Vacationing in Texas with Kids
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 the Lone Star State can build lifelong memories.
Six Flags Over Texas
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
San Antonio is home to 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, a wave pool and water slides 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.
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. 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.
Dude Ranches
For a taste of some laid back country 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.
Gulf Coast 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 Historical 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.
These are only a few of the top family destinations in Texas. Plan to spend a week or more in our friendly state.
