Water Adventures with Kids in Texas

We pulled these 95 water adventures out of our full catalog of kid-friendly spots in Texas. Every listing has the ages it suits, what it costs, how long to budget, parking notes, and what to pack.

95 adventures found

Austin, TX

Barton Springs Pool

Iconic 3-acre spring-fed pool in Zilker Park at 68 degrees year-round. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Bend, TX

Colorado Bend State Park

70-foot Gorman Falls waterfall with spring-fed swimming holes. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. Easily a full day. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Burnet, TX

Inks Lake State Park

Spring-fed lake swimming and cliff jumping at Devil's Waterhole. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Concan, TX

Garner State Park

Legendary Frio River swimming and summer dances in the Hill Country. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. Easily a full day.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Corpus Christi, TX

Padre Island National Seashore

70 miles of wild beach with sea turtle releases and shell hunting. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. Easily a full day.

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Dripping Springs, TX

Hamilton Pool Preserve

A collapsed grotto with a 50-foot waterfall into a jade pool. Reservation required, and swimming is often closed after rain.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 5+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Little Elm, TX

Little Elm Beach

Sandy lake beach on Lewisville Lake with roped swim area and free life jacket loans. Free. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Free

Arlington, TX

River Legacy Parks

1,300-acre park with paved trails and mountain biking along the Trinity River. Free. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Free

Arlington, TX

Viridian Sailing Center

A community sailing center on a small sheltered lake in Arlington where boats stay in sight of the dock. Annual passes and camps.

  • Sailing
  • Ages 5+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Austin, TX

Austin Yacht Club

Lake Travis summer sailing camps on Picos, Sunfish and Flying Juniors, with a published non-member rate. Paid. Ages 8 to 16.

  • Sailing
  • Ages 5+
  • ~8h
  • Paid

Austin, TX

Barton Creek Greenbelt

12 miles of creek trails with swimming holes and bouldering in Austin. Free. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 5+
  • ~3h
  • Free

Austin, TX

Bull Creek Greenbelt

Shallow limestone creek pools perfect for toddler wading. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Dogs welcome. Easy going.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Austin, TX

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

Sandy Lake Austin swimming beach and lakeside camping inside Austin city limits - entry $5-$10 per vehicle, campsites reservable online

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Austin, TX

Lady Bird Lake

Kayaking and paddleboarding on calm water through downtown Austin. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. About two hours. Easy going.

  • Kayaking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Austin, TX

McKinney Falls State Park

Two limestone waterfalls with wading pools inside Austin city limits. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Austin, TX

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Peaceful woodland trails with a waterfall and nature programs. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. About an hour. Moderate effort.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~1h
  • Paid

Balmorhea, TX

Balmorhea State Park

Crystal-clear 1.75-acre spring-fed pool with snorkeling in West Texas. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Blanco, TX

Blanco State Park

Small-town river swimming and tubing perfect for young children. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Brownwood, TX

Lake Brownwood State Park

CCC cabins and swim beach with fishing pier on Lake Brownwood. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Burnet, TX

Inks Lake State Park Camping and Cabins

Waterfront campsites and small cabins on a constant-level lake with pink granite shoreline and the Devils Waterhole swimming cove

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

Burnet, TX

Reveille Peak Ranch

Granite bouldering and mountain biking near Burnet. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. Easily a full day. Moderate effort.

  • Rock Climbing
  • Ages 5+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Caddo, TX

Possum Kingdom State Park

Clear blue lake swimming and canyon trail hiking. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Canyon Lake, TX

Canyon Lake Gorge

Guided tours through a limestone gorge with dinosaur tracks and fossils. Paid entry. Better for ages 6 and up. A half-day trip.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 6+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Cedar Creek, TX

McKinney Roughs Nature Park

1,100 acres with horseback riding and river trails along the Colorado. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Cedar Hill, TX

Cedar Hill State Park

Family-friendly state park on Joe Pool Lake just 20 minutes from Dallas - swimming, hiking, camping, and mountain biking for all ages

  • Hiking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Cedar Park, TX

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

14-mile paved trail with playgrounds connecting Cedar Park and Round Rock. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours.

  • Biking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Cleburne, TX

Cleburne State Park

No-wake lake for safe paddling and swimming near Fort Worth. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Comfort, TX

Guadalupe River at Horseshoe Falls

Natural horseshoe waterfall on the Guadalupe River near Comfort. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Concan, TX

Garner State Park Camping and Cabins

Cypress-shaded campsites, screened shelters and CCC cabins along the Frio River at the most in-demand family park in Texas

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

Cooper, TX

Cooper Lake State Park

Uncrowded lakeside camping with swim beach in Northeast Texas. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Daingerfield, TX

Daingerfield State Park

Stunning fall foliage and family lake swimming at a hidden East Texas gem - camping, fishing, paddleboats, and easy trails through hardwood forests

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Dallas, TX

White Rock Lake

9.4-mile paved biking loop around a scenic Dallas lake. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

  • Biking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Dripping Springs, TX

Reimers Ranch Park

Premier Central Texas rock climbing with 18 miles of trails. Paid entry. Better for ages 6 and up. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Rock Climbing
  • Ages 6+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Eustace, TX

Purtis Creek State Park

Stocked catch-and-release lake where kids always catch fish. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Fishing
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Flower Mound, TX

Northshore Trail

26 miles of lakeside singletrack mountain biking trails. Free. Better for ages 6 and up. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

  • Mountain Biking
  • Ages 6+
  • ~3h
  • Free

Fort Worth, TX

Trinity Trails

Over 100 miles of paved family-friendly trails along the Trinity River in Fort Worth - free biking, walking, and nature right in the city

  • Biking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Frisco, TX

Frisco Central Park

Scenic park with waterfalls and bronze cattle sculptures popular for portrait sessions. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

  • Photography
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Frisco, TX

Kathy Seei Park

Bronze longhorn sculptures and a pond in a compact landscaped park. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Galveston, TX

Galveston Island State Park

Beach camping and bay-side kayaking at Galveston Island State Park - coastal wetlands, birding trails, and family-friendly camping steps from the Gulf

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Galveston, TX

Sea Star Base Galveston

A nonprofit maritime base on Offatts Bayou with a 39-boat fleet, week-long summer camps and a Saturday learn-to-sail track.

  • Sailing
  • Ages 8+
  • ~6h
  • Paid

Galveston, TX

Stewart Beach

Lifeguarded family beach with rentals and food on Galveston Island. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Garland, TX

Rowlett Creek Preserve

524-acre preserve with creek crossings and mountain bike trails. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Georgetown, TX

Cedar Breaks Park

Spacious lakeside campground with swim beach near Georgetown. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Georgetown, TX

Garey Park

525-acre river park with trails and splash pad in Georgetown. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Georgetown, TX

Good Water Trail

26-mile lakeside trail with canyon overlooks and Hill Country terrain. Free. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 5+
  • ~3h
  • Free

Georgetown, TX

San Gabriel Park

Award-winning playscape and river trail in Georgetown. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

  • Biking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Glen Rose, TX

Rough Creek Lodge

Luxury family ranch resort with outdoor activities near Glen Rose. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. Plan to stay overnight.

  • Camping
  • Ages 5+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

Gonzales, TX

Palmetto State Park

Tropical palmetto forest and warm springs along the San Marcos River. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Grapevine, TX

Grapevine Junior Sailing Club

A nonprofit club on Lake Grapevine running two-week RS Zest dinghy camps, booked through city parks and rec. Ages 8 to 15.

  • Sailing
  • Ages 8+
  • ~7h
  • Paid

Grapevine, TX

Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine

Indoor water park hotel in Grapevine kept at 84 degrees year-round, with body slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, an arcade and a ropes course.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 1+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

Grapevine, TX

Lake Grapevine Horseshoe Trails

Easy lakeside hiking trails on Grapevine Lake. Free. Best from about age 3. About an hour. Stroller-friendly. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Grapevine, TX

Meadowmere Park

Sandy beach swimming on Lake Grapevine with playground and camping. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Houston, TX

Buffalo Bayou Park

Paved bayou trails with destination playground and bat colony viewing. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

  • Biking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Humble, TX

Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center

Boardwalk trails through cypress swamp with free guided canoe trips. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Huntsville, TX

Huntsville State Park

Pine forest camping with lake paddling and a sandy swim area. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Johnson City, TX

Pedernales Falls State Park

Dramatic tilted limestone falls and river swimming in the Hill Country. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Johnson City, TX

Pedernales Falls Trammel Crossing

Historic river crossing with natural wading pools away from the crowds. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Johnson City, TX

Pedernales River Nature Park

Quiet Pedernales River swimming with limestone wading pools. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Junction, TX

South Llano River State Park

Crystal-clear spring-fed river for family swimming and tubing near Junction TX - camping under pecan groves with excellent wildlife viewing

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Karnack, TX

Caddo Lake State Park

Kayaking through a moss-draped cypress swamp on Texas' only natural lake. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip.

  • Kayaking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Kountze, TX

Big Thicket National Preserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with nine converging ecosystems. Free. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Moderate effort.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~3h
  • Free

Little Elm, TX

Johnny Broyles Nature Trail

Paved 2.7-mile nature trail along Lake Lewisville in Little Elm. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Lumberton, TX

Village Creek State Park

Tannin-clear creek paddling through Big Thicket sandbars. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Kayaking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Meridian, TX

Meridian State Park

CCC-era lake park with screened shelters and paddleboating. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Mineral Wells, TX

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway

Natural rock climbing at Penitentiary Hollow plus lake swimming and trails. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip.

  • Rock Climbing
  • Ages 5+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

New Braunfels, TX

Comal River Tubing

Gentle spring-fed tubing on the 2.5-mile Comal River in New Braunfels TX - tube rentals with shuttle service run about $15-25 per person

  • Tubing
  • Ages 4+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

New Caney, TX

Lake Houston Wilderness Park

20 miles of forest trails and camping close to Houston. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Pflugerville, TX

Lake Pflugerville Park

Free lake beach with swim area and 3-mile paved loop. Free. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly. Dogs welcome.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Free

Pilot Point, TX

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Sandy beach swimming, kids fishing pond, and lakeside camping at Ray Roberts Lake - a big North Texas family destination near Pilot Point

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Pittsburg, TX

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

Shaded lakeside camping with fishing pier and bike trails. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Plano, TX

Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve

800-acre park with boardwalks and kayaking in Plano. Free. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Free

Port Aransas, TX

Mustang Island State Park

Beachfront camping and bay kayak trail with dolphin sightings. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. Easily a full day. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Richardson, TX

Prairie Creek Waterfall

Hidden suburban waterfall and shaded creek trail in Richardson. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Rockport, TX

Goose Island State Park

Coastal camping by a 1,000-year-old oak with bay fishing and whooping cranes. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Rockport, TX

Rockport Yacht Club Learn to Sail

An eight-day June learn-to-sail program on Aransas Bay, small classes, with a published non-member rate. Paid. Ages 8 to 17.

  • Sailing
  • Ages 8+
  • ~6h
  • Paid

Sabine Pass, TX

Sea Rim State Park

Gulf beach meets freshwater marsh with paddling trails and boardwalks. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.

  • Kayaking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

San Antonio, TX

Government Canyon State Natural Area

40 miles of trails with dinosaur tracks in the limestone. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip. Moderate effort.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 5+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

San Marcos, TX

Rio Vista Park

Crystal-clear spring-fed river with natural falls for floating and swimming. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 4+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Somerville, TX

Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway

Two-unit park connected by 21-mile trail with lake swimming. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Spicewood, TX

Grelle Recreation Area

Uncrowded Lake Travis cove with wooded trails and swimming. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Spicewood, TX

Krause Springs

Spring-fed pools under ancient cypress trees with camping. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Easy going.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Spicewood, TX

Pace Bend Park

Rocky limestone coves and cliff jumping on Lake Travis. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Spring Branch, TX

Guadalupe River State Park

Cypress-lined Guadalupe River swimming with guided paddles and hikes. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Spring Branch, TX

Guadalupe River State Park Camping

Four miles of cypress-lined Guadalupe River frontage with drive-up and walk-in campsites, forty-five minutes north of San Antonio

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

Tatum, TX

Martin Creek Lake State Park

Year-round warm-water fishing with unique island campsites in East Texas - a hidden gem for family fishing trips and peaceful lake paddling

  • Fishing
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Tuscola, TX

Abilene State Park

Spring-fed swimming pool under pecan trees in West Texas. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Swimming
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Tyler, TX

Tyler State Park

Spring-fed lake swimming with a sandy beach, paddleboat rentals, and 13 miles of piney-woods trails at CCC-era Tyler State Park in East Texas

  • Swimming
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Vanderpool, TX

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Stunning fall foliage and limestone canyon trails along the Sabinal River. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 5+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Weatherford, TX

Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway

20-mile flat rail trail perfect for kids building biking endurance. Free. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Biking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Free

Wills Point, TX

Lake Tawakoni State Park

Sandy swim beach and shaded camping an hour east of Dallas. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Wimberley, TX

Blue Hole Regional Park

Spring-fed swimming hole with a famous rope swing under bald cypress trees in Wimberley TX - summer swimming requires advance reservations

  • Swimming
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Wimberley, TX

Jacob's Well Natural Area

Crystal-clear artesian spring near Wimberley TX with three miles of free trails. Swimming is cancelled; the well overlook stays open.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 6+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Wylie, TX

East Fork Park

Sandy swim beach and lakeside camping on Lake Lavon. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • ~4h
  • Paid