Texas with kids

The areas

1. Houston & Galveston

   Space Center Houston is NASA’s visitor center: rockets, capsules and tours to the astronaut training facilities. Houston also has a big children’s museum and a zoo; an hour south, Galveston offers beach and pier.

   • Houston Zoo Zoo
     Founded in 1922, this Houston zoo is home to a wide variety of animal species from around the world. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Space Center Houston Science center
     Opened in 1992 as the official visitor center of the Johnson Space Center, it displays spacecraft, NASA training facilities and mission artifacts. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Moody Gardens Public aquarium
     Glass pyramids house an aquarium, rainforest exhibit and botanical gardens at this educational attraction in Galveston. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Children's Museum of Houston Children's museum
     A nonprofit institution in Texas offering hands-on, playful learning exhibits for children since 1980. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Moody National Wildlife Refuge National wildlife refuge
     Wetlands and marshland in this Texas refuge provide habitat for numerous wading and water birds. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Downtown Aquarium, Houston Public aquarium

2. San Antonio

   A boat ride along the River Walk, then the Alamo – short and vivid. Add the Spanish missions (World Heritage), several theme parks and water parks in summer. Downtown is easy to explore on foot.

   • San Antonio Zoo Zoo
     Home to a wide variety of animal species on spacious grounds in Texas, established in 1914. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Six Flags Fiesta Texas Amusement park
     Roller coasters, water rides and themed areas fill the sprawling grounds. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Zoo
     Since 1984, visitors can drive through open ranges and observe exotic and native wildlife roaming freely. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Morgan's Wonderland Amusement park
     An accessible theme park in San Antonio has offered rides and attractions for guests of all ages and abilities since 2010. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts

3. Austin & Hill Country

   From March to early November, around 1.5 million bats pour out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk – a sight kids won’t forget. The surrounding hills have caves, rivers to splash in and natural swimming holes.

   • Austin Zoo Zoo
     A wildlife park in Texas that has cared for rescued and abandoned animals since 1990. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge National wildlife refuge
     A hilly refuge in Texas established in 1992 to protect rare birds such as the golden-cheeked warbler. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts

4. Dallas & Fort Worth

   In the Fort Worth Stockyards, longhorn cattle are driven down the street twice a day. A good hour southwest, Dinosaur Valley State Park has real dinosaur tracks in the riverbed – best seen when the water is low. Dallas has a zoo, an aquarium and a big natural history museum.

   • Six Flags Over Texas Amusement park
     Roller coasters and rides spread across the sprawling grounds of this amusement park in Arlington. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Dallas Zoo Zoo
     Founded in 1888, this Texas zoo houses a wide variety of animal species across its extensive grounds. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Fort Worth Zoo Zoo
     Since 1909, this zoo has displayed a wide variety of animals in naturalistic habitats in the heart of Fort Worth. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Dallas World Aquarium Public aquarium
     Tropical habitats with exotic fish, birds and other animals unfold across several levels in the heart of downtown. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Universal Kids Resort Amusement park
     A family resort in Frisco, Texas, featuring attractions designed for younger visitors. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Fossil Rim Wildlife Center Zoo

5. Corpus Christi & Padre Island

   Padre Island is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. From mid-June to August the national seashore releases newly hatched Kemp’s ridley turtles at sunrise – dates are announced at short notice via the park’s hotline. Corpus Christi has an aquarium and an aircraft carrier museum.

   • Padre Island National Seashore National seashore
     Protected since 1962, this barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico offers long stretches of undeveloped beach. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts
   • Texas State Aquarium Zoo
     A Gulf Coast aquarium showcasing marine life of the Gulf of Mexico since 1990. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts

6. Big Bend & the west

   Desert, mountains and the Rio Grande – and one of the darkest night skies in the US. Kids can become Junior Rangers in the national park. The area is very remote: fill up before you go, carry plenty of water and plan at least two nights.

   • Big Bend National Park National Park of the United States
   • Guadalupe Mountains National Park National park
     Desert mountains with dramatic rock formations and deep canyons, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert. Written by Claude from Wikidata facts

Under each area: the best-known places for families from our collection – theme parks, zoos, aquariums, beaches, national parks and nature reserves. All sights →

When to go

Pleasant in every city: Feb–May, Sep–Dec.

Summer holidays are hot and humid, but the sea is warm. October is often the most pleasant time for day trips.

pleasant fine so-so (cool or wet) hot cold Number = average daily high (2015–2024)

Good to know with kids

• Car seat: in Texas children under 8 must ride in a child seat unless they are taller than 4 ft 9 in. Reserve one with the rental car or bring your own.
• Entry: every child needs their own passport and ESTA authorization – babies included.
• Distances: the big cities are three to five hours apart, Big Bend often a full day. With kids, avoid planning more than one long driving day in a row.
• Heat: from June to September, 35 °C (95 °F) and more is normal. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and never leave children in a parked car, even briefly.
• Hurricane season on the Gulf Coast runs June to November. If you head for the coast in late summer, keep an inland alternative ready.
• Junior Ranger: in the national parks and seashores, kids get an activity booklet and a badge at the end – ask at the visitor center.

USA trip checklist →

Sample routes

• Texas Hill Country: 5 days of nature, culture and good food 5 Days · 258 mi
• West Texas & Big Bend: 8 days of desert and starry skies 8 Days · 1,035 mi
• Texas with kids: 14 days of adventure 14 Days · 1,012 mi
• Texas classics: 10 days from Dallas to the Gulf 10 Days · 972 mi

All sample routes →