33 Fun Things to Do in Texas with Kids (Updated) – 2024
If you’re seeking family-friendly activities in Texas, look no further.
We have compiled a list of the most incredible family-friendly activities for you.
Texas has a great deal to offer in terms of leisure and entertainment, spanning amusement parks to heritage parks, ancient buildings to musicals, and so on.
There’s something here for everybody, regardless of whether you’re searching for an extended vacation or a weekend break.
Best activities to do in Texas for children
1. Space Center, Houston
If you’re searching for some motivation and amusement, the Houston Space Station is the destination to visit.
Why visit?
The Space Station, which houses NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Launch Facility and Mission Control for human space missions, will undoubtedly spark your kids’ curiosity and imagination.
Parents will enjoy it as well, making it among the best tourist and holiday attractions.
Visitors may put on a space suit and examine a library of space rocks as well as other relics from previous space missions, including Mercury, Gemini, and Luna.
A satellite simulator, missile display, film displays, and other space-related displays such as the Destination Moon element make this among the best family-friendly tourist hotspots.
2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio
If you’re visiting Texas with children, don’t skip Six Flags Fiesta Texas, among the most exhilarating amusement parks in the nation.
Enjoy the rollercoaster ride or swim in the wave pool.
There are many rides visitors can enjoy with toddlers or bring them on that are intended just for children.
Why visit?
You’ll be entertained for a long time if you can endure the exhilarating excursions.
The Looney Toons personalities are available for photographs.
The amusement park’s various eateries provide excellent meals to satisfy your entire family.
Purchase mementos.
Certain attractions have height restrictions for children aged Three and above.
3. Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio
Discovering the tunnels and caverns constructed millions of years ago is one of the top activities to engage in with children in Texas.
You’ll remember this fantastic excursion as you study ecology and science.
Why visit?
There are many more enjoyable things within the area that you should explore.
Wander the caves with a lantern, digging for relics and jewels, uncovering tunnels, and spelunking.
A zipline route, a puzzle, and witnessing hundreds of bats swoop out of the tunnel every evening in pursuit of food all add to the excitement. It is ideal for children aged five and up.
4. Joyland Park, Lubbock
If you’re contemplating what you can do in Texas with your kids, consider going to Joyland Resort, an amusement park that both your children as well as you will love.
You may expect thrill rides, go-karting, and various other exciting activities.
Why visit?
It is one of the most kid-friendly sites, including attractions like the Grizzly hanging gondola, the Dare Devil Descent freefall structure, and the Galaxi ride.
Adventures for smaller kids are also available. During the summertime, water rides will help you stay cool.
Have a food break and go gift hunting at one of the numerous eateries.
This is the place for you if you have kids aged three or more.
5. Silver Spur Guest Ranch, Bandera
This farm, so characteristic of this cowboy nation, represents one of the Texas icons.
Why visit?
Spend some time and bond with the ponies, have a traditional western lunch, and enjoy some warm time with family on the range while creating special memories.
To experience the Texan style of living, visitors can take a vacation, come for a single day, or enjoy unique events.
Numerous family-friendly activities are available, including horseback rides on clear paths, cooking s’mores over the bonfire, playing about in the ranch’s wading pool, watching the longhorns, trekking through the hill region, or trying your chance at magic roping.
6. Sandy Lake Amusement Park, Dallas
This adventure park is among the top family events in Texas, offering pleasant entertainment for families and kids of all ages.
Why visit?
This is among the most popular tourist destinations for families since it has a water park, train trips, a miniature golf course, various rides, and paddling bats.
Enjoy a family gathering and a swim in the neighboring pool, sail a canoe across Sandy Lake, play air hockey or arcade games, or tee off on the small golf range.
Due to the cuisine supplied, such as lasagna, hot dogs, and pretzels, this is a particularly kid-friendly location to explore.
7. National Butterfly Center, Mission
Explore this butterfly sanctuary for some healthy child games, where they may chase millions of natural butterflies rushing towards the nectar-rich flowers produced by the preserve.
And when the heat increases over 65°F, practically every type of butterfly will be on the move.
Why visit?
Simply chasing butterflies will whet your children’s appetites.
One can go on lunch and carry a lens to record the moments.
Binoculars can be used to get a deeper look and to spot caterpillars and chrysalises.
Time will fly quickly since the habitat is spread across hundreds of acres of property.
8. Children’s Museum of Houston
This exhibition is one of the most kid-friendly locations to visit since it was constructed with children’s interests in mind.
The gallery organizes a wide range of activities, exhibitions, and events for kids.
Why visit?
The institution also conducts free family evenings and provides free immunizations to youngsters.
Einstein Know-How teaches kids about force, resistance, and physics.
They will learn about the Gullah people and their traditions.
The Chevron-Houston Texans Maker Annex encourages children to create new experiences.
The Cyberchase exhibition is famous among tech-savvy children.
It is an excellent place for children aged Fourteen and above.
9. Lake Travis, Leander
Beachside Billy’s, a lovely lake featuring an onshore water park, is among the popular activities to do in Texas with children.
Why visit?
There are attractions and entertainment for the entire family and an adult-only pool in addition to many kid’s ponds.
Go on a nice day and enjoy yourself with the whole group.
This site is jam-packed with kid-friendly attractions, including a Pirate Ship playroom and a Gator’s Crossing endurance test.
A relaxed haute cuisine establishment delivers delectable delicacies such as cheeseburgers, funnel cakes, and pizzas that they simply cannot resist.
Best if you are traveling with teenagers.
10. Texas Air and Space Museum, Armillo
This museum has numerous entertaining activities for youngsters, such as flying their aircraft or going into space.
Why visit?
Children will love exploring the various exhibitions relating to the science of flying, and it will be both exciting and educational.
Children may investigate the interiors of vintage airplanes and study their operations.
They would also learn about advances in aerospace and flight technologies.
The exhibition has numerous dedicated professionals to answer your kid’s questions about airplanes and how they fly.
11. Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston
The fact that there is an exhibition for everyone ends up making the Houston Museum of Natural Science a really family-friendly destination.
Why visit?
Furthermore, the displays promote hands-on involvement, so visitors watch it and understand how it works.
A giant-screen cinema, an auditorium, a butterfly park, and an observatory make a vacation to Texas with children wholly justified.
Learn about the most recent advances in archaeology, geography, and anatomy.
View an informative film on the big screen cinema or gaze at the heavens via telescopes.
Explore the butterflies area to see the brightly colored creatures.
12. The Dallas Arboretum, Dallas
Connect with ecology by walking through well-kept landscapes, viewing sculpture exhibitions, and letting your children participate in child-friendly events in the parkland.
Why visit?
A private tour in which the children may assist in pollinating flowers will be an extraordinary experience.
Numerous adventurous attractions on the site end up making it one of the most enjoyable hobbies for children.
Scientific laboratories and pollination workshops will keep kids interested while also serving the Rory Meyers Youngsters’ Discovery Playground aim to instill an awareness of environmental responsibility in kids. This place is ideal for growing teenagers.
13. Dinosaur World, Glen Rose
Have you been looking for fun activities in Texas?
Tour Dinosaur World to discover so much about the planet’s titans during the Mesozoic period.
Why visit?
Wandering among the life-sized dinosaurs is among the most enjoyable activities for children, allowing their imaginations to wander freely.
Engage with the displays and have fun with the dinosaur-themed attractions and playroom. Pets are welcome, making this an ideal pastime for the whole group.
There is also a Jurassic World race.
14. River Walk, San Antonio
The River Walk is among the fascinating tourist destinations in Texas for children.
Why visit?
It is densely packed with stores, eateries, and excursions, particularly those geared toward kids.
Rent a river cab and sail by the River Walk’s vibrant attractions.
There are workshops to explore if visitors enjoy art.
The various eateries along the riverbank provide terrific Texan cooking. It’s perfect if you are traveling with children aged 3 and above.
15. The Alamo, San Antonio
The great battle of 1836 was contested here, making it a milestone in American cultural history.
Why visit?
Visitors may show their kids buildings that are over 300 years old in this important Texas heritage.
One may also discover additional information about the significance of this Texas monument by taking a supervised or multimedia tour.
A tremendous historical campsite recreates the shooting that occurred so many decades previously.
An instructive film about the battle’s chronology is shown.
Visitors may also buy authentic souvenirs.
Ideal for children aged five and up
16. KidZania USA
KidZania USA is without a doubt one of our absolute favorites for activities to do in Texas with children.
A 100000 sq ft indoor facility, strategically situated close to Frisco, makes the learning process exciting and interesting for children with its comprehensive, hands-on exhibits.
Why visit?
Kids may pretend to have over a hundred different vocations at KidZania.
Participants can engage in real-life vocations and duties such as podcast host, surgeon, aviator, and lawyer.
In addition, kids will receive kidZos (local currency) that they may save or spend on gifts and activities.
It resembles a whole city run by kids but is downscaled to approximately a quarter of its original size.
Did you know that it includes real-world businesses like Spotify, Chase, and Jet Airlines?
Even though it appears to be a child-centric destination, it does provide events wherein adults can join.
Adults can participate by sitting in on a tv station crowd or as visitors at the dynamic dining.
Kids between Four to fourteen years old are advised. However, Children below the age of four are also welcomed.
17. Amarillo Zoo
The Amarillo Zoo opened in the mid-1950s and is located on a 15-acre tract within Thompson Park.
Why visit?
It is home to over 80 wildlife species, featuring lions, kangaroos, and Burmese predators, dwell here, as well as exotic animal performances and zookeeper chats are frequently given on holidays and throughout the summer. The ideal time to go is in the early hours, because animals are often more lively, although visitors will see lots of creatures regardless of the day they decide to visit. If you find an opportunity after touring the zoo, you may explore the neighboring park’s paths, picnic spaces, and recreational areas.
18. National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature was established to promote and honor the most significant artistic work produced in kids’ literature.
Why visit?
It serves as a fantastic location for you and your children to immerse yourselves in the realm of fantasy and creativity. Each show highlights a distinct artist and is updated on a routine basis. Guests may occasionally encounter the creators and get an autographed copy of their favorite author during show launching events. Family art events are conducted every weekend, and a special Art Expedition for toddlers is presented once a month. All the workshops are completely free.
19. Grapevine Vintage Railroad
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad, which operates through the Main Street Station in the city, delivers picturesque passenger transport excursions on classic 1920s Victorian carriages.
Why visit?
The Cotton Belt Path takes guests on a twenty-mile journey to the Fort Worth Stockyards, then back to Grapevine roughly about 2 hours later as well as having an alternative 45-minute circuit that goes across the Trinity River as well as through Trinity Park out from Stockyards. An hour cycle train runs on Weekends, and the railway also provides a unique Polar Bear Express journey during the Christmas holiday season.
20. Gator Country
Gator Country is the largest reptile refuge and amusement park in the southern part of the country, featuring over 450 crocodiles and allies. Several of the creatures have been saved by the reserve’s skilled crew.
Why visit?
All tourists will receive a one-of-a-kind hands-on encounter and picture advantage. Also, a unique Adventure option involves wading among the alligators from March to September. Visitors may also organize a boat trip into the marsh. If one arranges the tour ahead of time, they’ll also be able to see a wide range of birds and possibly even a few crocodiles.
21. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
The Fort Worth Hall of Science and History, previously referred to as the Fort Worth Children’s Museum is an educational museum oriented mainly at smaller kids.
Why visit?
A part of the ancient gallery has been maintained in a fun display for children aged eight and under. However, there are many other displays, along with a dinosaur excavation site and a cow show hall. The gallery also contains an observatory and an eight-story IMAX cinema, with seats for both attractions available separately or as add-ons to the primary museum exhibitions.
22. Franklin Drive Thru Safari
The Franklin Drive Thru Safari, among Texas’ most distinctive exotic zoos, is a hundred-acre facility complete with rare creatures such as zebras, giraffes, and monkeys.
Why visit?
Guests are allowed to ride their own vehicles across the safari, but if visitors wish to understand further about the creatures and how they are looked after, they may take a custom-guided tour. Children would also enjoy hand feeding the creatures, and feed may be bought at the souvenir shop. Visitors may also pay to access the baby animal area, which allows them to engage personally with a range of cute creatures for an extra-special adventure.
23. Fire Museum of Texas
The Fire Museum of Texas is the state’s official fire exhibit, located inside a historic fire brigade established in the late 1920s.
Why visit?
The structure perfectly demonstrates Renaissance Revival grandeur, but arguably the most significant aspect is the World’s Largest Fire Hydrant, which stands outdoors. The displays follow the background of firefighters from the 1850s to the current day, with the 1856 firetrucks serving as centerpieces for visitors. Children can dress up as firemen and ride in a simple fire engine, as well as a two-story playhouse where they can practice fire evacuation plans.
24. Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo, which is only 3 kilometers from town, has over a hundred acres for guests to enjoy.
Why visit?
There are roughly two thousand different creatures encompassing over 400 species. If you’re intrigued by African, South American, or Australian Outback fauna, you’ll discover something here that will pique your curiosity. Guests may feed giraffes as well as discover more about wildlife from zoologists in addition to finding wildlife in the displays, each of which is meant to replicate the ecological environment. The zoo provides day programs for kindergarten through fifth-grade children whenever school is not in operation.
25. Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, located directly on the coastline in Corpus Christi, is devoted to educating students about the natural and cultural history of the planet we exist in.
Why visit?
The displays focus on the background of South Texas, with attractions including items from a 1686 Spanish shipwreck, a geoscience exhibit, as well as a 5000 sq ft science center loaded with fun activities. Periodic homeschooling day programs are also available, and the institution organizes a session of hands-on experiences for families each alternate Sunday.
26. Cave without a name
The Cave Without a Name is a spectacular limestone cave secreted deep in the foothills of Central Texas, which has been accessible to tourists since the late 1930s.
Why visit?
The excursions run for about 60 minutes and take customers around six large rooms packed with rock formations, crystals, and other magnificent stalagmites. Live music performances are conducted once every month on the Queen’s Throne, which has outstanding natural dynamics. Guests may also browse for gemstones, hike above-ground pathways, and carve open crystal shards. Special pricing is available for parties of Fifteen or maybe more individuals, and kids under the age of six are admitted free of cost.
27. Blue Bell Creamery Tour
The Blue Bell Creamery Experience, which is available in Brenham, provides tourists a behind-the-scenes peek at how everybody’s beloved Texan ice cream is prepared.
Why visit?
The Touring Center uses photographs and movies to convey the history of Blue Bell, as well as an Observation Deck wherein people can see ice cream getting manufactured. Of course, no trip is finished without a bowl of delectable ice cream from the antiquated Ice Cream Parlor.
28. International Museum of Art and Science
The International Museum of Art and Science, established to develop an awareness of the humanities and sciences, provides an exceptional range of changing exhibitions that guests of all ages love.
Why visit?
It focuses on Mexican and Latin American artwork, but it also includes works from many other continents and cultures, such as 16th-century European art, Japanese woodblock paintings, and exciting visual culture. Outdoors has a scientific playroom and a tranquil botanical garden for guests to enjoy. The museum is accessible from Tuesday to Sunday, with longer hours on the initial Thursday of every month.
29. Ghost City Tours
The eerie side of San Antonio is typically concealed from guests. Still, Ghost City Trips of San Antonio connects tourists to Texas’s haunting past in a manner that the entire family can appreciate.
Why visit?
The Demons of Old San Antonio trip takes passengers to the city’s most haunting areas, and the organization takes care to uncover the true story of the city’s cursed landmarks. If your children are older than the age of 16, they can also participate in the Demonic Doings Excursion, which is meant for adult individuals. Passes must be bought in advance, and available online, or one could also get them by phone.
30. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
The Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, located on a 2000-acre tract close to Glen Rose, is committed to the preservation and study of endangered animals.
Why visit?
There are around 1,100 creatures spanning roughly 50 kinds, particularly 16 threatened species, and tourists may expect to witness giraffes, jaguars, ostriches, and numerous other creatures. The most common method to observe the creatures is to drive your personal vehicle down the gorgeous seven-mile route, although free tours are offered for guests who desire a behind-the-scenes peek at the area. Animal feed is available at the Visitor Center.
31. The Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium, situated in Texas’s historic Inner West, has a remarkable diversity of creatures and various vulnerable and threatened species.
Why visit?
Guests will be able to observe two-toed & three-toed creatures, vampire bats, as well as a range of vibrant tropical birds on the aquarium’s top floor, which is a reproduction of the South American tropical rainforest. The displays on the bottom floor hold penguins, frogs, sea turtles, and tropical fish from around the globe. Guests may attend instructional speeches or view some creatures being fed multiple times every day.
32. Dragon Lady Airboats
Dragon Lady Airboats, controlled and managed by a local airboat commander with over thirty years of expertise, provides guests with an up-close glimpse of Southeast Texas’ waterways and marshes.
Why visit?
The 1.5 hours trip takes you across Blue Elbow Swamp, which is home to reptiles, beautiful birds, and various other animals. A 2-hour sunset tour is also available for those who wish to witness how well the swamp comes to life following nightfall. If visitors wish to go fishing, they can even arrange a half-day fishing excursion that will take them to some of the most significant areas on the riverfront. All trips are personalized and may seat a maximum of six people.
33. Caldwell Zoo
Caldwell Zoo, which began as a small zoo with a few squirrels and birds, has grown to an 85-acre facility with a plethora of species from America and Africa.
Why visit?
A 2-acre North American Prairie display, a kid’s petting zoo, as well as an African Safari with giraffes, rhinos, and leopards are among the attractions. It also includes an aviary with beautiful wild birds from March through November. Guests may engage in a penguin interaction or a private tour of the reptilian exhibit room for an extra cost, which features a one-on-one meeting with a representative of the species on show.
Conclusion
Texas, with its incredible natural elegance and rich heritage, provides unlimited entertainment for the entire crew. There are several hands-on kid’s galleries in Texas, but you may also take the entire family on daunting and thrilling adventures. If your children are wildlife enthusiasts, you could opt to take them to any of the state’s many outstanding zoos. This list includes a plethora of fun things to do in Texas with kids.
Contact the museums and eateries in advance to ensure exact hours of operation.
