DAY TRIPS
Austin
Approximately two hours from Bryan/College Station by car. For more information about activities in Austin, visit the Austin Visitor Center website.
Tour the Capitol
Consider visiting the capital of Texas, Austin!
1100 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 463-0063
Zilker Botanical Gardens
Zilker offers “Dino Days,” a hands-on self-guided scavenger hunt through the Prehistoric Garden. Admission is free for children ages 2 and under. For children 3 and up non-Austin residents pay $4 and non-Austin residents' adults 18 and up pay $8.
2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
(512) 477-8672
Austin Nature and Science Center
Nature’s Way Preschool program is offered to children to provide hands on nature and science-focused activities. ANSC also offers spring break and summer camps for teens and under.
2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
(512) 974-3888
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Wildflower Center offers youth classes and programs that focus on nature and the outdoors. Some upcoming programs include parent and toddler yoga, summer camps and nature-themed story times.
4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
(512) 232-0100
The Thinkery
“Baby Bloomers” is a special program during which the museum is exclusively open for children ages 3 and below. The Thinkery also provides themed camps for children in preschool to 5th grade.
1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
(512) 469-6200
Austin Aquarium
The Austin Aquarium offers day camps, early access to the aquarium, and one-on-one experiences with animals.
13530 US-183 #101, Austin, TX 78750
(512) 222-5586
Lady Bird Lake
Enjoy this 416-acre lake by taking paddling lessons, renting kayaks and canoes or swimming!
1820 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
(512) 974-6700
Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is a great area to camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, bird watch and ride horses. There is also a river to swim and tube in.
2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636
(830) 868-7304
Houston
Approximately one and a half hours from Bryan/College Station by car. For more information about activities in Houston, visit the Houston Visitor Center website.
The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo offers early childhood programs for children 18 months to five years, family nature experiences and Camp Zoofari, a wildlife camp for children ages 6-14.
6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 533-6500
The Children’s Museum of Houston
Explore engaging exhibits, hands-on workshops, educator-led science demos and more for your little ones.
1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 522-1138
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Enjoy visiting the Cockrell Butterfly Center, a living and immersive butterfly habitat! Children can also enjoy special exhibits, science summer camps, educational workshops and more.
5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
Houston Space Center
Visiting the Houston Space Center is a trip for the whole family with a NASA Tram Tour exploring the astronaut training facility, the George W.S. Abbey Rocket park, and the Apollo Mission Control.
1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
(281) 244-2100
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
This free nature center offers multiple children and family programs like hiking clubs, home-school programs and camps.
4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
(713) 681-8433
Houston Funplex
This indoor amusement park hosts multiple rides, arcade games, go-karts and more.
13700 Beechnut St, Houston, TX 77083
(281) 530-7777
Houston Aquarium
Along with visiting this aquarium that is home to of over 300 species of aquatic life, families can enjoy a stingray reef exhibit and amusement rides.
410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-3474
The Health Museum
The Health Museum educates through interactive exhibits about the health of the body, mind and environment. The museum also offers camps and programs for kids and a Global Teen Medical Summit for students in high school.
1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
(713) 521-1515
Todd Mission
Approximately one hour from Bryan/College Station by car. For more information about activities in Todd Mission, visit the City of Todd Mission website.
Texas Renaissance Festival *Only open weekends October-December
Enjoy this Renaissance themed festival including dozens of performers, rides, shops and food vendors.
21778 FM 1774 Todd Mission, Texas 77363
(800) 458-3436
Waco
Approximately one and a half hours from Bryan/College Station by car. For more information about activities in Waco, visit the City of Waco website.
Cameron Park Zoo
This zoo includes more than 1,700 animals with exhibits for everyone to enjoy. Children can also enjoy onsite programs, overnight stays and zoo camp, a summer camp for kindergarteners to sixth grade.
1701 N 4th St, Waco, TX 76707
(254) 750-8400
Dr. Pepper Museum
With numerous experiences like making and tasting your own soda, a paranormal tour of the museum and lab demonstrations for visitors, enjoy your free drink with admission here.
300 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-1025
Mayborn Museum Complex
This Baylor University museum has natural and cultural exhibits, a historic village structure relocated from Liberty, Texas in 1986, a discovery center for children and families and various special exhibits.
1300 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76706
(254) 710-1110
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the Ice Age and animals of that time, fossils and paleontological sites in North America.
6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708
(254) 750-7946
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Shop, eat and attend events at the Silos through the whole year! Spend the day here with an outdoor stage, food trucks and various shops.
601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706
(254) 235-0603
Waco Surf
This cable park and surf resort offers surfing lessons, a beach club, water slides and a lazy river to cool off on a hot day.
5347 Old Mexia Rd, Waco, TX 76705
(254) 447-1194
WEEKEND TRIPS
Corpus Christi
Approximately four hours from Bryan/College Station by car. For more information about activities in Corpus Christi, visit Corpus Christi Visitor website.
Original Whataburger Replica
Take a trip back in time to 1950 and visit a replica of the first Whataburger restaurant. While the replica is not functioning, there is a Whataburger located nearby.
4126 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
North Bayfront Park
This park features a shallow pool and outdoor area located next to the beach.
1590 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 826-7529
Texas Sealife Center
This non-profit center works to rehabilitate coastal and aquatic wildlife. Visit to take a tour and participate in activities for kids.
14220 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
(361) 589-4023
Hurricane Alley Waterpark
Hurricane Alley features a lazy river, thrill rides and exciting attractions.
702 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 883-9283
Texas Surf Museum
Learn about the history of Texas surf culture at the only surf museum in Texas.
309 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 882-2364
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
Expand your understanding of nature by attending animal encounters, visiting the butterfly garden or taking a walk down a nature trail. Kids can also attend summer camps and special monthly events.
8545 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 7841
(361) 852-2100
Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo offers adventure camps and programs as well as a behind-the-scenes safari for the whole family to enjoy.
650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
(469) 554-7501
Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
This aquarium provides interactive exhibits, special events and family activities.
650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
(469) 554-7501
KidZania
This indoor, pretend city encourages children to take on various roles and responsibilities throughout the city. Children can choose from multiple professions in this educational and fun experience.
2601 Preston Rd Frisco, TX 75034
(214) 618-0248
Dallas Museum of Art
Located in downtown Dallas, this museum offers family and teen programs and workshops. The DMA also hosts art classes for children ages 0 to 12 years old.
1717 North Harwood Street Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-1200
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
This garden hosts daily programs for children and special weekend activities like puppet shows, animal experiences and more.
8525 Garland Road Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 515-6615
State Fair of Texas
This annual fair takes place from September to October and is a fun excursion for everyone with specialty foods, rides and music.
3921 Martin Luther King Blvd. Dallas, TX 75210
(214) 565-9931
Klyde Warren Park
Located directly in the middle of downtown Dallas, this park includes the Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park, dance classes and various activities for children to get outside and play.
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 716-4500
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
This museum is filled with special and permanent exhibits like the children's museum, a sports hall, scientific films and education-based programs.
2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 428-5555
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Visit the only museum in the world to commemorates women who have helped build the West to what we now know it to be. Learn about the past and present history of women of the West.
1720 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 336-4475
Fort Worth Stockyards
Attend Fort Worth Herd every day at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the world’s only twice daily longhorn cattle drive. Take your family to a rodeo, country concert or a specialty restaurant in this historic district.
131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
(800) 433-5747
Burger’s Lake
This 30-acre park features a spring water lake, two beaches, water slides and more.
1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114
(817) 737-3414
Kimball Art Museum
The “Learning to Look” program is a free biannual publication that helps young children understand art pieces within the museum. They also offer interactive family guides so children can connect to the art.
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 332-8451
Galveston
Approximately two and a half hours from Bryan/College Station by car. For more information about activities in Galveston, visit the Galveston Visitor website.
San Antonio
Approximately three and a half hours from Bryan/College Station by car. For more information about activities in San Antonio, visit the San Antonio Visitor Center website.
The Alamo
This historical landmark is a sure destination for first time visitors. Learn about the history of The Alamo on a tour, attend a musket firing demonstration and more.
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 225-1391
The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
This museum offers an exotic animal collection saloon and café and gift shop area. Admission also gets you access to The Texas Ranger Museum commemorates history artifacts and Ranger history.
318 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 247-4000
The Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and Davy Crockett’s Tall Tales Ride
Located across from the Alamo, visit these attractions for a fun time like the state-of-the art Guinness World Records Museum, a special-effects haunted house and ride narrated by Davy Crockett himself!
329 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-2828
San Antonio Missions National Historical park
This historic park offers ranger-led guided walks every day for free. They also offer ranger-led talks about the missions and monthly tours of Rancho de las Cabras, a protected prairie in Floresville, Texas.
6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214
(210) 534-8875
The San Antonio River Walk
This Texas famous river walk offers guided boat tours, shops, restaurants and activities for the whole family.
849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 227-4262
The DoSeum
The DoSeum is a kids museum located next to the river walk that offers programs and camps for children
2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 212-4453
SeaWorld
In addition to their famous interactive animal experiences, SeaWorld offers rides and attractions, a play area for kids, and educational programs and camps.
10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 520-4732