57+ Things to do for Spring Break with Family in Texas

Spring break in Texas is more than just a getaway––it’s an experience and lucky for you, we have a giant list of the best things to do for spring break with family in Texas. 

Whether you’re exploring the rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country, unwinding on the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast, or diving into the cultural attractions of the Lone Star State’s major cities, there’s something for the entire family. With a variety of activities suited for kids of all ages, this is your guide to making the most of spring break with family in Texas.

Things to do for Spring Break with Family in Texas

I have broken this list down by area of Texas. You are sure to find something fun to do around Texas with your family this spring break!

Dallas

Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium offers an immersive experience with marine life from around the globe. Families can walk through lush rainforest exhibits where exotic birds, monkeys, and sloths roam freely. The aquarium also houses sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, providing an up-close look at oceanic wonders.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

For young explorers, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science offers hands-on exhibits covering topics from paleontology to space exploration. The museum’s dinosaur hall, earthquake simulator, and interactive engineering labs make learning exciting for kids of all ages.

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Spring is the best time to visit the Dallas Arboretum, where colorful tulips, azaleas, and cherry blossoms create a vibrant landscape. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden features interactive science and nature exhibits, perfect for young visitors.

Klyde Warren Park

In the heart of downtown, Klyde Warren Park provides a perfect mix of outdoor play and relaxation. Families can enjoy food trucks, free lawn games, and a massive playground while taking in views of the Dallas skyline.

Dallas Zoo

One of the largest zoos in Texas, the Dallas Zoo is home to African elephants, gorillas, lions, and more. The Wilds of Africa monorail takes visitors on a journey through savannas, rainforests, and mountain habitats.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Step back in time with a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, where families can board historic steam and diesel trains for a scenic trip through the North Texas countryside.

Houston

Space Center Houston

Aspiring astronauts will love Space Center Houston, where they can touch a moon rock, tour real spacecraft, and even meet an astronaut. The center features interactive exhibits on space exploration and NASA’s historic missions.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

From massive dinosaur skeletons to a dazzling gemstone collection, the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers endless discovery. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits in the Hall of Ancient Egypt and the giant screen theater.

Houston Zoo

Home to over 6,000 animals, the Houston Zoo offers feeding experiences, giraffe encounters, and a children’s petting zoo. The zoo’s splash pad is a great way to cool off on warm spring days.

Buffalo Bayou Park

This urban park is perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, and hiking. Families can explore walking trails, rent paddle boats, or enjoy a picnic with a view of downtown Houston.

Kemah Boardwalk

Located just outside of Houston, Kemah Boardwalk offers waterfront dining, amusement park rides, and classic carnival games. Families can ride the Ferris wheel, take a boat tour, or enjoy live entertainment.

Corpus Christi

Texas State Aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium features engaging exhibits with dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks. Kids can participate in hands-on activities like stingray feedings and touch tanks for an interactive learning experience.

USS Lexington Museum

Families can explore the massive USS Lexington, a retired aircraft carrier turned museum. The ship offers flight simulators, historic aircraft, and a guided tour through the engine rooms and bridge.

Padre Island National Seashore

For those who love nature, Padre Island National Seashore is the perfect escape. This protected area offers miles of pristine beaches, birdwatching, and camping under the stars.

Selena Museum

Music fans should stop by the Selena Museum to learn about the life and legacy of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla. The museum showcases personal memorabilia, stage outfits, and awards.

San Antonio

San Antonio River Walk

A trip to San Antonio isn’t complete without a stroll along the River Walk. Families can take a boat tour, dine at riverside restaurants, and enjoy live entertainment in this vibrant cultural hub.

The Alamo

History comes to life at The Alamo, where visitors can explore one of the most famous sites in Texas history. Guided tours provide insights into the 1836 battle and the mission’s Spanish colonial past.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Just outside of San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns offers underground tours through spectacular limestone caves. Families can also try gem mining, zip-lining, and an outdoor ropes course.

Morgan’s Wonderland

Morgan’s Wonderland is an ultra-accessible theme park designed for kids of all abilities. The park features rides, playgrounds, and water attractions that are wheelchair-friendly and inclusive for all visitors.

Galveston

Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens is a must-visit attraction featuring a rainforest pyramid, aquarium, and interactive exhibits. Families can explore lush tropical environments, watch penguins play, and learn about conservation efforts.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

This classic boardwalk amusement park offers thrilling rides, carnival games, and stunning Gulf Coast views. Visitors can enjoy roller coasters, a carousel, and a towering Ferris wheel over the ocean.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

For water fun, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is packed with slides, a lazy river, and wave pools. It’s a great place to cool off and enjoy some high-energy excitement.

Dolphin Tours

Families can hop on a boat for a dolphin-watching tour in Galveston Bay. These guided excursions offer close-up views of playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Spring Break Festivals and Events in Texas

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

One of the largest rodeos in the United States, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a must-visit event during spring break. Families can enjoy fun rodeo competitions, live music performances from top artists, a massive carnival with rides and games, and endless food options, including Texas barbecue and deep-fried treats.

South Padre Island Sandcastle Days

Spring breakers on South Padre Island won’t want to miss Sandcastle Days, a festival dedicated to elaborate sand sculpture creations. Professional sand sculptors from around the world craft breathtaking works of art, while families can take part in sandcastle-building workshops, beach games, and live music events.

SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin

While SXSW is known for its film, music, and technology conferences, it also offers family-friendly activities. The interactive exhibits, outdoor concerts, and food truck festivals make Austin an exciting place to be during spring break.

Texas Tulip Festival in Pilot Point

Just north of Dallas, the Texas Tulip Festival in Pilot Point is a beautiful way to celebrate spring. Families can walk through rows of vibrant tulips, take stunning photos, and even pick their own flowers to bring home.

Fiesta San Antonio

Although it takes place in April, Fiesta San Antonio events begin to ramp up during spring break. Families can enjoy colorful parades, delicious Tex-Mex food, and cultural celebrations that highlight San Antonio’s rich history.

Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill

Nothing says Texas springtime like bluebonnets, and the Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill celebrates the state flower with arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, and fields of gorgeous wildflowers for picture-perfect family outings.

Cameron Park Zoo’s Spring Break Safari in Waco

Waco’s Cameron Park Zoo hosts a Spring Break Safari with special wildlife encounters, zookeeper chats, and fun scavenger hunts for kids. It’s a great way for animal lovers to enjoy the outdoors while learning about different species.

Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival

One of the largest arts festivals in Texas, the Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival features street performers, live music, and interactive art experiences for kids. Visitors can also explore vendor booths showcasing handmade crafts, paintings, and sculptures.

Wildflower Trails of Texas Festival

Held in small East Texas towns like Linden and Hughes Springs, the Wildflower Trails of Texas Festival is perfect for families who love scenic road trips. Drive through colorful wildflower-covered landscapes while enjoying local crafts, food, and community events.

Moody Gardens Spring Break Festival in Galveston

Moody Gardens hosts a special spring break festival filled with fun for the entire family. Attractions include a rainforest pyramid, a massive aquarium, paddleboat cruises, and a ropes course. The festival also offers live entertainment, animal encounters, and outdoor games on the property’s lush gardens.

More Fun Things to Do for Spring Break in Texas

Backyard Camping Adventure

Set up a tent in your backyard, roast marshmallows, and tell stories under the stars. This is a perfect way to introduce younger kids to camping while staying close to home. Smoke up some juicy chicken with my fave recipe!

Go on a Texas Road Trip

Hit the open road and explore multiple destinations in the Lone Star State. From the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast, there are plenty of scenic drives and roadside attractions to enjoy.

Visit a Texas State Park

There are over 80 Texas State Parks to explore, offering hiking, camping, and outdoor activities for the whole family. Some favorites include Dinosaur Valley State Park, Palo Duro Canyon, and Guadalupe River State Park.

Experience a Cattle Drive in Fort Worth

Watch real cowboys and longhorn cattle march down Exchange Avenue at the Fort Worth Stockyards. This is a unique glimpse into Texas history and cowboy culture.

Float Down a Lazy River

Relax and float down one of Texas’ famous rivers, like the Comal River or Guadalupe River. Many tubing companies in New Braunfels offer rentals and shuttle services.

Take a Scenic Train Ride

Enjoy a nostalgic train ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad or the Texas State Railroad, which offers themed excursions through scenic landscapes.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt in Your City

Create a list of landmarks and hidden gems in your town and set off on an exciting scavenger hunt with the family.

Spend a Day at a Water Park

Visit one of Texas’ top water parks like Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Arlington for thrilling water slides and wave pools.

Take a Guided Tour of a Historic Texas Town

Small towns like Fredericksburg, Johnson City, and Jefferson offer historic walking tours, showcasing Texas’ rich past and unique architecture.

Visit the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco

Learn all about the history of Texas’ favorite soft drink and sample classic soda flavors at the Dr Pepper Museum.

Have a Picnic at Lady Bird Lake

Pack a meal and enjoy the scenic views at Lady Bird Lake in Austin. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for extra fun on the water.

Go Horseback Riding in Texas Hill Country

Several ranches and state parks offer guided horseback riding tours, letting you explore the rolling hills of Central Texas on horseback.

Take a Beach Trip to Mustang Island

Enjoy a sunny day at Mustang Island, where you can swim, surf, and relax on the sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast.

Visit the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi

Learn about marine life, watch dolphin shows, and explore interactive exhibits at one of the top aquariums in the United States.

Check Out Local Food Trucks

Major cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas have thriving food truck scenes. Try a variety of delicious Texas flavors, from barbecue to tacos.

Go Hiking in Big Bend National Park

For breathtaking landscapes, hike the trails of Big Bend National Park, where you’ll find desert scenery, towering mountains, and the Rio Grande River.

Watch a Rodeo or Bull Riding Event

Experience the thrill of bull riding at a Texas rodeo. The Houston Rodeo and Fort Worth Stock Show are two of the best places to catch live rodeo action.

Visit a Local Petting Zoo or Animal Park

For younger kids, a visit to an animal park like Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo in New Braunfels is a great way to interact with exotic and farm animals.

Go Fishing at Lake Texoma

Head to Lake Texoma, one of the best fishing destinations in Texas, where you can catch striped bass and enjoy a peaceful day by the water.

Explore the San Antonio Missions

Beyond The Alamo, San Antonio is home to several historic missions, including Mission San José and Mission Concepción, which offer guided tours and cultural experiences.

Try a Week-Long Camp for Kids

Many local companies and parks offer spring break camps focused on sports, nature, and creative arts. Check out places like the Austin Nature & Science Center for fun, educational week-long programs.

Take a Day Trip to East Texas

Explore the piney woods and lakes of East Texas. Visit Tyler for the famous rose gardens or take a boat tour through Caddo Lake’s mysterious cypress swamps.

Discover the Moody Gardens in Galveston

Step into a tropical rainforest, visit a massive aquarium, and enjoy interactive science exhibits at Moody Gardens, a must-visit for families.

Visit a Cultural Museum or Art Gallery

Texas is home to many incredible museums, from the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin. Many offer special spring break activities for kids.

Take a Free Day at a Texas State Park

Some Texas State Parks offer free admission days during spring break. Check their schedules and enjoy a budget-friendly outdoor adventure.

Spring break in Texas provides countless opportunities for adventure, education, and relaxation. Whether you choose to explore the major cities or soak up the sun along the coast, the Lone Star State has something to offer for every family. From thrilling amusement parks to serene nature escapes, these destinations make sure that spring break will be filled with unforgettable memories. 

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