Photo credit: ZOO

When most people think of Texas, the first thing that comes to mind is cowboys and tumbleweeds. The Lonestar state does have a strong cowboy culture with vast landscapes. 

But Texas also has an endless number of things to do, especially for families. 

One of the most popular family fun days is spending time at the San Antonio Zoo, which some say is the best zoo in Texas. Start there, and then add these 10 other family-friendly activities to your Texas itinerary.

1. The Alamo

Texas is the second-largest state in the country. It has a rich and interesting history, with many relics of days past still standing. One of the most famous battles in the state’s fight against Mexico for independence happened in San Antonio, Texas. The 1836 Battle of the Alamo was a turning point in the war. The Alamo historic site has family-friendly activities, including games and war reenactments.

Entrance to The Alamo is free. Visitors can choose between a self-guided and guided tour, but be prepared to pay for the guided version. The popular tourist destination has a gift shop and snack bar.

2. Take In A Ball Game

Whether you’re a sports fan or not, visiting the iconic stadium of the Dallas Cowboys is a must-do when visiting Texas. Even if the football season is over, the stadium offers guided tours to catch a glimpse of the hollowed field. Texas is also home to the major league baseball team, the Texas Rangers. There’s also a minor league team that plays in Arlington, Texas. 

3. Amusement Parks

Texas is home to numerous amusement parks that are both family-friendly and perfect for adrenaline junkies. Arlington’s Six Flags Over Texas is the original Six Flags theme park, which opened in 1961. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is located in San Antonio and calls itself the Thrill Capital of South Texas.

For families that prefer tamer theme parks, consider SeaWorld in San Antonio or Hurricane Harbor Splashdown in Houston. Many theme parks in Texas are open year-round, though water parks are often limited to specific months of the year.

4. Reunion Tower

Everything’s bigger in Texas except the skyscrapers. While the Lone Star state has its share of high-rises, they still fall short of New York City’s famed Empire State Building. But the observation deck at the Reunion Tower in Dallas is a great addition to your itinerary. The tower offers unbeatable panoramic views of the city’s skyline, making it one of the top sights in the state.

Reunion Tower is just 1,000 feet from Dealey Plaza, where President John. F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

5. Houston Space Center

Houston, we have a problem… if you don’t visit the Space Center in Houston, Texas. The popular attraction holds an endless amount of education and entertainment in one location. Whether you’re a space junkie or not, you’ll be transfixed by the hundreds of artifacts from outer space and the center’s interactive exhibits. 

There’s also a tram that will take the whole family to the historic Mission Control room at the Johnson Space Center. Visitors can also tour the astronaut training facilities. Enjoy lunch at the Food Lab, and be sure to stop at the gift shop on the way out for some space-related souvenirs. 

6. National Bridge Caverns

For a unique family experience, the National Bridge Caverns will take you 180 feet underground. Explore two caverns, the Discovery Cavern and the Hidden Cavern, located between New Braunfels and San Antonio. 

The attraction also includes above-ground activities for those who never dreamed of being a spelunker. Try your skills at the Twisted Rails rope course, work your way out of a maze, or look for fossils. The Caverns offer fun for the whole family. 

7. Galleria Shopping Mall

Malls are on the decline in many states around the country, but not the Galleria. The shopping center in Houston features over 400 stores, over 60 restaurants, and several family-friendly attractions. The luxurious shopping mall boasts a skating rink, two swimming pools, and two high-end hotels.

The expansive hotspot is the largest mall in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States. Whether you’re there to shop or play, you’ll find something for everyone in the family.

8. Take A Ferry Ride

The Gulf of Mexico surrounds the southeastern side of Texas. Make the most of your time in the Lone Star state with a ferry ride between Galveston and Port Bolivar. The ferry is free and takes about 18 minutes. Online reviews reveal that dolphins are often spotted playing alongside the ferry. 

The Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry is one of three in Texas. The other ferries can be found in Lynchburg and Port Aransas.

9. Go To The Beach

Texas’ proximity to water is one of its most overlooked charms. The state has many beaches and barrier islands. Crystal Beach is a seven-mile stretch of coastline on the Bolivar Peninsula, which we already mentioned is accessible by a short (and free!) ferry ride.

Surfside Beach, Rockport Beach, and Boca Chica are just a few of the popular beaches in Texas. The state’s Gulf Coast beaches are known for their soft, warm sand, clear water, and year-round activities like swimming, surfing, boating, kayaking, fishing, and birding.

10. Science & Nature Museums

Texas is known for its sunny weather, but sometimes the heat is too much. Head into a museum to beat the heat and get some education at the same time. Texas has several science and nature museums. Austin’s Texas Science & Natural History Museum takes visitors through the natural history of Texas, from dinosaurs to today.

The Cockrell Butterfly Center exhibit next to the Houston Museum of Natural Science boasts a 50-foot waterfall and simulated rainforest. For something a little different, check out the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum in Galveston.

The Longhorn State is Waiting For Your Family

Texas is a state with a variety of attractions, including natural beauty, cities, and historic sites. The weather can be unpredictable and extreme. But you’ll always find something to do with these family-friendly ideas.