9 Family-Friendly Experiences in Texas

Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio

The underground caves of Texas are breathtaking at any time of year and are ideal for a visit regardless of the weather outside. Seven of the state's 3,000 recorded cave networks are exposed to the public on a daily basis, with the Natural Bridge Caverns being a must-see for families. These are Texas' largest commercial caverns and are suitable for people of all ages. Everyone in the family will be wowed by the well-lit limestone structures and lakes connected by pathways.

Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo

You know where to get your kicks. Historic Route 66, as well as Amarillo, Texas, epitomize the American West. Along the route, visit antique boutiques, witness public art like Cadillac Ranch, and eat at throwback eateries and nightclubs.

NASA Space Center Houston

Houston, which is home to NASA's Historic Mission Control, is one of the few venues where children may interact with the astronauts and engineers that lead American space exploration. What families may discover includes interactive displays, instructive in-theater films, and the original Mission Control that monitored Apollo 11's trek to the moon.

Dude Ranch in DFW

Traditional Texas dude ranches like Wildcatter Ranch in Graham, about 90 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth, are ideal for families. Horseback riding, jeep safaris, and the infinity pool are all popular with kids. Parents can enjoy sport clay shooting, archery, and the on-site spa during an extended stay.

Moody Gardens in Galveston

Moody Gardens, an educational amusement park featuring an aquarium, indoor rainforest, seashore ropes course, and outdoor zip line, has lots of adventures to pair with unusual fauna. Families may enjoy rare animal exhibitions and outdoor amusements at any time of year thanks to seasonal events like a water park, ice sculpture, and a festival of lights.

Beach & Backwater Adventures in South Padre Island

When you think of Texas, do you think of islands? They ought should. Along the Gulf of Mexico, there are several beautiful beaches. South Padre Island is a small island off the Texas coast with tropical waters ideal for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and kite boarding. Families rule the area all year, especially in the fall when local sculptors come to the seashore to erect buildings for Sandcastle Days, an annual event that promotes coastal protection.

Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks

In Texas, there are 14 National Park Service-managed sites, including two national parks: the Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend National Parks. In Big Bend, a West Texas hideaway with far-flung views, experience the Rio Grande's clear waters and towering canyon walls on a boating, bicycling, or hiking trip for all ages. Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which has public campsites suitable for tents and RVs, to see beautifully colored fall foliage and prairie fauna.

Pick Your Own Berries or Pumpkins: Texas Hill Country

Sweet Berry Farm, located just north of trendy Austin's wonderful food trucks and raucous music scene, allows youngsters to choose their own strawberries in the spring and pumpkins in the fall. But that's only the beginning: visit the farm's petting zoo, sample homemade ice cream, shop for fresh produce, and play in a big kid-friendly maze themed like Texas.

Museum of South Texas History: Edinburg

The Museum of South Texas History is well worth a visit if your youngsters are fascinated by sea dinosaurs and a 14-foot mammoth skeleton. This museum houses artifacts and exhibits dating from prehistoric periods to the twentieth century. Learn about the origin of the adjacent Rio Grande, locomotives from the Industrial Revolution, and the museum's 100-year-old jail.