Best Vacations in Texas with Kids

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Fun Family Vacation Spots in the Lone Star State

From roller coaster rides to hayrides, from canoe tours to surfing, Texas offers variety in recreation for all members of the family.

For families who want to vacation and de-stress under the lazy white clouds of Texas, our big state offers theme parks, national parks, camping, guest ranches, and beaches, all enhanced by the delicious tastes of Southern-style foods. A fun family vacation in Lone Star State can build lifelong memories.

If you’re looking for a beach getaway, South Padre Island is the perfect spot. With its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Plus there are plenty of other activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and dolphin watching.

If you prefer something more adventurous, try Big Bend National Park in West Texas. Here you can explore vast desert landscapes and hike through rugged mountains. You can also go camping or take a scenic drive along the Rio Grande River.

No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, Texas has something for everyone!

South Padre Island

This barrier island off the coast of Texas is a beach lover’s paradise. With its mild climate, incredible wildlife, and stunning beaches, South Padre Island can provide you with all the relaxation and fun you could ever want from a Texas beach town.

The oceanfront city offers plenty of activities suitable for any type of traveler – whether you’re looking for some restful sunbathing on the sand or an adventure thrill-seeking experience. Spend your days snorkeling or fishing in Laguna Madre Bay, biking along miles of trails, or exploring nearby attractions like Birding Center and Historic Port Isabel Lighthouse.

Big Bend National Park

This is a vacation for the family overwhelmed by the rat race of city life. Very little civilization exists in Big Bend country but there are several campgrounds and the Chisos Mountain Lodge does offer rooms and a restaurant. Drive through the Chisos Mountains for some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.

Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park

Explore the vast canyons on a tour-guided canoe trip down the Rio Grande. Ranger-led hikes and exploration programs with lessons in dinosaurs, geology, and early outlaws of the West are fun for kids. Be sure to learn about the park and safety precautions before camping or hiking in these 800,000 acres of remote and untamed land.

Texas Dude Ranches

For a taste of some laid backcountry living, many working ranches in the Hill Country of Texas provide rustic accommodations and a chance for folks to experience real cowboy life. Guests ride horses, go on real western hayrides, sing around a campfire, swim, hike, or just relax in the country setting. Some ranches, such as the Flying L, welcome kids with programs of arrowhead hunting, western arts and crafts, and trick roping. Dude ranches are known for their delicious country home cooking. Read 12 Best Texas Dude Ranches

texas dude ranch resorts
Texas Dude Ranches

Galveston Island Beaches

Thirty-two miles of beaches on Galveston Island are only part of the Gulf Coastline to offer great opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, bird watching, and sandcastle building. RV facilities and screened shelters provide a fun camping experience, however, luxury hotels are also available in this island paradise. Other family attractions in the area include top seafood restaurants, Strand Historic District, the Bishop’s Palace, and numerous other historical sites, as well as a ferry ride to Port Bolivar, and the nearby Kemah Boardwalk with its boat shows and thrill rides.

Trip to Austin for Live Music and Food

Austin is an ideal place for a family getaway filled with music and delicious food! Whether you’re looking to spend your day exploring one of the many museums or hitting some of Austin’s top attractions, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Kids will love checking out some of the nearby outdoor activities like swimming in Lady Bird Lake or playing at Zilker Park. There are also several music venues that offer live performances from local and international artists alike – perfect for exposing kids to different genres of music. Foodies will enjoy exploring all the restaurants that serve up delicious barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. And don’t forget about all the fun shopping opportunities downtown!

Horseback Riding in the Hill Country

If you’re looking for a unique family vacation in Texas that will create lasting memories, then horseback riding through the Hill Country is a great option. Parents and kids of all ages can enjoy a scenic horseback ride while exploring the vast terrain of this beautiful region. With over 38,000 square miles to explore, the Hill Country offers a wide variety of trails that are suitable for riders of all skill levels.

The scenery is breathtaking with rolling hills and diverse landscapes consisting of flowing rivers, lush fields, and plenty of wildlife. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or just starting out, experienced guides will provide personalized instruction so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable ride. Guided tours offer insights into local history and culture as well as opportunities to spot different species of birds and other native animals up close.

Explore Houston’s Museums & Parks

With amazing museums and parks, Houston’s a great place to explore and have fun with your kids. Whether you’re interested in the city’s rich cultural attractions or outdoor fun, Houston has plenty of activities for families to enjoy.

Some of Houston’s top attractions are its many museums and parks. The Children’s Museum of Houston offers interactive exhibits that focus on science, culture, and more. For those looking to get out into nature, Hermann Park provides acres of land filled with green spaces and recreational activities like biking trails and a miniature train ride. Additionally, Memorial Park offers a golf course along with hiking trails where visitors can spot wildlife like armadillos or even wild turkeys!

Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011, Phone: (817) 640-8900

With games, shops, concerts, and dozens of rides to choose from, every member of the family will have fun here. Rides range from the mild animated adventure of Yosemite Sam’s Gold River Adventure to the Titan, a 25 and ½ story roller coaster with spiral curves and speeds of up to 85 miles per hour. Afterward, enjoy a platter of cheddar-bacon-ranch fries and some good ol’ Ben and Jerry’s ice cream at this park in Arlington, east of Dallas.

Sea World

SeaWorld San Antonio, 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251

San Antonio is home to Sea World, the largest marine life adventure and family entertainment park in the world. Adults and kids alike thrill to the dives and splashes of Shamu and other performing whales and dolphins. Families laugh at the antics of playful penguins and experience a chill as sinister sharks glide the dark depths of their huge tanks.

A number of exciting rides are available including “The Great White.” When the hot Texas sun gets to be too much, the wave pool and water slide cool things down while keeping the fun going. Nearby attractions include the Alamo, the Riverwalk offering shopping and Tex-Mex dining, and comfortable hotels. The park is open every day in Summer and on weekends in Spring and Fall.

Final Word

These are only a few of the top family destinations in Texas. Plan to spend a week or more in our friendly state. From outdoor adventures and beach getaways to vibrant cities and historical attractions, there is something for everyone. Consider planning your next family vacation in this exciting and diverse state. Don’t forget to check out the top sites like Big Bend National Park and Galveston Island State Park, as well as the many fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

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