25 Best Things To Do in Texas with Kids

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Texas is known for its BBQ, live music scene, and for being the ‘cowboys’ state. It is also a fantastic destination for families in search of one-of-a-kind experiences. Cities like Austin and Houston, are gaining popularity for their food and art scene, while the coast of Texas is becoming a hot destination for a beach family vacation.

We compiled 25+ best things to do in Texas with kids, recommended by local families of the Gowhee app, so you can start planning your next trip to the Lone Star State.

Things to do in Texas with kids blog cover - Child playing with a goat
Rohan Meadery farm animals. Photo by @findingourtomorrow - Gowhee App

1. Explore the Dallas Museum of Art

There’s lots of free family fun that encourages kids’ imaginations at the Dallas Museum of Art.

Key Information: FREE – Food onsite – closed on Mondays

Good To Know: Check out Toddler Tuesdays if you have preschoolers– there’s lots of special programming just for them. 

2. Ride ALL the Rides at an Ultra-Accessible Theme Park

Theme parks can be hard for kids with disabilities. But that’s not true at Morgan’s Wonderland, where each ride and attraction is ultra-accessible and fun for everyone. One of the best things to do in Texas with kids, with disabilities.

Key Information: $19/$13 – Disabled guests are FREE – Restrooms with adult and child changing tables available

Good To Know: Morgan’s Wonderland offers free waterproof wheelchairs for use in their water park.

>>> Discover tons of accessible family fun experiences, here.

3. Discover More Than 70 Species at the Amarillo Zoo

The kid friendly Amarillo Zoo is full of enchanting animals like lions, tigers, and the critically endangered black-footed ferret. 

Key Information: $4.50/$2.50 – Bring your own food – Wheelchair and wagon rental available

Good To Know: The reptiles are fed every Thursday afternoon– it’s a great opportunity to chat with a keeper.

25 Things To Do in Texas with Kids

4. See Massive Reptiles at Beaumont’s Gator Country

Gator Country in Beaumont is home to over 450 alligators that you can pet, feed, and even wade with!

Key Information: $17/ $14 – Bring your own food – Park paths aren’t all stroller friendly

Good To Know: Admission includes hands-on experience with the alligators.

>>> Find more fun animal experiences near you, here.

5. Visit the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is a family-friendly science center that has everything kids love.

Key Information: $16/$12 – Food onsite – Closed on Mondays

Good To Know: The Children’s Museum portion of the museum is best for kids eight and younger.

6. Enjoy Hands-On Activities at The DoSeum

Kids love to learn through play, and the hands-on activities at the DoSeum in San Antonio are a great way to spend the day.

Key Information: $14 – Food onsite – Suitable for toddlers and up

Good To Know: The DoSeum has lots of do-it-at-home activities– the fun doesn’t have to stop when you leave!

Children playin with the water display at the doseum
The Doseum water display. Photo by @Wonders_within_reach - Gowhee App

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7. Take the Kids on a Drive-Thru Safari

When you visit the Franklin Safari, you never know what kind of animals you’ll meet!

Key Information: $20- Feed buckets are $5 – Great for all ages 

Good To Know: Stay in the nearby cabins for a truly wild time.

8. Go On a Dolphin Watching Boat Tour in Galveston 

When you take a Baywatch Dolphin Tour, you’ll get to see dolphins and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Key Information: $20/$12 – Pet-friendly – Excursions last 45 minutes

Good To Know: You can buy drinks on the boat, but it’s more economical to bring your own.

9. Catch a Thrill at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

The Six Flags amusement parks all offer something a little different, and Fiesta Texas in San Antonio has unique spinning coasters and a thrilling drop tower.

Key Information: $39.99+ – Mix of kiddie rides and thrill rides – Food onsite

Good To Know: If you visit around the holidays, there are special park events.

>>> Discover tons of theme parks globally using the “theme park’ filter on the Gowhee app, here.

10. Discover Wild Earth Preschool at the Dallas Zoo

Wild Earth Preschool is the only full day, nature-based preschool in Texas!

Key Information: $285 per week – year-round – for kids 3-5

Good To Know: The classrooms are mixed-age for better social learning.

11. Spend a Day at the Beach at Galveston Island State Park

Spend a carefree day at the beach at Galveston Island State Park.

Key Information: $5 – Bring snacks – Most paths aren’t paved 

Good To Know: Don’t forget sunscreen– the Texas sun is strong year-round.

Family walking on the beach
Galveston Beach. Photo by @msgarciamayorca - Gowhee App

12. Enjoy Hands On Activities at the Children’s Museum of Houston

The Children’s Museum of Houston is a great place for kids to learn while having fun. 

Key Information: $15 – Food onsite – Stroller-friendly

Good To Know: Kids love the challenge course, a low ropes course that’s perfect for getting extra energy out.

>>> Find more museums great for kids of all ages in texas, here.

13. Eat Some Ice Cream & Take a Tour at the Blue Bell Creamery

At the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, you can see how ice cream is made and enjoy a scoop!

Key Information: FREE to visit – Wheelchair accessible – Dairy free ice cream available 

Good To Know: Blue Bell ice cream is worth a little road trip to get it fresh from the creamery!

14. See Exotic Sealife at the Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is the only place in the United States where you can see Amazonian manatees.

Key Information: $28.95/$18.95 – Food onsite – Plan for several hours.

Good To Know: The path at the upper part of the aquarium is difficult to navigate with a stroller. 

15. Enjoy Tranquil Pony & Horseback Rides 

Connect with nature in a unique, unforgettable way on an Adventure Trail Ride at Cypress Trails. 

Key Information: Horseback rides start at $60 per person – Wear long pants and close-toed shoes – Helmets are mandatory and provided

Good To Know: Lap riders are not allowed

16. Cool Off at the Schlitterbahn Water Park

Schlitterbahn’s rides and slides will have your whole family screaming with joy. 

Key Information: $39.99+ – Food onsite – Restrooms with changing tables 

Good To Know: The Blast Pass lets you wait in a virtual queue.

17. Learn & Play at the Thinkery

Kids can experiment and build to their hearts’ content at the Thinkery in Austin.

Key Information: $16 – Fully wheelchair accessible – No food onsite

Good To Know: Check their schedule– some days are reserved only for field trips.

MUST READ: 20+ Things To Do in Austin, Texas with Kids

18. Visit Rohan Meadery’s Working Farm

Your kids will be buzzing when you visit the Rohan Meadery’s farm!

Key Information: $5 – Leashed dogs allowed- Food onsite

Good To Know: Farm tours are only available on weekends.

>>> Discover more kid-friendly breweries and wineries in the U.S, here.

19. Camp Under the Stars at Big Bend National Park

Visit one of America’s beautiful national parks and camp among the hiking trails at Big Bend! 

Key Information: Campground fee is $16 per night – Restaurant at lodge – Lodge has AC if you’re too hot in a tent

Good To Know: Big Bend is a desert park, so bring a LOT of water!

20. Take a Tyke Hike at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Let your little ones connect with nature on a gentle hike designed for them.

Key Information: $7 – Best for kids 18 months to 4 years – Scheduled on select Mondays

Good To Know: Older kids are welcome to join their little siblings!

>>> Discover more kid-friendly hikes and trails, here.

Child walking in on a boardwalk of the Arboretum
Houston Arboretum. Photo by @linzeyslife

21. Walk Amongst Dinosaurs 

Stomp, play, and roar amongst hundreds of life size dinosaurs at Dinosaur World! 

Key Information: $15.75/$12.75 – Bring food – Leashed dogs allowed

Good To Know: You can mine for real fossils that you can keep!

22. Visit Botanical Gardens Designed for Kids

Enjoy a lovely day in the garden when you visit the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum. 

Key Information: $3 – Food nearby – Good for all ages

Good To Know: Little kids love the daily puppet storytime.

Discover More things to do in Texas with kids

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23. Get Busy at the McKenna Children’s Museum

The McKenna Children’s Museum is designed for kids to let their senses and imaginations run wild!

Key Information: $7.50 – Food onsite- All restrooms have changing tables

Good To Know: Every kid gets to make a take-home craft at the Wondershop.

24. Explore an Interactive Candy Museum

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting your own Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, then Candytopia in Houston is for you. 

Key Information: $28/$20 – plan for at least an hour – lots of candy samples to eat

Good To Know: This is a limited-time engagement, so if it sounds fun to you, book now!

25. Take a Swamp Tour on a High-Powered Fan Boat

Breeze through the Blue Elbow Swamp on your own private charter with Dragon Lady Airboats.

Key Information: 1½ hour private charter is $350 –  Bring bug spray – Use the restroom before you get on the boat

Good To Know: Fan boats require hearing protection, so this is not a great option for babies.

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