We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This helps support what we do and in no way costs you a thing.
If you’re planning a family vacation in Texas, you’re in for a treat. The Lone Star State offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are perfect for families with kids of all ages. From exploring the great outdoors to visiting museums and theme parks, there’s no shortage of fun things and places to go with kids in Texas.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best places to take kids in Texas. Our list includes a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, so you can enjoy Texas’ beautiful weather while also having options for rainy days.
Whether you’re looking for educational experiences or just want to have fun, there’s something on this list for everyone. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready for an adventure in the Lone Star State!
Houston Zoo
When it comes to taking your kids to visit a zoo, the Houston Zoo is one of the best places in Texas. It is home to over 6,000 animals representing over 900 species. The zoo spans across 55 acres and offers a variety of exhibits, attractions, and activities that are perfect for children of all ages.
Attractions and Exhibits
The Houston Zoo has several exhibits that are a must-see, including the African Forest, Kipp Aquarium, and McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. The African Forest is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and rhinoceroses.
The Kipp Aquarium features a variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. The McNair Asian Elephant Habitat is home to the zoo’s herd of Asian elephants.
Additionally, the Houston Zoo has several attractions that are perfect for kids, such as the Wildlife Carousel, the Kanga Klimb, and the Texas Direct Auto Wildlife Show. The Wildlife Carousel features over 64 handcrafted animals and is located in the Children’s Zoo.
The Kanga Klimb is a 24-foot-tall rock-climbing wall that is perfect for adventurous kids. The Texas Direct Auto Wildlife Show is an educational show that features a variety of animals and teaches children about conservation.
Admission and Hours
The Houston Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. General admission tickets for children ages 2-11 are $15, adult tickets are $19, and senior tickets cost $12.50. However, general admission is free for zoo members and children ages 1 and under.
Tips for Visiting
To make the most out of your visit to the Houston Zoo, here are a few tips.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat during the summer months.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you will be walking around the zoo for several hours.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
- Check the zoo’s website for daily schedules, events, and exhibits to plan your visit accordingly.
- Download the Houston Zoo app for an interactive map, exhibit information, and more.
The Houston Zoo is one of the most fantastic places to take your kids in Texas. With its wide variety of exhibits, attractions, and activities, your children are sure to have a fun and educational experience.
Natural Bridge Caverns
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure with your kids, the Natural Bridge Caverns should be on your list of places to visit in Texas. As the largest commercial cave in the state, it offers a unique experience that your family will never forget.
Discovery Tour
The Discovery Tour is a must-see at the Natural Bridge Caverns. This guided tour takes you 180 feet underground and shows you the most spectacular parts of the caverns. You’ll see a variety of amazing formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. The tour lasts about 75 minutes and is suitable for all ages.
Hidden Passages Tour
For a more adventurous experience, take the Hidden Passages Tour. This tour takes you through a system of huge underground chambers, and you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful and unique formations in the caverns. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Zip-lining and Ropes Course
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try the zip-lining and ropes course at the Natural Bridge Caverns. The Canopy Challenge Ropes Course is a high-wire adventure that takes you through a series of obstacles and challenges. The zip-lining experience takes you soaring over the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Mining for Gemstones
Your kids will love the Gemstone Mining experience at the Natural Bridge Caverns. They’ll get to sift through bags of dirt and find real gemstones and fossils. This activity is suitable for all ages.
Other Activities
In addition to the tours and attractions mentioned above, the Natural Bridge Caverns also offers a variety of other activities.
- The Amazing Maze
- The Watchtower
- The Canopy Explorer Course
- The Twisted Trails Adventure Tour
- The Discovery Village Mining Company
The Natural Bridge Caverns offers a unique and exciting experience for families with kids of all ages. With a variety of activities and tours to choose from, there’s something for everyone at this amazing attraction.
Children’s Museum of Houston
If you’re looking for a fun and educational place to take your kids in Texas, the Children’s Museum of Houston is a must-visit destination. Rated the number one children’s museum in the United States by Parents magazine, the museum offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits that are both entertaining and educational.
With over 90,000 square feet of space and 14 exhibits, there’s something for every age group at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
- Inventors’ Workshop: This exhibit allows kids to explore their creative side by designing and building their creations.
- Kidtropolis: This exhibit is a miniature city designed for kids, where they can explore different careers and learn about the world around them.
- FlowWorks: This exhibit teaches kids about the science of water through interactive displays and experiments.
- EcoStation: This exhibit focuses on environmental education, teaching kids about conservation and sustainability.
In addition to these exhibits, the Children’s Museum of Houston also offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including summer camps, workshops, and special exhibits.
The museum is open daily and offers free admission on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s located in the Houston Museum District and is easily accessible by public transportation or car. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
The Children’s Museum of Houston is a fantastic destination for families with kids of all ages. With its engaging exhibits and educational programs, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and parents alike.
Space Center Houston
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, Space Center Houston is the perfect destination. This museum is dedicated to space exploration and offers a variety of exhibits, attractions, and activities that are sure to keep your little ones entertained.
Astronaut Gallery
One of the highlights of Space Center Houston is the Astronaut Gallery, where you can learn about the brave men and women who have traveled to space. The gallery features a variety of exhibits, including spacesuits, personal items, and interactive displays that allow you to experience what it’s like to live and work in space. You can also see a real moon rock and learn about the history of space exploration.
Starship Gallery
Another must-see exhibit at Space Center Houston is the Starship Gallery, which features a collection of spacecraft and artifacts from NASA’s history. You can see the Apollo 17 command module, the Mercury 9 capsule, and even a full-size replica of the Space Shuttle Independence. There are also interactive exhibits that allow you to experience what it’s like to be an astronaut, including a simulator that lets you land a shuttle.
Space Center Houston is an excellent destination for families with kids who are interested in space exploration and science. With its engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs, it’s sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
Dallas World Aquarium
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, the Dallas World Aquarium is a must-visit attraction. Located in downtown Dallas, this aquarium is home to a wide variety of aquatic and land animals from around the world.
As soon as you enter the aquarium, you’ll be transported to the rainforest exhibit, where you can see exotic birds, such as Cocks-of-the-rock, and many species of toucans. From there, you can explore the aquarium’s four levels, each with its unique exhibits.
One of the highlights of the Dallas World Aquarium is the 80,000-gallon tunnel exhibit, where you can see a variety of sharks, rays, and other sea creatures swimming all around you. Kids will love getting up close and personal with these amazing animals.
The aquarium also has a variety of other exhibits, including a South African penguin exhibit, a manatee exhibit, and a coral reef exhibit. There are also many interactive exhibits where kids can learn more about the animals and their habitats.
The Dallas World Aquarium is one of the best places to take your kids in Texas for a fun and educational day out. With its wide variety of exhibits and interactive displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The DoSeum
If you’re looking for a hands-on, interactive museum that will keep your kids entertained for hours, The DoSeum is a must-visit destination in San Antonio. This children’s museum is designed to inspire learning and creativity through play, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) education.
The DoSeum features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, spanning over 65,000 square feet of space. Kids can explore the Sensations Studio, where they can experiment with light, sound, and touch, or visit the Spy Academy, where they can learn about codes and ciphers.
The museum also has a Robot Workshop, where kids can build and program their robots, and a Dream Tomorrow Today exhibit, which explores the future of technology and innovation.
One of the unique features of The DoSeum is its outdoor exhibits, which include a treehouse and a water play area. Kids can climb through the treehouse, which is designed to teach them about the different layers of the Rainforest or splash around in the water play area, which features fountains, streams, and a giant water wheel.
The DoSeum is one of the most fantastic places for families with kids of all ages in Texas. With its focus on STEAM education and hands-on learning, it’s a great way to inspire creativity and curiosity in your children.
Morgan’s Wonderland
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with the family, Morgan’s Wonderland is a must-visit destination. This ultra-accessible theme park is located in San Antonio and is designed to be enjoyed by guests of all abilities.
The park encompasses 25 acres of rides, attractions, and activities that are suitable for all ages. From thrilling rides to sensory experiences, there’s something for everyone at Morgan’s Wonderland.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is The Wharf, which juts out into the shimmering lake and offers a range of fun activities for all ages. The Water Works is another favorite, with 10 splash play elements that are recessed for wheelchair accessibility.
Morgan’s Wonderland is also home to the world’s first completely accessible waterpark, which is a hit with visitors of all ages. The park’s attractions are designed to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their abilities, and the staff are always on hand to offer assistance and support.
If you’re visiting with young children, be sure to check out the Wonderland Express train ride, which takes visitors on a scenic tour of the park. The carousel is another popular attraction, with beautifully crafted animals that are sure to delight children of all ages.
Morgan’s Wonderland is an excellent destination for families looking to spend a fun-filled day together. With a range of accessible attractions and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this unique theme park.
SeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld San Antonio is a must-visit destination for families with kids. Located at 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX, SeaWorld offers a wide variety of attractions that will keep your little ones entertained for hours.
Rides and Attractions
SeaWorld San Antonio has a lot of rides and attractions that are perfect for kids.
- Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster
- Journey to Atlantis
- Rio Loco
- Shamu Express
- Abby’s Rockin’ Wave
- Super Grover’s Box Car Derby
Animal Exhibits
One of the main draws of SeaWorld San Antonio is its animal exhibits. Your kids will love seeing and learning about the different creatures that call SeaWorld home.
- Penguin Encounter
- Sea Lion High
- Dolphin Cove
- Stingray Lagoon
- Alligator Alley
- Shark Encounter
Sesame Street Bay of Play
Sesame Street Bay of Play is a special section of SeaWorld San Antonio that is designed specifically for younger kids. Your little ones will love playing in the water, riding the kiddie rides, and meeting their favorite Sesame Street characters.
Tips for Visiting
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to SeaWorld San Antonio with your kids:
- Buy a pass to save money on admission
- Bring a stroller for younger kids
- Bring a change of clothes and towels for the water rides and attractions
- Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized
- Plan your route ahead of time to avoid long lines and crowds
SeaWorld San Antonio is a fantastic destination for families with kids. With its rides, animal exhibits, and Sesame Street Bay of Play, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Legoland Discovery Center
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, Legoland Discovery Center is a must-visit destination. Located in the Grapevine Mills Mall, this indoor playground offers a variety of interactive activities that will keep your little ones entertained for hours.
One of the main attractions at Legoland Discovery Center is the Kingdom Quest laser ride, where your kids can hop on a chariot and help save the princess from the evil trolls. They’ll also have the opportunity to build their own Lego creations in the Master Builder Academy and test their creations on the earthquake table.
Another highlight of Legoland Discovery Center is the 4D cinema, where your kids can watch their favorite Lego characters come to life in a thrilling adventure. The cinema features special effects like wind, rain, and snow, making the experience even more immersive.
For younger children, there’s a soft play area called Duplo Village, where they can crawl, climb, and slide to their heart’s content. And for the ultimate Lego experience, don’t miss Miniland, which features Lego recreations of iconic Texas landmarks like the Alamo and the Dallas skyline.
Legoland Discovery Center is a great place to take your kids for a day of fun and learning. With so many activities to choose from, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination in Texas, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a must-visit. This nationally recognized garden spans 66 acres and is located on the shores of White Rock Lake. With changeable displays four times a year, there is always something new and beautiful to see.
Here are a few things you can do at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with your kids.
- Start at the Information Booth located at the main entrance for maps, free wheelchair rentals, $10 wagon rentals, scavenger hunts, and more.
- Grab a Scavenger Hunt Map and explore the garden while searching for hidden treasures.
- Visit the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, an 8-acre garden designed to connect children with nature. With 17 indoor/outdoor galleries and 150 interactive activities, it’s a great place to learn about life and Earth science.
- Little Adventurers can enjoy a variety of activities in the Children’s Adventure Garden, including digging for dinosaur bones, exploring a treehouse, and playing in a giant kaleidoscope.
- More STEM Stops are available daily at 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm in the Children’s Adventure Garden.
- Check the garden’s calendar for special events, such as Kelley Family Days, which offer even more fun activities for kids.
Overall, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a beautiful and educational destination for families with kids of all ages.
Final Thoughts on the 10 Best Places to Take Kids in Texas
Texas is a great state for families looking for fun and exciting activities to do with their kids. From amusement parks and museums to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, there is no shortage of things to do in the Lone Star State.
Whether you’re a native Texan or visiting from out of state, there are plenty of options to keep kids of all ages entertained. From the Space Center in Houston to the National Butterfly Center in Mission, there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Galveston is a great option with its miles of sandy beaches and family-friendly attractions. For a more urban experience, Dallas and San Antonio offer a variety of activities, from theme parks to shopping and dining.
No matter where you go in Texas, you’re guaranteed to find plenty of family-friendly activities that are both fun and educational. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and head to the Lone Star State for an unforgettable family vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 10 Best Places to Take Kids in Texas
What are some free things to do in San Antonio with toddlers?
San Antonio has many free things to do with toddlers. Some of the best free activities include visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, exploring the Japanese Tea Garden, and enjoying the playgrounds and splash pads at Yanaguana Garden.
What are the best things to do in Houston Texas with kids?
Houston has many attractions that are great for kids. Some of the best things to do in Houston with kids include visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science, exploring the Houston Zoo, and taking a tour of the NASA Space Center.
What are some unique Texas getaways for families?
Texas has many unique getaways for families. Some of the best include visiting the Big Bend National Park, exploring the Palo Duro Canyon, and enjoying the beaches and amusement parks in Galveston.
Where can I take my kids for a weekend in Texas?
There are many great places to take your kids for a weekend in Texas. Some of the best options include visiting the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, exploring the Fort Worth Stockyards, and enjoying the attractions in Austin.
What is the best city in Texas to visit with toddlers?
San Antonio is one of the best cities in Texas to visit with toddlers. The city has many attractions that are great for young children, including the San Antonio Zoo, the DoSeum Children’s Museum, and the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
