The 5 Best Family Vacation Ideas In Texas

Texas is one of the most popular states in the U.S. for making family memories, routinely ranking among the nation’s top 10 destinations for family vacations. The Lone Star State’s unique variety of experiences, from coastal beach towns to major metropolitan cities, offers attractions that appeal to the outdoorsy, cityscape lovers, foodies and shore seekers. Additionally, Texas boasts the country’s second-highest number of amusement parks, offers a range of experiences from affordable to ultra-luxury and the weather is generally favorable year-round.

What also makes Texas unique is its south-central location, which acts as a launching point for numerous Royal Caribbean sailings via Galveston, an island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Whether you want to extend your trip before or after a cruise, or are simply looking for big fun for the whole family, these popular family vacation ideas in Texas are sure to create memories everyone will treasure forever.

1. Discover Galveston's Best Coastal Attractions With A Pre- Or Post-Cruise Stay

Anchoring your vacation plans around a Royal Caribbean cruise departing from Galveston can help make the most of your vacation by exploring in and around the cruise port city. Pre-cruise itineraries are a great way to get family bonding off to an early start, while post-cruise stays allow a few more days of quality time before returning to routines. Fortunately, Galveston has several family-friendly activities worth extending your trip, including:

○ Moody Gardens, a world-class attraction theme park offering family-friendly fun, education and adventure through its aquarium, living rainforest, Discovery Museum, 3D/4D theaters, a hotel and a golf course.

○ Galveston’s museums, including the Bryan Museum, Galveston Naval Museum, Galveston Historic Seaport, Galveston Arts Center and Galveston Railroad Museum.

○ Outdoor fun, such as Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark, a 26-acre waterpark with more than 30 attractions, or the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, a waterfront entertainment destination with amusement rides, games, dining, shopping and a 5D theater.

2. Enjoy Sunny Days At Texas’s Best Family-Friendly Beaches

Contrary to popular belief, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama aren’t the only destinations with beach towns along America’s Southern coast. Texas is home to several beach towns that make a great landing spot ahead of sailing or as a gentle return to land after the cruise ends.

Some of Texas’s best beaches to hit when cruising with Royal Caribbean in Galveston include:

○ Galveston Island State Park, named one of the top five “Best Gulf Coast Beaches” by the Travel Channel.

○ Jamaica Beach, a quiet coastal community 30 minutes from Galveston with a charming island vibe.

○ Palm Beach at Moody Gardens, Galveston’s only white-sand beach, with tons of watersports activities and live music in the summer.

○ Surfside Beach, a short one-hour drive from the island, offers local charm and fewer tourists than busier beaches along the coast.

3. Take A Road Trip To Houston For Space Adventures, Museums And Mouthwatering Bbq

Adding Houston to the vacation might be unconventional, but if time permits, the sea-meets-city itinerary offers a great showcase of Texas's diverse experiences. Flying into Houston can also help families save on flight costs, depending on their starting point, as two major airports serve both domestic and international travelers. The state’s largest city is sure to have activities for everyone, making the one-hour drive from Galveston a worthwhile addition.

The 50-mile drive up I-45N from Galveston will bring you to the heart of Houston, also known as Bayou City or Space City. It has been home to NASA's Johnson Space Center since the 1960s and welcomes space enthusiasts to its visitor center, where they can enjoy behind-the-scenes tram tours. Visitors can learn about human space exploration and astronaut training facilities, and even step into a replica shuttle.

After working up an appetite exploring galaxies, a Texas family vacation isn’t complete without tasting some BBQ. Houston’s top options for must-try BBQ include Gatlin’s BBQ, Feges BBQ and The Pit Room.

Once everyone's full, make room for dinner by exploring the city’s museum scene. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, features over 5,000 years of culture, while the Children’s Museum of Houston is perfect for curious kids who enjoy immersive experiences.

Pro tip: Families should also consider whether the Houston CityPASS is the best way to save on travel expenses. The Houston CityPASS offers each passholder one-time admission to Space Center Houston and four other attractions of your choice, including the Houston Zoo, the aquarium or several local museums.

4. Get Outdoors At Brazos Bend State Park

For families who thrive in the outdoors, Brazos Bend State Park is one of the best places in Texas for a family vacation. With 37 miles of trails, multiple campsites and activities like fishing, kayaking and birdwatching, Brazos Bend offers plenty of options to keep everyone entertained. The drive inland takes just over an hour for visitors who want to combine their cruise with an outdoor adventure at this popular nature spot.

The 5,000-acre state park features a landscape of swamps, marshes, lakes, coastal tallgrass prairie and lush bottomland hardwood forests. On-site facilities include the Nature Center, where you can view exhibits and see live animals native to the area, and the George Observatory, where stargazing takes place every Saturday using one of the largest telescopes in the United States, regularly open to the public. Brazos Bend also has three picnic areas, perfect for families to make memories over a shared meal. Many visitors’ favorite activity is observing alligators, with 300 American alligators living in the park.

Pro Tip: Brazos Bend State Park offers campsite, screened shelter, or cabin accommodations for overnight stays; however, these options don’t include amenities such as bedding or toiletries. This experience is best suited for a day trip or dedicated campers with their own gear. Several hotel options are also available within a reasonable driving distance.

5. Experience Nostalgia And Theme Park Thrills At Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk is a unique Texas getaway for families situated along the Galveston Bay, offering an easy day trip from Galveston or Houston. Open seven days a week, the waterfront Boardwalk is made for families, with restaurants, retail shops, live entertainment and over 15 amusement rides. The boardwalk also hosts regular programming throughout the year, featuring festive celebrations around holidays such as New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras and the Fourth of July.

There’s also the Boardwalk Beast, a 25-minute, edge-of-your-seat speedboat ride into the Bay. Or, get up close and personal with stingrays and other animal species at the Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit.

Kemah Boardwalk can also be a fun destination for an overnight stay, with the Boardwalk Inn offering on-site accommodations for guests who want to soak in the nostalgia a little longer.

Pro Tip: If you plan to hit several sites during your additional time in and around Galveston, consider getting a Weekend Adventure Pass. The weekend pass is only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but provides unlimited 3-day admission on rides at the Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and Downtown Aquarium. Tickets can be purchased online, and though some restrictions still apply, the savings are worth it.

Tips For Planning A Family Vacation In Texas

Monitor Weather Conditions

Consider Shoulder Season Travel

Pack Warm-Weather Essentials During Summer

Check for Local Events During Your Travel Dates

Book Your Non-Negotiables in Advance

Plan Your Next Family Getaway In Texas And Sail With Royal Caribbean