Great Day Trips to Take from Alvin with the Kids
When you want to get out and about for a day, these day-trip destinations are ripe for exploring, especially when you have kids.
Galveston
Galveston offers year-round family fun that’s ideal for any season and age. Enjoy sandy beaches, amusement parks or museums all on this barrier island destination.
Wander along the historic Seawall, originally built to protect against hurricanes but now used for recreation purposes such as strolling and bicycling. Be sure to look out for all the amazing art statues and murals along the way!
History enthusiasts will appreciate a self-guided tour of the island’s African American heritage that features the Osterman Building Juneteenth marker where the official announcement was made of slavery’s end nationwide. You’ll also find plenty of options available including naval aviation railroad and oil rig history museums.
If you’re seeking some thrills and chills in Galveston, be sure to visit Schlitterbahn, the area’s premier waterpark. With three speed slides, four tube slides, a surfing wave river, children’s activity pool and much more on offer here – this amusement park makes for perfect family fun in Galveston!
Lake Jackson
Sometimes families need an escape for a day trip. Luckily, the Houston metropolitan area offers amazing day trip destinations from beaches to theme parks.
Families can explore marine life at Sea Center Texas near Lake Jackson. This aquarium boasts massive pools filled with seals, penguins and other creatures such as sharks. Other fun activities include McLean Park with lighted basketball courts, and sand volleyball court playgrounds for children. Grapevine is widely known as Texas’ Christmas capital – visit during December when millions of lights illuminate its downtown district!
Washington-on-the-Brazos
Travel back in time with Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Park, as well as to experience life on Texas’ frontier with Western-clad guides and watch cowboys rope cattle! Additionally, Richmond hosts an annual Western Heritage Festival and the 20,000-acre George Ranch allows guests to experience life on Texas’ frontier through Western-clad guides while watching them rope cattle!
Tacogdoches
Nacogdoches is Texas’ oldest city. Explore its historic brick streets while browsing boutiques for home decor items, apparel, antiques and collectibles.
Families looking for outdoor adventure will also love the immense wilderness that encases this region, such as Sam Houston National Forest or hiking the 128-mile long Lone Star Hiking Trail. Discover nature at Bannister Wildlife Management Area with its diverse birds, waterfowl, and forest animals; fishing spots can be found throughout its 20,000 acres – not forgetting plenty of bays where people love to fish
Waco
Waco Texas may conjure images of Baylor University and a certain home renovation TV show couple; however, the city also offers an abundance of cultural offerings, incredible shopping experiences, and mouthwatering cuisine options.
Visit the Dr. Pepper Museum for an educational and entertaining experience that celebrates Texas’ beloved soft drink! Explore its rich history while sampling some of its 23 flavors, such as Berries & Cream.
The Mayborn Museum Complex at Baylor University provides an educational natural history experience perfect for families. Kids will love walking through its interactive exhibits such as walk-in dioramas, geology/paleontology exploration stations and 17 themed kids’ discovery rooms!
Visiting Magnolia Market is unavoidable, but be sure to allow ample time for other activities in Waco. From craft beers brewed locally in the Biergarten to Krause’s Cafe’s small restaurant room when traveling with children, and 2 Tarts Bakery for sweets and desserts; Waco offers something for every visitor’s itinerary!