Family Vacations in Texas

The city is home to the NASA Space Center and its over 400 space crafts, moon rocks, and artifacts. The kids may also be lucky enough to meet an astronaut. West of downtown Houston lies Buffalo Bayou Park. The 160 acres of green space include a children's play area, hiking and biking trails, and public art. At the park, you’ll also be treated to panoramic views of the city's skyline.

Stroll along the San Antonio River Walk and stop for Texan cuisine at the many outdoor Tex-Mex restaurants. Nearby, you'll find the Alamo Catholic Church, and can see where Texans lost to Mexicans in the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Off Natural Bridge Caverns Road, you’ll find the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch safari, a 400-acre sanctuary featuring beautiful woodlands and over 500 animal species – 40 are endangered.

Adventure lovers love South Padre Island’s white-sand beaches and the many jet skiing, surfing, fishing, and dolphin watching opportunities. For high-spirited fun and to let the kids burn off energy, head to the exciting Schlitterbahn waterpark.

Spend a sunny afternoon with the kids as you explore the Kemah Boardwalk, where shoreline restaurants and thrilling rides await. Braver older kids can ride the 65ft Century Ferris Wheel, dare the 140ft freefall on Drop Zone, or zoom around on the Bullet, a wooden roller coaster.

Visit El Paso’s Franklin Mountains State Park and ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway. Pass through the canyon on a 2,500-long gondola line to spot intriguing rock formations, natural cacti gardens, birds, and reptiles.

Fun and thrilling rides are why many families flock to Lubbock’s Joyland Park. Teenagers love the challenge of the park’s Grizzly swinging gondola, or the free-fall from the Dare Devil Drop tower. There are also rides to accommodate younger guests. Later, treat the family to a tasty meal in one of the nearby restaurants.

Admire the sublime blend of colors at the National Butterfly Center in Mission. The sanctuary's wealth of butterfly species flutters around the flowers grown in the conservatory. The 100-acre center includes a butterfly-decorated picnic area and cocoon inspection tours.

Learn about the life and assassination of John F. Kennedy at this Dallas museum. Get a peek at American life during the 60s as you walk around the museum and explore the audiovisual displays.

As Texas’s weather tends to vary throughout the year, you’ll want to pack accordingly. Its hot and humid summers call for light clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, comfortable shoes, sandals, socks, and swimwear. Although Texas experiences mild winters, you may want to bring heavier clothes such as gloves, hoodies, jeans and pants, waterproof shoes, scarf, and gloves.

Whereas credit cards are widely accepted in Texas, you may still need to have enough cash for meals, entry to attractions, car rentals, and shopping.

You'll likely want to bring your phone or tablet to access music and social media and keep in touch with people back home. Remember to bring a portable adaptor, earphones, and of course, a camera.