Quick Overview
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- Kemah Boardwalk
- Space Center
- Mayan Dude Ranch
- Joyland Park
- Silver Spur Guest Ranch
- Sandy Lake Amusement Park
- Lake Travis
- Wyler Aerial Tramway
- National Butterfly Center
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library
- Children’s Museum of Houston
- Texas Air and Space Museum
- The Dallas Arboretum
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- The Austin Nature and Science Center
- Prude Ranch
- National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
- Reunion Tower
- Dinosaur World
- River Legacy Living Science Center
- Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge
- AT&T Stadium
- River Walk
- The Alamo
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
- Kimbell Art Museum
- Lady Bird Lake
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- Fort Worth Botanic Garden
- Sea Turtle, Inc.
- Big Bend National Park
- Majestic Theatre
- Fort Worth Zoo
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- Padre Island
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Texas offers vast opportunities for children to harness their creativity, energy, and imagination. With a range of attractions from artificial amusement parks and historical sites to theaters, the possibilities in this remarkable state are endless. Families can easily spend weeks discovering all that Texas has to offer without exhausting their options. Prepare for an exciting adventure exploring these 40 activities in Texas before your children mature.
1. Natural Bridge Caverns
San Antonio
Why you should visit: This extensive network of passages and caves has developed over millennia. Families can engage in educational experiences related to nature and geology while embarking on exhilarating adventures. Create unforgettable memories by exploring the caves and enjoying various attractions within the park.
Activities: Participate in cavern tours with lanterns, fossil and gem mining, spelunking, and exploration of concealed passages. Additional activities include a zipline course, maze, and observing thousands of bats as they exit the cave for their nightly feeding.
Recommended age: Ages 5 and above.
More information: http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas
San Antonio
Why you should visit: Experience an adrenaline rush at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, one of the foremost theme parks in the nation. Spend your day on thrilling roller coasters, enjoying the water park, and watching captivating performances.
Activities: Challenge yourself on various thrill rides, collect autographs from Looney Tunes characters, dine at numerous restaurants, shop for souvenirs, and cool off in the water park on a hot day. Younger visitors can enjoy family rides suitable for all ages and specially designed attractions for toddlers.
Recommended age: Ages 3 and above – certain rides have height restrictions.
More information: https://www.sixflags.com
3. Kemah Boardwalk
Houston
Why you should visit: This quintessential American boardwalk provides a fantastic environment for family leisure. With an array of rides and waterfront restaurants, it’s an ideal destination for a whole day’s exploration. Visitors during the holidays can partake in themed festivals that cater to all ages.
Activities: Ride the 65-foot Century Ferris Wheel, stroll along the boardwalk, experience a thrilling 140-foot freefall on the Drop Zone ride, delight in the carousel, and conquer the Bullet – a wooden coaster that reaches speeds of over 51 miles per hour. Savor classic carnival foods throughout your visit.
Recommended age: All ages.
More information: http://www.kemahboardwalk.com
4. Space Center
Houston
Why you should visit: The Space Center is home to NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and Mission Control for manned missions. Its mission is to educate and inspire both children and adults through engaging activities. A visit here will undoubtedly spark any child’s imagination.
Activities: Dress up as an astronaut, view authentic moon rock samples and artifacts from past space missions, experience a space simulator, tour rocket displays, and enjoy immersive films featuring space-related exhibits such as the Destination Moon area.
Recommended age: Ages 5 and older.
More information: https://spacecenter.org
5. Mayan Dude Ranch
Bandera
Why you should visit: No trip to Texas would be complete without experiencing the cowboy lifestyle. The Mayan Dude Ranch presents a unique opportunity for families to engage in traditional ranch activities including rodeos and horseback riding. Spanning over 340 acres, this ranch features trails leading through picturesque valleys and along the Medina River.
Activities: Enjoy horseback riding on pristine trails, learn roping techniques, watch rodeo demonstrations, savor a Texas-sized home-cooked meal, and converse with authentic cowboys. The ranch prioritizes safety, keeping rides in single-file lines. In the evenings, join in on country line dancing or enjoy acoustic guitar entertainment.
Recommended age: All ages.
More information: http://www.mayanranch.com/
40. Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Corpus Christi
Why you should visit: Few things are as enjoyable for children as a day spent at a waterpark. At Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Corpus Christi, kids can thoroughly indulge in aquatic fun while sliding down exhilarating water slides, floating along the lazy river, racing on inner tubes, and enjoying the cover of waterfalls.
Activities: Select a ride and enjoy the rush—thrill-seekers can challenge themselves on the Sky Blaster slide, the Speed Blaster, or the White Water Express Rides. For those preferring a leisurely approach, the Torrent River, Cliffhanger, and Boogie Bahn offer gentle fun. Additionally, designated areas exist for relaxation and unwinding.
Recommended age: Must be able to swim.
More information: http://www.schlitterbahn.com/