Let’s be fair. The Lone Star state has a very long list of assets to seriously win over anyone considering the possibility of Texas travel. And we’re not just talking beautiful beaches, rolling Hill Country and cultural attractions aplenty, either. It’s theme parks and wild rides we’re angling toward in this case, big ones, some wet, some dry but with one thing in common: they’re sure to make an exciting addition to your next Texas trip.

Getting an enthusiastic thumbs up for both the scope and size of its roller coasters is Six Flags Over Texas, conveniently located between Fort Worth and Dallas. Sure, they have kid and family-friendly rides, but they’ve also got a few thrills like Batman and the Texas Giant to keep everyone else on the edge of their seats. Best of all? Right across the street is Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a large-scale water park that offers a respite from the heat on those long summer days.

Find yourself down San Antonio way? There happens to be another Six Flags park (Six Flags Fiesta Texas) a stone’s throw away, where rides like the floorless coaster, Superman, should get you relatively close to flight. Cool off in season at White Water Bay, or head over to SeaWorld San Antonio, where you can catch a Shamu show, let your tots loose in Lil’ Gators Lagoon and get your heart racing on rides like The Great White.

Based outside of these big metropolitan areas? There’s still hope. Catch the breeze at smaller parks like Wonderland Park near Amarillo, or Western Playland in the El Paso area on some pleasant spring Sunday.

And finally, you won’t find the wild rides at Wonder World Park in San Marcos, but there are other reasons to let your Texas travel take you out this way. In this case, we’re talking almost educational fun, including a tour of an earthquake cave, a trip to the petting zoo and a ride on the park’s train. Who knows, you just might feel the earth move, a force to put those slick wooden coasters in perspective.