Texas is beautiful. It has beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills and canyons, flat deserts, and long stretches of coastline. When the hues of the sky change at sunset, it is a sight to behold. No wonder more than 200 million domestic visitors and over 20 million international tourists visit Texas annually.
There are endless possibilities in this Lone Star State when planning a kid-friendly vacation. Your young explorers can splash around in the warm waters of Padre Island and Galveston, test their skills at Texas-themed theme parks such as Six Flags Over Texas and SeaWorld, explore the caves of Garner State Park, or catch a glimpse of some wildlife at the Austin Zoo.
Sounds fun, right?
In this guide, let’s check more of what Texas has in store for you and your family.
- The Best Time to Visit Texas
The best time to visit Texas is between October and April, as the weather tends to be cooler during this period. However, the summer months are ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and mountain biking if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. On the other hand, winter offers mild temperatures and plenty of opportunities to explore Texas attractions. You can take a poll from your family to see which month works best for everyone’s schedule.
- Where to Stay with Kids in Texas
There are plenty of kid-friendly places to stay in Texas. And if you’re looking for a luxury experience, you can check out Firefly TX. Firefly is a luxury RV and tiny home resort in Fredericksburg that offers an interactive and immersive experience, with kid-friendly activities like a kid’s pool and plenty of attractions nearby. In addition, the facility offers a community dog park and playground, so kids can have fun with their furry buddies and make new friends.
When deciding the best places to stay in Galveston Texas, we suggest checking the reviews, amenities, and safety measures to ensure your children have a great time. Plus, the closer to the main attractions, the more you’ll save on transportation.
- Where to Eat in Texas with Kids
There is nothing better than a hot and piping, stretchy cheese pizza!
Texas has some of the best pizzerias and Italian restaurants in the US, like San Antonio’s Incredible Pizza Company. The restaurant offers a buffet with over 100+ dishes for you and your family to relish. There is an indoor area with 80 or more arcade games and a three-lane go-kart track, so the kids can have some fun while you dine.
For more delicious options, you can head to The Magic Time Machine. It is a one-of-a-kind restaurant serving classic American comfort food while entertainers dressed up as famous characters interact with your little ones.
The Phil’s Icehouse and the Spare Time Texas are equally great for a family meal.
- Things to Do in Texas with Kids
Beyond theme parks and zoos, there are loads of exciting activities for your kids to explore in Texas.
Head to the Houston Museum of Natural Science and explore its six floors of interactive exhibits, dioramas, and dinosaur bones. Or, take a stroll in Houston City Park and let your children have some fun on the playground or ride the carousel.
The Dallas World Aquarium is a great spot to cool off in the summer with exotic and colorful fish and other aquatic life. Your kids can also visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, explore the Houston Space Center, or take a boat tour of Austin’s Lady Bird Lake.
If the beach is your jam, head to South Padre Island. It is the most extended barrier island in Texas, stretching over 34 miles of sand. Along with swimming, surfing, and fishing, you can check out the cool Sea Turtle Inc. rescue center or explore the boardwalk full of shops and restaurants.
- Places to See in Texas with Kids
To take your kids on a historical adventure, visit San Antonio’s Alamo Mission. It is the site of the famous Battle of The Alamo and is now a museum.
Continue exploring the LBJ Presidential Library to learn more about the 36th president. Austin also offers exciting attractions, like the Texas Capitol building and Zilker Park.
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun, Big Bend National Park is a great option. You can camp, hike, raft, or explore on horseback.
The Natural Bridge Caverns is another excellent place to visit. It’s a network of passages and caves you can explore with a guided tour.
The Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is a thrilling amusement park with more than 20 rides and attractions, like roller coasters and water slides. Of course, it’s a can’t-miss.
- Packing for Your Trip to Texas
Bring some essential items if you’re planning a family vacation to Texas. It’s best to pack comfortable and breathable clothing that can withstand the warm and humid climate.
You’ll also need to pack all your first-aid supplies, including sunscreen and bug repellent. Also, don’t forget your hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles.
You’ll also need to bring some entertainment items for the kids, such as books, tablets, and handheld games.
Finally, if your kids are into sports, you may want to bring some outdoor sports gear, like a Frisbee or a badminton set.
- Things to Know Before Going to Texas
Texas is packed with fun activities and destinations. To make the most of your trip, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Carry adequate cash, as some places are cash-only.
- You’ll need a car to get around; the public transportation system is limited.
- If you know the pronunciation of the street names, locals will find it easier to help you out.
- Texans are social, so you’ll get a lot of waving and friendly conversations.
Final Thoughts
Texas is a beautiful and diverse state that you and your family will love exploring. It’s full of fun activities, interesting sights, delicious food, and friendly people.
But one thing is sure: you can’t explore Texas in just one visit! You’ll have to come back again, and that’s part of the adventure. We recommend planning your trip early and researching to make the most of your experience. If you want to make the most of the state’s culture, we recommend visiting during the festivals in spring or fall.
So, grab your hats and sunscreen and plan an unforgettable kid-friendly vacation to Texas. Happy travels!
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