9 Wonderful Family-Friendly Experiences That Await You in Texas
A visit to Texas is something that has to be experienced in order to be understood. Texans are loyal to their state, and for good reason. As the second-largest state in America, Texas’s history, geography, climate, and culture are embedded in each person who lives there—and they often extend to those who visit, too.
No matter your destination, it’s likely that you’ll find family-friendly activities to fill your schedule within a short drive. From the San Antonio Texas Zoo to the various sports arenas where you and your family can enjoy your favorite game, there’s something for everyone in the Lone Star State.
In this blog, we’ll share the top 9 wonderful experiences that every family should add to their itinerary when they visit Texas.
1. San Antonio Zoo®
The San Antonio Zoo® is a non-profit organization that has been proven to care for the animals it conserves over its decades of operation. The zoo’s focus on educating the public as to the needs and abilities of each species is obvious, and millions of people come each year to experience the various wildlife within the enclosure. The mission of the San Antonio Zoo is to share inspiration among its guests to love and protect the animals and their habitats. Visitors can Pay for a Day and Get a Year Free in 2025, giving you plenty of time to come back and participate in the Spring and Summer Attractions.
2. Sports Stadiums
Where’s your passion for sports? Whether you choose pro or collegiate baseball, soccer, football, or basketball, Texas has a stadium for you. The Lone Star State’s franchises expand throughout dozens of teams. Depending on where you’re visiting, you may be able to catch a game at one of these popular arenas:
● AT&T Stadium in Arlington is home to the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL and the location of the Cotton Bowl Classic, the Southwest Classic, and the Big 12 Championship Game.
● Globe Life Park/Choctaw Stadium, also in Arlington, houses the MLB Texas Rangers and is the site of concerts for many big-name entertainers.
● Dr Pepper Ballpark/Riders Field/Seven Up Ballpark is a baseball field in Frisco where the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders of the Texas League call home.
● Minute Maid Park/Daikin Park, a baseball stadium in Houston, hosts the Houston Astros.
Hundreds of stadiums expanding various sports, including hockey and basketball, proudly represent their athletic ability in Texas.

3. Route 66
Made famous recently by the Pixar hit “Cars,” Route 66 (which inspired the movie) was once nearly a ghost town, but today, it’s full of vintage, retro, and modern hotspots. Route 66 extends from Chicago, IL, to Santa Monica, CA, cutting through Texas in cities like Shamrock. This small town is home to the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn, built in 1936. The building was originally a gas station and restaurant and is on the National Register of Historical Places as a chamber of commerce/community center/visitor center. But you’ll recognize it as the inspiration of Ramone’s Body Shop if you’re a Lightning McQueen fan.
4. Natural Bridge Caverns
Caverns abound in Texas, but one of the most popular (and breathtaking) spots is the Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio. Visitors can enjoy this cave network, one of the 3,000 documented in the state, any time of year. It’s the ideal place to go when the weather messes up your other plans, or as a primary destination with or without children.
5. NASA Space Center
While Florida’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral is where most people think of as home to the work done by NASA, Houston’s Historic Mission Control is just as impressive! Here, little ones will interact in exhibits and with the minds behind the original steps in space exploration. History is made new again at Mission Control, and it’s a wonderful place to go to share the passion for asking questions and exploring outside the limits with your little ones.
6. National Parks
The National Park Service manages multiple areas in Texas. Two of these lands are the Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend, which are both national parks. A visit to these areas will need more than a day, but even in a few hours, you’ll see majestic views, such as the Rio Grande waters and powerful canyons. Rent a boat, bring a bike, or explore the paths by foot. Campers can spend time immersed in nature in one of the public tenting or RV campsites.
7. Moody Gardens
Looking for something to keep children of different ages occupied? Moody Gardens in Galveston is a surefire way to please all of the discerning tastes of your unique little ones. The educational park includes animal exhibitions, an indoor rainforest, an aquarium, rides, a ropes course, and a zip line. Events vary throughout the seasons, so be sure to come visit again later!
8. Museum of South Texas History
Known as the MOSTHistory, Edinburgh’s museum is dedicated to educating and sharing the rich heritage of the blended cultures that make up the Rio Grande Valley. From South Texas to Northeastern Mexico, history through art and artifacts is at home at the Museum of South Texas. Children will enjoy the skeletons, interactive exhibits, and century-old jail, as well as some of the original locomotives that ran through the area.
9. Water Gardens
Dallas/Fort Worth is a massive area that sees millions of visitors every year. Although these people are all ages and have diverse interests, one of the places that many of them add to their must-see list is the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The urban water park, designed by Phillip Johnson, will have your little ones asking questions and thinking outside of the box as they wander through the water features where engineering and architecture have created a majestic water wonderland.
Your Texas Experience Awaits
With a seemingly endless choice of cities to visit, your Texas experience can be hand-designed to fit your family’s preferences. Whether you visit the coast, the deep South, or someplace closer to the border, a family-friendly trip to the Lone Star State will be a memory you’ll all cherish.