s newest attraction.
Reports from companies involved with the project said the park reached its capacity attendance and season-pass goals faster than initially expected.
Growing Alongside Katy Families
As Katy’s population and family-entertainment market continued to grow, Typhoon Texas expanded its attractions.
One of its most significant additions was Typhoon Jr., a park-within-the-park designed specifically for younger children. In 2022, the company announced a $4 million investment in the children’s area.
The expanded area was planned around the existing Gully Washer attraction, which features an 800-gallon water bucket, multiple slides, elevated walkways, rope bridges and more than 100 interactive spray areas.
Today, the official Typhoon Jr. attraction page describes a four-acre children’s area with 10 junior-sized slides, an upgraded splash pad and smaller versions of some of the park’s larger attractions.
The expansion allowed younger guests to experience age-appropriate versions of the thrills enjoyed by older children and adults.
More Than a Waterpark
Over the years, Typhoon Texas has also become a location for community celebrations, charitable activities and special events.
The park has worked with the City of Katy on Independence Day programming, including the city’s Freedom Celebration and Typhoon Texas’ Red, White & Boom event. In 2021, the City of Katy partnered with the park for a community fireworks display near Katy Mills.
The property has also hosted food festivals, live entertainment, school and youth activities, recognition events for first responders and other family-centered gatherings.
These events helped Typhoon Texas develop an identity that extends beyond waterslides. During the summer, the park has served as a meeting place where Katy residents can celebrate holidays, attend community events and spend time together.
A Lasting Part of Katy’s Modern History
The opening of Typhoon Texas represented an important stage in the continued development of the Katy Mills corridor.
The area was already known as a major shopping destination, but the arrival of the waterpark helped strengthen its position as a regional entertainment district. Additional restaurants, hotels, residential developments and attractions have since opened or been proposed around Katy Mills and the nearby Katy Boardwalk area.
Typhoon Texas has now welcomed a generation of Katy families. Some of the young children who visited during the park’s first summer in 2016 are teenagers or young adults today.
Ten years after its opening, the waterpark’s towering slides remain one of the most recognizable sights in Katy. What began as a privately funded development on 25 acres has become a lasting part of the community’s summer traditions—and a notable chapter in Katy’s modern history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Typhoon Texas Katy open?
Typhoon Texas opened to the public on May 28, 2016, during Memorial Day weekend.
Who founded Typhoon Texas?
The park was founded by businessmen Keith Dalton, Terry Hlavinka and Ray DeLaughter.
Where is Typhoon Texas Katy located?
Typhoon Texas is located at 555 Katy Fort Bend Road in Katy, Texas, next to Katy Mills.
How much did Typhoon Texas cost to build?
The original Typhoon Texas development was reported to represent an investment of approximately $45 million.
Is Typhoon Texas in Houston or Katy?
The location is marketed as Typhoon Texas Houston because it serves the Greater Houston region, but the waterpark is physically located in Katy, Texas.
