Planning a Texas trip with kids? Good call. We've dragged our crew all over this massive state for years, from sticky summer days at water parks to chilly winter nights at holiday markets. Finding awesome things to do in Texas with kids isn't hard, but sorting through all the options? That's where most parents get overwhelmed.
Here's the reality: what works for toddlers flops with teens. What's magic in spring becomes unbearable in August. That's why we've broken down the very best family activities by age, interest, season and budget - because nobody enjoys meltdowns (from kids OR parents).
Texas Theme Parks That Actually Make Kids Squeal
Okay, let's be honest - some theme parks are more "meh" than magical. After testing them all, these three consistently make our kids beg to return:
| Park Name | Best For Ages | Can't-Miss Attraction | Cost Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) | 8+ (thrill seekers) | Iron Rattler wooden coaster | Buy tickets online 72hrs+ ahead saves $25/ticket |
| Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels) | 4-14 (water lovers) | Master Blaster uphill water coaster | After 3pm tickets 50% off (valid next day too!) |
| Morgan's Wonderland (San Antonio) | All abilities | Fully accessible splash park | Special needs guests FREE ($20 savings) |
Our last Schlitterbahn visit? We learned the hard way - that "spring-fed" water is COLD in April! Pack rash guards unless you want shivering kids by noon. Still, watching our 7-year-old conquer the Dragons Revenge raft ride? Priceless.
Smaller Gems Worth Your Time
Don't sleep on these lesser-known spots when looking for fun things to do in Texas with children:
- Kemah Boardwalk (near Houston): Part amusement park, part seafood spot. Get the $35 unlimited ride wristband - single tickets add up fast.
- Joyland Amusement Park (Lubbock): Classic wooden coaster feels like stepping into 1955. Best $20 family fun in West Texas.
- ZDT's Amusement Park (Seguin): Indoor/outdoor hybrid. Bless them for AC during August!
Free & Cheap Activities Across Texas
Blowing your budget on tickets? No need. Some of our best memories cost almost nothing:
| City | Activity | Cost | Why Kids Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | Bat Bridge viewing | FREE | 1.5 million bats flying at dusk (March-Oct) |
| Fort Worth | Stockyards cattle drive | FREE | Real cowboys herding longhorns twice daily |
| Galveston | Seawall scavenger hunt | FREE | Free app guides you to hidden murals |
| Statewide | Texas State Parks | $5-8/person | Junior Ranger programs with cool badges |
Pro tip from our failed picnic: Those Hill Country "swimming holes" like Barton Springs? The water stays 68°F YEAR-ROUND. Our Arizona cousins thought it was arctic in July! Bring towels and thermoses of hot cocoa - seriously.
Rainy Day Lifesavers
Texas weather changes FAST. When storms hit, we bolt to:
- Perot Museum (Dallas): Earthquake simulator terrifies in the best way ($20/adult, kids $13)
- Alamo Drafthouse (statewide): First-run movies with full meals ($12-15/ticket)
- Cidercade (Austin/Houston): Unlimited arcade games $12pp on weekdays
Educational Spots Kids Won't Complain About
"Learning" doesn't have to mean bored kids. These Texas attractions sneak in education like veggies in smoothies:
Houston's Museum District
Thursdays = FREE admission at most museums. Our ranking:
- Children's Museum of Houston: Three floors of pure chaos (in a good way)
- NASA Space Center: Touch moon rocks! ($30/adult, but worth it)
- Health Museum: Walk-through giant heart freaks out littles
San Antonio's History Made Fun
Beyond the Alamo (which honestly? Kids find underwhelming):
- DoSeum: Best $16 you'll spend. Water tables, coding games, bubble rooms
- Witte Museum: Dinosaur skeletons AND treehouse bridges ($14/adult)
- Mission Trail Bike Tour: Rent bikes, hit four historic sites ($30/family)
Remember that time we promised "short walk" between missions in July? Yeah... meltdown city. Now we do the bike tour with industrial-strength water bottles.
Outdoor Adventures Beyond Playgrounds
Texas isn't all flat desert! Our favorite wild spots:
| Region | Activity | Age Recommendation | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hill Country | Cave of the Winds tour | 5+ (no strollers) | $25/adult, $15/child |
| Big Bend | Santa Elena Canyon hike | 8+ (intense heat) | Park entry $30/vehicle |
| Gulf Coast | Port Aransas dolphin watch | All ages | $15/pp on smaller boats |
Texas-Sized Warning: Many state parks like Enchanted Rock require reservations weeks ahead. We showed up spontaneously once - locked gates. Total road trip buzzkill.
Seasonal Must-Do Activities
Timing matters! Don't miss these:
Fall (Sept-Nov)
- Pumpkin patches: Barton Hill Farms (Bastrop) has corn mazes + live music
- State Fair of Texas (Dallas): Fried everything + Big Tex photo op ($20 admission)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- Trail of Lights (Austin): Timed tickets required - sells out fast! ($10-25)
- SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (San Antonio): Snow flurries in Texas? Magic ($70+ but discounts abound)
Spring (Mar-May)
- Bluebonnet trails (Burnet/Llano): Fields of wildflowers = epic photos
- Fiesta San Antonio: Parades + confetti eggs (free viewing spots downtown)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
- Water parks: Hurricane Harbor Arlington has wave pools to survive heat
- Drive-in movies: Coyote Drive-In (Ft Worth) double features for $9/adult
Real Parent FAQs About Things to Do in Texas with Kids
"What's the least crowded time for theme parks?"
Tuesday/Wednesday in September or early May. Avoid holidays like the plague - we once waited 90 mins for a 30-second ride at Six Flags on Memorial Day.
"Are Texas attractions expensive?"
Can be. But combo deals like San Antonio's CityPass ($56 for 4 attractions) save 30%. Pack lunches - food markups are brutal.
"What's overhyped with kids?"
Sorry River Walk boat tours - our kids were bored after 10 minutes. Also: Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. It's just spray-painted cars in a field. Drive-by only.
"Best road trip stops?"
- I-35: Czech Stop kolaches (West)
- I-10: Buc-ee's mega gas stations (clean bathrooms!)
- I-20: Abilene Zoo splash pad (cool-off zone)
Pro Tips from Our Texas Travel Trials
After 14 family trips across Texas, here's what we wish we knew sooner:
| Mistake We Made | Solution We Found |
|---|---|
| Overplanning days | MAX 2 major activities daily + pool time |
| Assuming short drives | Everything's farther than it looks! Add 30% to drive times |
| Underestimating heat | Cooling towels & electrolyte packets are lifesavers |
| Paying full price | Check Groupon & attraction websites for hidden deals |
Last thing: Embrace the quirky. Some of our best memories came from unplanned stops - feeding longhorns at a roadside ranch, finding dinosaur tracks near Glen Rose, or eating pie at some random small-town diner. That's the real magic of finding things to do in Texas with kids.
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