Family friendly places in Texas

Texas is one of the largest states in the United States, and there are lots of things to see and do here. Today, we are sharing the top five family-friendly cities to visit in the lone star state.

Austin

A unique way to go sightseeing in Austin is by booking tickets with Austin Duck Adventures. You’ll take a ride on an amphibious vehicle through historic streets downtown and end with a splash in Lake Austin. Be sure to visit Inner Space Cavern too. This is located just above Austin and it is a well-preserved underground cave system. For a relaxing time outside, head over to the Anne and Roy Butler trail, which skirts around Lady Bird Lake and is a well-maintained trail that is stroller and bike-friendly. 

For the perfect swimming hole, look no further than Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park. It maintains a temperature of about 70 degrees year-round. Lastly, Mount Bonnell is a short hike that takes you up stone steps and gives you an excellent panoramic view of Austin at the very top.

Fort Worth

This city is known for its historic stockyards, which host rodeos and livestock shows, bringing you that nostalgic Old West vibe. Enjoy your time walking along the cobblestone roads while listening to the live music and entertainment around you. There is also a museum and cowboy and cowgirl hall of fame in this historic district. For an educational excursion nearby, tour the vintage flying museum to get an up-close look at rare aircraft. 

Fort Worth is home to the oldest botanical garden in Texas, where you can feed koi fish and enjoy the sights and smells of the beautiful, expansive garden. Lastly, if your kids enjoy jumping, take them to the Flight Deck Trampoline Park, where they can spend hours jumping around just for fun and be able to get their energy out. 

Galveston

There are over 10 miles worth of beachfront where you can relax and enjoy the surf and sun, but Stewart Beach is probably the most family-friendly Galveston beach. It has a children’s playground, showers, restrooms, and a lifeguard. To get away from the crowds, head over to the Galveston Island State Park for some bird watching. Walk along the boardwalk around sunset so you can take in the beautiful sights at the end of the day. 

Another place to consider is Moody Gardens. This complex has a unique aquarium pyramid and offers fun animal encounters. At the heart of it all, you will see the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. With over a dozen amusement rides and carnival games, every family member can enjoy their time on this pier.

San Antonio

With an international airport right in the city, it is a no-brainer for anyone who wants to venture to this charming part of Texas. You will find almost everything under the sun along the river walk, such as art museums, escape rooms, the Splashtown water park, Dave & Buster’s arcade center, SeaWorld, San Antonio Zoo, natural bridge caverns, and DoSeum. DoSeum has various interactive exhibits that even adults can have fun with and was named an autism-friendly business. No matter how much time you spend here, San Antonio is sure to provide you with family vacation memories to last a lifetime.

South Padre Island

From dolphin and whale watching tours to sandcastle building lessons, South Padre Island has a variety of fun activities for everyone. Take a stroll at the birding and nature center, which features several bird blinds where you can see different bird species up close in their natural habitat. A fun attraction you may like is Gravity Park. Here, you can race go-carts, play mini-golf, experience a reverse bungee jump, and more to help your kids get their energy out during the day. Another great spot to consider is the adventure park where you can ride horses on the beach, visit a petting barn, or take a thrilling zipline. There is something for everyone on this fantastic island.

No matter where or when you decide to visit, we hope you enjoy all that Texas has to offer. There are lots of great restaurants and hotels located throughout the state. It is a wonderful place to visit with your family, and we wish you happy travels. Click here for an itinerary featuring places along the Texas Gulf Coast.