Toddler-Friendly Adventures in Texas

We pulled these 129 toddler-friendly 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.

129 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

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

Glen Rose, TX

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Real dinosaur tracks in a riverbed plus 20 miles of trails. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

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

Glen Rose, TX

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Drive-through safari park near Glen Rose TX where kids hand-feed giraffes from the car - 1,800 acres of zebras, cheetahs, rhinos and 50+ species

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

Houston, TX

Space Center Houston

NASA's Houston visitor center - tram tours across the Johnson campus, a walk-through shuttle, moon rocks and Apollo capsules.

  • Science
  • Ages 3+
  • ~5h
  • 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

Needville, TX

Brazos Bend State Park

Wild alligator viewing from boardwalks and stargazing at the observatory. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip.

  • Nature
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Angleton, TX

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

44,000-acre birding refuge with auto tour loop and alligator sightings. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Easy going.

  • Nature
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • 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

Southwest Nature Preserve

Quiet urban preserve with scenic lake overlook in Arlington. Free. Best from about age 3. About an hour. Easy going.

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

Austin, TX

Austin Aquarium

Hands-on north Austin aquarium where kids feed stingrays, touch sea stars in shallow pools and walk into a bird aviary with nectar cups.

  • Aquarium
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

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

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

Thinkery

Austin children's museum built for hands-on play, with water tables, a light and shadow lab, a maker studio and a baby-only zone.

  • Science
  • Ages 1+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Austwell, TX

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Endangered whooping crane habitat with auto loop and observation tower. Free. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.

  • Nature
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Free

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

Bastrop, TX

Bastrop State Park

Lost Pines hiking with swimming pool and Junior Rangers. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

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

Bastrop, TX

Bastrop State Park Cabins

Historic 1930s CCC stone cabins among the Lost Pines east of Austin, among the hardest reservations in the Texas park system

  • Lodging
  • Ages 1+
  • Overnight
  • 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

Blanco, TX

Blanco State Park Camping

Compact CCC-era campground under pecan trees on the Blanco River, one of the gentlest first camping trips in the Hill Country

  • Camping
  • Ages 1+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

Boerne, TX

Enchanted Springs Ranch

Old West ranch with pony rides and rescued exotic animals. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • 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

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

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 Hill, TX

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

Shaded canyon trails with a nature play area for kids. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Moderate effort.

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

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

Colleyville, TX

Colleyville Nature Center

Nature trails and playscape perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

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

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

Dallas Museum of Art

Free-admission art museum in the Dallas Arts District with a hands-on kids studio, Egyptian artifacts and ancient American gold galleries.

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

Dallas, TX

Dallas World Aquarium

Descend through an indoor rainforest of sloths, toucans and monkeys to a shark tunnel and manatees in downtown Dallas. Great rainy-day pick.

  • Aquarium
  • Ages 1+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Dallas, TX

Frontiers of Flight Museum

Hangar museum at Dallas Love Field with thirty-plus aircraft, the Apollo 7 capsule, flight simulators and cockpits kids can climb into.

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

Dallas, TX

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Five floors of hands-on science in downtown Dallas with dinosaur skeletons, an earthquake simulator, and a toddler discovery floor.

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

Dallas, TX

Trinity River Audubon Center

Trails through the largest urban hardwood forest in the US. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

  • Nature
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • 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

Denison, TX

Eisenhower State Park

Blufftop trails and lake swimming on Lake Texoma. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • ~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

Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Fort Worth science museum with a toddler wing, a dinosaur dig pit, water play, a dome theater and Noble Planetarium star shows.

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

Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

25 miles of trails with bison and prairie dogs in Fort Worth. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Nature
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

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

Fredericksburg, TX

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park Camping

City-run RV and tent camping ten minutes from Main Street, the practical base for Enchanted Rock and the Fredericksburg peach stands

  • Camping
  • Ages 2+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

Frisco, TX

B.F. Phillips Community Park

Ranch-themed community park with open fields and rustic backdrops. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • 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

Frisco Commons Park

Nature trails and an amphitheater surrounded by mature trees in central Frisco. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

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

Frisco, TX

Frisco Heritage Center

Historic buildings and a steam locomotive make this a top portrait photography spot. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

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

Frisco, TX

Frisco Square

Urban architecture and a central park gazebo ideal for portraits and family photos. 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

Frisco, TX

Limestone Quarry Park

Former quarry with exposed limestone walls and prairie wildflowers. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Dogs welcome.

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

Frisco, TX

Museum of the American Railroad

Frisco rail museum with full-size steam locomotives, a Pullman sleeper and vintage passenger cars that kids can walk right through.

  • Museum
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Frisco, TX

Texas Sculpture Garden at Hall Park

Free outdoor sculpture park with 50+ works and beautiful landscaping. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

  • Photography
  • 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

Moody Gardens

Three glass pyramids in Galveston holding an aquarium with penguins, an indoor rainforest with sloths, and a 3D theater.

  • Aquarium
  • Ages 2+
  • ~5h
  • 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

Garland, TX

Spring Creek Forest Preserve

Old-growth forest with guided nature hikes near Dallas. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

  • 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

Inner Space Cavern

Walk through an Ice Age cave 30 minutes from Austin. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Easy going.

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

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

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

Grapeland, TX

Mission Tejas State Park

Historic Spanish mission replica in towering East Texas hardwood forest. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~2h
  • 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

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dallas Fort Worth

Indoor LEGO play center at Grapevine Mills with build zones, two rides, a 4D cinema, soft play and a MINILAND model of DFW landmarks.

  • Indoor Play
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • 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

Grapevine, TX

SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium

Mall aquarium in Grapevine with eye-level tanks, touch pools and a walk-through shark and ray tunnel, sized right for little kids.

  • Aquarium
  • Ages 1+
  • ~1h
  • 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

Houston, TX

Children's Museum Houston

Top-ranked Houston children's museum with a kid-run city, a giant water play zone, an invention lab and a separate toddler area.

  • Indoor Play
  • Ages 1+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Houston, TX

Downtown Aquarium Houston

Downtown Houston aquarium with a shark tunnel, swamp alligators and white tigers, plus a small ride midway and Ferris wheel outside.

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

Houston, TX

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston natural history museum with action-posed dinosaurs, a walk-in butterfly rainforest, real mummies and a domed planetarium.

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

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 Camping

Shaded campsites and walk-in tent sites under some of the darkest night skies within an hour of Austin, beside the Pedernales River

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • Overnight
  • 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

Junction, TX

South Llano River State Park Camping

Clear spring-fed river, four bird blinds and dark skies at a quieter western Hill Country campground three hours west of Austin

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

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

Monahans, TX

Monahans Sandhills State Park

70-foot sand dunes with disc surfing and spectacular sunsets. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Easy going.

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

Moody, TX

Mother Neff State Park

First Texas state park with limestone sinkhole pool and historic CCC buildings. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 3+
  • ~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

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Family-friendly trails and an observation tower in Plano. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

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

Plano, TX

Crayola Experience Plano

Two floors of hands-on art stations in Plano where kids name their own crayon, melt wax into art and take home everything they make.

  • Indoor Play
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Plano, TX

Legacy West

Modern architecture and a choreographed fountain at this lifestyle center on the Frisco-Plano border. Free. Works from toddler age.

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

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

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

Eisenhower Park

Observation tower and six miles of trails with playground. Free. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

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

San Antonio, TX

Phil Hardberger Park

Land bridge and world-class nature playscape in San Antonio. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

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

San Antonio, TX

SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium

Small River Walk aquarium in San Antonio with a walk-through ray and shark tunnel plus supervised touch pools, about an hour end to end.

  • Aquarium
  • Ages 1+
  • ~1h
  • Paid

San Antonio, TX

The DoSeum

San Antonio children's museum with a multi-story climber, a robot lab, a mock vet clinic and a toddler-scale town with its own market.

  • Indoor Play
  • Ages 1+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

San Antonio, TX

Witte Museum

San Antonio natural history museum with a dinosaur gallery and dig pit, Texas wildlife dioramas and a four-story body adventure.

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

Seagoville, TX

John Bunker Sands Wetland Center

Boardwalk trails over marshes with interactive nature center. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

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

Sherman, TX

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

12,000-acre wildlife refuge with kids programs on Lake Texoma. Free. Best from about age 3. A half-day trip. Easy going.

  • Nature
  • Ages 3+
  • ~3h
  • 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

Southlake, TX

Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve

Short easy trails through rare Cross Timbers forest in Southlake. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

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

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

Krause Springs Camping

Camp above a spring-fed swimming hole and rope swing on a family-owned Hill Country property, with the water to yourself at dawn

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

Spicewood, TX

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area Camping

Primitive lakeside campsites, family-friendly singletrack and a famous spring bluebonnet field on the upper end of Lake Travis

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • Overnight
  • 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

Spicewood, TX

Pace Bend Park Camping

Drive-up primitive camping right on the Lake Travis shoreline, with sheltered swimming coves on the east side of the peninsula

  • Camping
  • Ages 3+
  • Overnight
  • 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

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

Whitney, TX

Lake Whitney State Park

White limestone shoreline swimming and easy trails on Lake Whitney. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip.

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

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

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