Family vacation ideas in Texas – When someone says Texas, you think Old West. But gun-toting cowboys aren’t the only attraction Texas has to offer.
Beaches, national parks, popular towns, amusement parks—and only for those with special needs—museums, and more make this an ideal destination for some of the best family vacations in Texas.
When you’re there, you’ll also want to sample Texan delicacies, whether it’s chicken fried steaks or other real blue Mexican delights. So have your tykes vote which Texas holiday they want to experience this year.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island, located at the southern end of the world’s longest barrier island, Padre Island, 34 miles long, borders Mexico., It is one of the best places to vacation in Texas because it offers many attractions such as dolphin tours, pirate cruises, and a historical lighthouse tour.
You can also see how injured turtles are cared for at the rehabilitation center called Sea Turtle, Inc. You can have fun splashing around in the indoor and outdoor water park at Schlitterbahn Beach Resort. Don’t miss the South Padre Island Adventure Park for horseback riding and ziplining.,
Recommended Hotel: South Padre Island Court
Related: Best Family Resorts in Texas
Dallas
If it’s a modern city you want to visit, then Dallat has to be! It is a family destination where each member will have something interesting. The Dallas Fire Museum and Children’s Theater are a must if you have young children. Teenagers would love to visit Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor.,
Sandy Lane Park with mini golf and boat rides is ideal for creating family memories. In addition, Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Dallas Heritage Village will delight you with their impressive architecture and scenery.
recommended hotel: The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
San Antonio
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly weekend in Texas, you can’t miss San Antonio. This charming town has many attractions for all ages.,
Take the river walk and explore the labyrinthine paths dotted with shops selling tempting wares and restaurants with attractive menus. Alamo was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 and is a great historic place to visit. In addition, you can have a fun day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a theme park.
SeaWorld San Antonio is famous, as is the DoSeum children’s museum and Morgan’s Wonderland, an amusement park created specifically for children with special needs and their families.
Recommended Hotel: Mokara Hotel & Spa
Grapevine
If you’re looking for a brief getaway, Grapevine will be perfect. Not too far from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, you can skip it if you have a long layover between flights, especially around Christmas.
The train ride with Santa on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad will give your young tykes something to remember. You can shop at the Farmer’s Market or enjoy one of the 1,400 events held between November and December. Cafes, shops, and wine tasting rooms along the town’s main street make it a gastronomic delight.
Have the best family vacation in texas, and be sure to visit the glockenspiel with your kids to watch animatronic characters play four times a day.,
Recommended hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas-Arlington
Fort Worth
Step back to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, walking the cobblestone streets that lead to one of the longest-running livestock shows in the United States, making this an inexpensive family trip idea. You can visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the National Cowgirl Museum Hall of Fame to taste Texas Cowboy culture. The Vintage Flying Museum is another must.,
Taste the delicious barbecue and other local specialties in the restaurants along the promenade. Shop for souvenirs at the boutiques and gift shops to cherish the memories of your visit to one of the most fun places to visit in Texas with the kids.
recommended hotel: Stockyards Hotel
Related: Things To Do In Texas With Kids
Big Bend National Park
From scenic drives to hiking, biking by day, and star gazing at night, Big Bend National Park is for nature lovers., It’s not hard to believe that the historic district of Hot Springs, located on the river the Rio Grande, was a spa resort due to its natural springs.
You can see evidence of this as some old buildings still feel their presence. Kayaking, guided ranger tours, and junior ranger programs for kids make this an excellent destination for family travel.
Amarillo
This is an absolute must for the car enthusiast in your family! Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo displays the most outstanding art collection of overturned cars covered in graffiti! Follow that up with a visit to the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, located in the same historic Route 66 neighborhood.
You can enjoy scenic drives or window shops in antique stores. But if your young bundles of joy demand something more, race with them to Wonderland Amusement Park or Splash Amarillo, the water park. What more do you need to make this the best family vacation ever?
Recommended hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Amarillo Airport
Galveston Island
If you’re looking for an inexpensive family vacation idea, Barrier Island, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is the best fit. The Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark and the Galveston Railroad Museum are great fun for the kids, and you can hit the beach in the morning or evening for some family fun time!
While there, don’t forget to admire the longest mural on the seawall, which stretches 10 miles between 9th and 89th streets. In addition, Le Brin has a variety of restaurants to satisfy your taste buds and souvenir shops.
recommended hotel: Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront
Related: Best Family Beaches in Texas
Houston
Houston’s Museum District has all the museums within walking distance of each other, so even if you have a toddler, you can just push the stroller as you go from museum to museum. The variety is impressive, from the Children’s Museum of Houston to the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The toddler and other youngsters can also have a great time at the Houston Zoo, located in the neighborhood. The Cockrell Butterfly Center will be an eye-opener for the family. And you can also enjoy some time at the National Museum of Funeral History.,
Recommended Hotel: The Post Oak Hotel
Austin
For bold and beautiful moments, take a mini-vacation to Austin. Descend the hills and enjoy the hospitality at one of the luxurious resorts surrounded by natural beauty. Lady Bird Lake is for hikers and bikers.
Oh, for young Turks, the Thinkery, a children’s museum, and a zoo are just around the corner. They’ll love the Zilker Zephyr, a 25-minute miniature train through Zilker Park. And on weekends, take a three-hour round-trip ride through the Texas Hill Country on the Bertram Flyer.
recommended hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Port Aransas
Beach camping is a fun and relaxing family vacation in Texas. Mustang Island State Park in Port Aransas is an ideal beach campsite where your bundles of joy can build sandcastles on the beach or indulge in sports fishing.
You can take a pirate-themed cruise with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises at night and end the day with a delicious seafood dinner. Parasailing, bird watching, dolphin watching, kayaking, and a golf course seaside style, make it an ideal package for the whole family. Other festivals and events make it a lively place to visit with the family.,
recommended hotel: Island Hotel Port Aransas
Waco
Located on the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin, Waco is a great quick getaway with five historic homes and seven recreation spots. In addition, there is never a shortage of staged theatrical and musical productions, with nine arts organizations rivaling art exhibitions for attention.
Kid-friendly entertainment makes Magnolia Market an excellent family vacation destination. Dr. Pepper Museum, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Hawaiian Falls, and a water park complete the attractions for a family vacation.
Did I mention the Cameron Park Zoo on 52 acres of land on the banks of the Brazos River? With 1,731 animals representing 300 species, you’ll find that one day isn’t enough to see them all.
recommended hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott Waco
New Braunfels
New Braunfels promises plenty of outdoor fun if you’re traveling with the family, without a float on the river and the thrill of water rides in one of the largest water parks in the world. Two rivers, Comal and Guadalupe, flow through the city and are famous for tubing, ideal during the summer with the family.,
The Texas Ski Ranch spans 70 acres offering pure fun with action sports, whether it’s wakeboarding or cable parks. For beginners, coaching is provided on beginner cables. So hang out on the beach, drink at the beach bar, or burn off some energy in the spring-loaded trampoline park for a great day of fun and frolicking!
Recommended hotel: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, New Braunfels, TX
Corpus Christi
A coastal town with some of the cleanest and quietest beaches in the state, Corpus Christi is the perfect quick getaway for the family. Whether you are here for the sun, the beaches, or to soak in a bit of history, it offers you everything, even nature, wildlife, and culture.
Take your kids to Hurricane Alley Water Park, or treat yourself to Floating Water Dog Yoga, surf shops or visit the Texas State Aquarium, the largest in the Lone Star State. Commune with dolphins or watch butterflies fly by. Make the most of everything this charming place has to offer.
recommended hotel: Residence Inn Corpus Christi
Garner State Park
Located in Concan, Texas, Garner State Park attracts Texan families from all over the state during the summer months. Float down the Frio River, enjoy a round of golf, or go horseback riding while you’re here. In addition, garner hosts dance nights during the summer, which is an excellent way for the whole family to meet new friends.
North
Often referred to as the “Grand” Canyon of Texas, “Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an ideal family vacation destination focused on reconnecting with nature. Palo Duro is a perfect location, approximately 120 miles long and 20 miles wide. To explore on foot, horseback, mountain bike, or by car, Make sure to see a summer film about the TEXAS outdoor musical drama at the Pioneer Amphitheater, then stay for the fireworks.
Road Trippin ‘Down Route 66: The Route 66 RV Ranch in Amarillo, from $ 36 / daily
Although only 177 miles of “Mother Road” is in Texas, Route 66 offers a journey through history with plenty of sightseeing and shopping opportunities. No trip along Route 66 would be complete without a stop at the old U-Drop Inn gas station in Shamrock and the Midpoint Café in Adrian. Spend some time in Amarillo and visit Cadillac Ranch, the Amarillo precincts, and downtown Amarillo for plenty of shopping opportunities.
Central
Camping at Berry Springs Park & Preserve, from $ 15 / night
Arguably one of the most beautiful parts of Texas, the Texas Hill Country is filled with cultural and natural attributes that make it the perfect place for a family vacation. From kayaking to hiking to baseball at the Dell Diamond, the possibilities are endless when planning the ideal Texas Hill Country family vacation. With over 300 acres of land, Berry Springs Park & Preserve is located in Georgetown and offers access to restrooms, showers, playgrounds, and a youth track.
Swimming in Central Texas: Krause Springs Camping, starting at $ 15 / adult and $ 10 / child.
There’s no better way to beat the Texas heat than by jumping into a nice pool, and thankfully central Texas is home to some of the best swimming holes in the nation. Located in Austin’s Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a great place to go for a swim and spot some of the endangered species that populate the area. Krause Springs is another popular spring-fed bathing pool in Spicewood that offers stunning waterfalls and plenty of camping opportunities.
Camp River View on the Frio River, from $ 50 per night
Located along the Frio River, Camp River View is perfect for families looking to enjoy all Concan and the surrounding hill country. So grab a tube, sit back and enjoy a relaxing day floating down the Frio River. When you’ve had this, head to Garner State Park and enjoy swimming, canoeing, fishing, boating, or a Frio Bat Flight tour. During the summer, attend a ball at the park building, a tradition dating since the 1940s.
