Explore Fun and Educational Things to Do in Texas with Kids

Texas is a fantastic place to explore with kids! From vibrant cities full of culture and exciting attractions to beach vacations and spectacular state parks – there’s something for everyone here. From exploring the awe-inspiring Big Bend National Park to taking a wildlife safari in San Antonio to a whale watching tour in Galveston – Texas is an unforgettable destination your kids will love!

Here, we will discuss things to do in Texas with kids. With its wide range of activities and attractions, it’s no wonder Texas has been voted one of the top family vacation spots year after year. So pack your bags and prepare for an adventure – you won’t regret it!

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is an amusement park in San Antonio, Texas. The park offers rides, entertainment, and events on its website while striving to create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. Some of their most famous rides include Iron Rattler, Wonder Woman Golden Lasso, and SUPERMAN: Krypton Coaster. Moreover, Six Flags has theater venues like Zaragoza Theatre and Teatro Fiesta for guests’ enjoyment.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers various ticket options for visitors, such as the Ultimate Season Pass and group ticket packages. It is recommended that guests purchase parking online before arriving at the park since Six Flags Fiesta Texas only accepts card payments and is cashless at the gate.

Dinosaur attractions, wildlife safari parks, and river tubing

Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, about an hour’s drive from Fort Worth, is the ultimate Texas dinosaur experience where visitors can see where dinosaurs once roamed and find actual dinosaur tracks in the bed of the river. For a more immersive experience, families can check out the Dinosaur Safari exhibit at the River Legacy Nature Center in Arlington, featuring animatronic baby dinosaurs and hands-on stations for kids.

Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, which features over 1,000 animals across 50 species, with a core mission of conserving endangered species. For a more adventurous experience, families can go river tubing at locations such as the Comal River or Guadalupe River, where they can enjoy scenic views and cool off during hot Texas summers.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Step into a world 150 million years in the making. Natural Bridge Caverns, nestled between New Braunfels and San Antonio in Texas, is a gateway to an underground wonderland of colossal rock formations forged by nature.

Follow the softly lit path of the Discovery Tour, where you’ll see ancient stalactites and stalagmites hanging silently in the air. Don’t miss the grandiose Castle Of The White Giants and Hall Of The Mountain King, both boasting formations formed by single water drops, eons ago. Every step is a journey through time!

However, the real beauty of Natural Bridge Caverns may be below the surface. Underneath all the majestic limestone lies a unique underground creek – a truly special sight to behold! It’s easy to see why this hidden gem was discovered back in 1960 by four curious college students.

Natural Bridge Caverns is open daily at 9:00 am and is accessible for all who wish to explore its secrets and marvel at its natural beauty. Admission prices vary, so come down, take the plunge and be awed by the captivating sights beyond the natural bridge!

USS Lexington Museum

This is one of the best things to do in Texas with kids. The USS Lexington Museum is a popular tourist attraction located in Corpus Christi, Texas that was commissioned as an aircraft carrier in 1943 during World War II. After its decommissioning in 1991, the ship was transformed into a museum. Visitors can explore the different levels of the ship, watch informative films about naval history, and learn about the USS Lexington’s service during World War II and beyond. The museum is self-sufficient and has never received any government funding. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm on most days, but has extended hours during the summer months.

Children’s museums and other museums

Texas has a variety of museums to offer for visitors of all ages. For families with kids, there are several children’s museums across the state, such as The DoSeum in San Antonio, Children’s Museum Houston, Galveston Children’s Museum, and Play Street Museum in Frisco. These museums offer interactive exhibits and hands-on activities to promote learning and play for children.

For those interested in other types of museums, there are options like the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, which explores the events surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which has a variety of exhibits on natural history, space exploration, and more.

National Butterfly Center

This is also one of the best things to do in Texas with kids. The National Butterfly Center, located in Mission, Texas, is a 100-acre private nature preserve operated by the North American Butterfly Association. It is known for its impressive variety of wild, free-flying butterflies, making it the butterfly capital of the USA, according to USA Today. Visitors can experience the wonder of the butterfly conservatory, including the famous Spike who thinks he is a butterfly. However, the center has also faced right-wing harassment and is at risk of being shut down.

Mayborn Museum Complex

The Mayborn Museum Complex is located on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas. This 143,000-square-foot complex includes hands-on discovery rooms and interactive natural science and cultural history galleries, both indoors and outdoors. Visitors can learn about the natural science and cultural history of Central Texas. The complex is also home to the state-of-the-art Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center, which includes the “Waco at the Crossroads of Texas” exhibit. The Mayborn Museum offers a variety of fun activities and events each month.

Canyon Lake and South Padre Island

Canyon Lake and South Padre Island are two popular destinations in Texas with distinct offerings. Canyon Lake is a reservoir in the Texas Hill Country, known for its clear blue waters, scenic surroundings, and abundant outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. It is a perfect place for those looking for a peaceful nature retreat.

On the other hand, South Padre Island is a barrier island off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico, renowned for its pristine beaches and thrilling water sports. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as surfing, sandcastle-sculpting, parasailing, and dolphin-watching cruises. South Padre Island also has several campgrounds where visitors can pitch their tents and wake up to the sound of waves.

Beach activities

Texas boasts nearly 400 miles of shoreline, offering numerous beach activities for tourists and locals. Popular family-friendly spots include Rockport Beach, Port Aransas Beach, and Mustang Island State Park; these beaches boast clean, clear water ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. 

Surfside Beach, Malaquite Beach and East Beach in Galveston also provide fishing opportunities; Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca provides solitude while its warm Gulf Coast waters make Texas beaches ideal destinations for fun in the sun! However, these are the things to do in Texas with kids.

Heading for Texas? Your family’s in for a great treat! With countless attractions and entertainment options, you’ll be able to make the most out of your trip. Roll up your sleeves and prepare yourself to explore – amusement parks, water parks, animal safaris, and beach resorts await! Don’t forget those sunscreens; a Lone Star State adventure promises an experience you won’t soon forget.