Adventures in Texas

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192 adventures found

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Austin Bouldering Project

Indoor bouldering gym in south Austin with colour-graded routes, padded floors and day passes with rental shoes for first-time kids.

  • Rock Climbing
  • Ages 5+
  • ~2h
  • 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 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

Austin, TX

Blanton Museum of Art

UT Austin art museum whose Ellsworth Kelly stone chapel floods the floor with shifting colored light that kids instantly respond to.

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

San Antonio, TX

Briscoe Western Art Museum

Compact Western art museum on the San Antonio River Walk with a stagecoach, saddles, historic firearms and Native American artifacts.

  • Museum
  • Ages 5+
  • ~1h
  • Paid

Austin, TX

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Three floors of Texas history in downtown Austin anchored by a real 1686 shipwreck hull, plus an IMAX theater and weekend family days.

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

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

Bend, TX

Colorado Bend State Park Camping

Rustic no-hookup river camping down six miles of gravel road, with Gorman Falls and guided wild cave tours for older kids

  • Camping
  • Ages 5+
  • Overnight
  • Paid

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

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

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

Fredericksburg, TX

Enchanted Rock Walk-In Camping

Walk-in tent sites and primitive backcountry camping at the granite dome, and the reliable way in when the day-use gate closes

  • Camping
  • Ages 6+
  • Overnight
  • 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fort Worth, TX

Kimbell Art Museum

Free permanent collection in a famous Louis Kahn building in Fort Worth, small enough for a one-hour gallery visit with young kids.

  • Museum
  • Ages 4+
  • ~1h
  • Free

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

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

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

Vanderpool, TX

Lost Maples State Natural Area Camping

Riverside campsites and hike-in primitive sites at the one Texas park with real fall color, and your guaranteed entry in November

  • Camping
  • Ages 4+
  • Overnight
  • 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

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

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

Fort Worth, TX

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

Fort Worth museum of the women of the American West with a bucking bronc ride simulator, rodeo gear, saddles and Wild West costumes.

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

Frisco, TX

National Videogame Museum

Frisco museum of video game history with a free-play 1980s arcade, playable consoles, and decade-by-decade living rooms.

  • Indoor Play
  • Ages 5+
  • ~2h
  • 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

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

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

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Museum of Art

Art museum in a castle-like former brewery on San Antonio's Museum Reach, holding mummies, Roman glass and Latin American folk art.

  • Museum
  • Ages 4+
  • ~2h
  • 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

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

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

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

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

Houston, TX

The Health Museum

Houston museum of the human body with a walk-through giant heart, a climb-in brain and a simulated operating room kids can try out.

  • Science
  • Ages 4+
  • ~2h
  • 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

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

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

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

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

McKinney, TX

Erwin Park

10 miles of DORBA-maintained mountain bike trails in McKinney TX with a beginner skills course, playground, and free primitive camping

  • Mountain Biking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~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

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

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

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

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

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 Rail District Murals

Colorful street murals along historic Main Street perfect for edgy senior portraits. Free. Best from about age 4. About an hour.

  • Photography
  • Ages 4+
  • ~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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Austin, TX

Mount Bonnell

102-step climb to panoramic views over Lake Austin. Free. Best from about age 4. About an hour. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Bend National Park, TX

Big Bend National Park

Spectacular desert mountains and canyons along the Rio Grande. Paid entry. Best from about age 5. Easily a full day. A tough one.

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

Presidio, TX

Big Bend Ranch State Park

300,000-acre desert wilderness along the Rio Grande for experienced families. Paid entry. Better for ages 8 and up. Easily a full day.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 8+
  • ~6h
  • 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waco, TX

Cameron Park

Dramatic blufftop trails and hidden grottos above the Brazos River. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

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

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

Quitaque, TX

Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway

Red rock canyons with free-roaming bison and a bat colony tunnel. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Moderate effort.

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

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

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

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

Fort Davis, TX

Davis Mountains State Park

Cool mountain camping with skyline trail and historic pueblo lodge. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Moderate effort.

  • Camping
  • Ages 4+
  • ~4h
  • 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

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

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

Fredericksburg, TX

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Iconic granite dome summit scramble with 360-degree Hill Country views. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~3h
  • 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

El Paso, TX

Franklin Mountains State Park

Largest urban park in the US with aerial tramway and desert hiking. Paid entry. Better for ages 6 and up. A half-day trip.

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

San Antonio, TX

Friedrich Wilderness Park

Free 600-acre Hill Country hiking on the edge of San Antonio. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours. Stroller-friendly.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~2h
  • 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

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

Fort Worth, TX

Gateway Park

Beginner-friendly mountain bike trails along the Trinity River. Free. Best from about age 5. About two hours. Dogs welcome.

  • Mountain Biking
  • Ages 5+
  • ~2h
  • Free

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

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

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

Salt Flat, TX

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Highest point in Texas and stunning McKittrick Canyon fall foliage. Paid entry. Better for ages 6 and up. Easily a full day.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 6+
  • ~6h
  • 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

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

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

El Paso, TX

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

World-class bouldering with ancient pictographs in El Paso. Paid entry. Better for ages 6 and up. A half-day trip. A tough one.

  • Rock Climbing
  • Ages 6+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Decatur, TX

LBJ National Grasslands

20,000 acres of prairie with mountain biking and primitive camping. Free. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

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

Burnet, TX

Longhorn Cavern State Park

Kid-friendly guided cave tour near Burnet TX - walk a mile through cathedral-sized underground rooms formed by an ancient river, great for ages 4+

  • Nature
  • Ages 4+
  • ~2h
  • 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

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

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

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

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

Mineral Wells Fossil Park

Free fossil digging where kids keep 300-million-year-old marine specimens. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours.

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

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

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

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

San Antonio, TX

Natural Bridge Caverns

Largest Texas cavern with ropes course and outdoor maze above ground. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip.

  • Nature
  • Ages 4+
  • ~3h
  • 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

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

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

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

Canyon, TX

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Second-largest US canyon with the iconic Lighthouse Trail hike. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Moderate effort.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Angelo, TX

San Angelo State Park

50 miles of trails with Texas longhorn cattle on the reservoir. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~3h
  • 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dallas, TX

Cedar Ridge Preserve

600 acres of rugged trails and scenic overlooks in Dallas. Free. Best from about age 4. About two hours. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 4+
  • ~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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fort Worth, TX

Tandy Hills Natural Area

Native prairie wildflowers and skyline views in Fort Worth. Free. Best from about age 4. About an hour. Dogs welcome. Moderate effort.

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

Dallas, TX

Trinity Forest Adventure Park

Aerial adventure park with zip lines and ropes courses in the treetops. Paid entry. Best from about age 4. A half-day trip.

  • Aerial Adventure
  • Ages 4+
  • ~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

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

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

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

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

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