Fun Under the Texas Sun!
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When we talk of summers in Texas, we are looking at a good four months of sizzling heat at least. That’s a LOT of time to be complaining about how hot it is. It is also a lot of time to discover and explore the many wonders the Lone Star State offers.
With outdoor activities finally starting to feel normal again, TexasRealFood brings the best summer family pursuits for you and your family to indulge in!
So, pack em’ healthy snacks, and get ready to hit the road to make the most of summer in Texas!
San Antonio
If you think San Antonio is just the Alamo, think again. Get ready to expand your itinerary. San Antonio is Texas’ most visited city, with so much to experience!
The famed San Antonio Riverwalk (The 15-mile stretch is home to sights, food, shops, and a boat ride along the river.), a visit to the Alamo (even if you and your family aren’t history buffs, it’s a must-visit), world-class museums like the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Witte Museum (where your kids can explore dinos!), Japanese Gardens and the San Antonio Zoo. Another hot spot, of course, is the new LEGOLAND Discovery Center (perfect for ages 3–10). Turning towards nature, just north of San Antonio is Canyon Lake, a beautiful and scenic lake that features eight parks with camping, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and more! Get the best tacos in San Antonio, here!
Want to check out the best BBQ in San Antonio while on vacation? Click here.
Houston Museum District
The Children’s Museum of Houston is not to be missed if you have kids! It’s named the #2 Children’s Museum in the nation, and rightly so! Do plan to spend an entire day in the Museum District, which also features the Houston Zoo and the Health Museum.
While in Houston, also tour the Kemah Broadwalk, where you can take a ride on the Ferris Wheel and more adventurous rides such as the Boardwalk Bullet and Tower, as well as a rainforest exhibit and stingray reef. With several trails, Buffalo Bayou Park is a great spot to breathe in the cool air and get in some healthful exercise. Spread across 124 acres, catch lovely views of the skyline from here, in addition to enjoying the play area, displayed artwork, and the live performances that take place. Pets are welcome, too!
South Padre Island
The spacious beaches, emerald waters, and the eggshell blue sky of South Padre is a beacon for migrating birds. The island of South Padre welcomes you to witness spectacular sunrises over the Gulf of Mexico and equally breathtaking sunsets of the Laguna Madre Bay.
Ride horses along the beach, rent jet skis, or head on to dolphin tours at Port Isabel! Sea Turtle Inc. at South Padre is the first place in the world to rehab injured sea turtles. Many of them get entangled in fishing lines and lose a flipper. Another must-see area is the SPI Birding and Nature Center. To witness migrating birds that take a break at the Rio Grande Valley on their way is mesmerizing. Meander along the 3,300+ feet of boardwalk, read the informative boards, and try to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
New Braunfels
Extending over seventy acres and overlooking a river, Schlitterbahn is one of the best waterparks you can experience! Take a ride on the electrifying Uphill Water Coaster, enjoy the world’s longest waterpark ride, and explore the children’s water playgrounds. New Braunfels is also home to some authentic German bakeries, like Uwe’s Bakery and deli.
Stroll over one of the last wrought iron bridges built in Texas, the Faust Bridge, a massive 600 feet in length, spanning across the Guadalupe River. Nothing would be more natural than to visit breweries in a town founded by Germans. New Braunfels has some of the best beer manufacturers around. Check them in our very own TexasRealFood directory here! Another favorite is the New Braunfels Railroad Museum. It offers both model trains in the exhibit and includes a full-sized caboose, engine, and railcar to tour. If you are looking for local stores in New Braunfels, here are our top picks!
Fort Worth
Head to the Fort Worth Zoo, which houses over 500 species of animals is one of the best reptile collections in the world. Texas’ oldest Fort Worth botanic garden-the oldest one in Texas is also one of the most kid-friendly venues!
You can feed the koi in the Japanese Garden or stroll amid the gorgeous roses in the Rose Garden. The Museum of Science and History at For Worth is abounding in interactive, hands-on exhibits and engaging programs designed to educate. The Dino Lab and the Dino Dig are sure to be a hit with little dino lovers, a.k.a kids! Spend a day on horseback along the Trinity River, or take a carriage ride through the Stockyards after dark. You’ll find plenty of fun attractions such as the Cowtown Maze, daily longhorn cattle drive, Stockyards Rodeo, and more! There’s also a historical ghost tour or catch a new release at the Coyote Drive Inn, just down the street! For fresh salads, visit these restaurants in Fort Worth!
Bastrop
Texas’ Lost Pines Region- Bastrop is known for its pine forests. Rent a kayak from Bastrop River Company, head over to Bastrop State Park to hike, or even stay in one of their historic chalets.
Explore the growing forest on foot, look for new generations of pines and witness the resilience of our beautiful nature. You will find some of the best wineries of Texas at Bastrop. Check them out here in the TexasRealFood directory. Finally, catch a local show at The Bastrop Opera House. Their vast performances include theatre, musicals, plays, tributes and are the perfect experience for families.
Galveston
The island city of Galveston offers so much, even if you aren’t at the beach! Fantastic shopping and dining along the historic Strand, tons of history, unique attractions like Moody Gardens, the Pleasure Pier, and entertaining outdoor activities such as bike riding, kayaking in the bay, deep-sea fishing, and so much more!
If you are looking to be out in nature, head west to Galveston Island State Park. Here, you can go walking along the boardwalks, kayaking through the bayou, and bird-watching on either the bay or ocean side. The Stewart Beach The historic Hotel Galvez on the Galveston Seawall is always a winner!
The Davis Mountains Range
The Davis Mountains are a wonderful place to beat the heat of the major cities. With cooler-than-expected summer temperatures, you can enjoy the great outdoors during June, July, and August in Texas!
Hike, camp, learn about native plant and animal life, and visit the McDonald Observatory for a stargazing experience of a lifetime!
While You are Off Exploring Texas, Here are Some More Noteworthy Spots You Must Cover!
North Texas and North Central Texas have many glorious fields, and the fields of Hillsboro are known for the picturesque views that you can experience right off the highway!
Longhorn Cavern, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Caves At Colorado Bend State Park-If you’re looking to cool down during the heat of summer in Texas consider heading into some natural air-conditioning in any of these beautiful caves!
Sleep under the stars and experience West Texas living in style at EL COSMICO, an airstream-trailer-tepee lodging area situated near Marfa’s edge.
For a gaze at the glorious wonders of the sky, visit the Mcdonald Observatory, about 30 minutes north of Fort Davis. Check out the site’s five larger-than-life telescopes and watch real-time images of the sun on a guided tour.
We already know where we are headed for a fun family time in Texas; which places are your favorite?
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