Looking for spring break fun? There’s plenty to do across the state that’s affordable and entertaining for the whole family.

Discover the Unique Charm of Waco

The central Texas town of Waco serves up one-of a-kind landmarks, outdoor pursuits and family friendly fun for all ages.\

The Magnolia Market at the Silos is a destination all its own. Play lawn games or have a picnic in the shady grass, grab sweet treats at the Silos Baking Co., and explore the other shops that make up this vibrant family-friendly hub.

 Surf, swim, snack. The Surf Waco resort, complete with hotel and RV accommodations alike, offers a variety of water sports for all ages. Take your first surfing lesson, hone your wakeboarding tricks, or lounge in the world’s longest lazy river. Learn about the prehistoric wonders that called this region home thousands of years ago at the Waco Mammoth National Monument. Walk along the scenic trailway for a step back in time and take a closer look at fossils inside the dig shelter. Crack open a cool, crisp Dr. Pepper while you explore the Dr. Pepper Museum original home to the oldest manufacturer of soft drinks in the country.

Other Waco favorites include the Texas Sports Hall of Fame: From Nolan Ryan to Tom Landry, relive the greatest of Texas at this sports-lover’s dream destination. And don’t miss the Cameron Park Zoo, a natural-habitat zoo with free-form surroundings. This zoo invites visitors to walk on the wild side with tortoises from the Galapagos Islands, roaring lions, towering giraffes, and Komodo dragons.

Guadalupe River State Park, Spring Branch

Spring in Texas is an open invitation to experience the wild and wonderful Great Outdoors. An hour north of San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park allows visitors to get away from it all, without being too far away. With four miles of river frontage, the Guadalupe River is the star of this 1,900-acre park surrounded by bald cypress trees, limestone cliffs, with tubing, swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating opportunities galore.

Take the kiddos on a 2.86-mile hike on the Painted Bunting Trail and look for wildlife like gray foxes or armadillos. Pack a picnic and head to the River Overlook, a 0.3-mile hike with lovely waterfront views. Dive into the flora and fauna of the park inside the Discovery Center where your junior rangers can learn about the natural world with hands-on exhibits, identify animal tracks, and see what miniature secrets are revealed under a microscope. For road-trippers, camp or “glamp” at designated park sites overnight!

Other Must-Visit State Parks

Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose

Walk in the tracks of the dinosaurs and transport to prehistoric Texas. Download a Mapping Dinosaur Tracks guide and try and spot the mammoth markings, or search for dinosaur tracks as you walk along the Paluxy River.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon

This state park is home to the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” the second largest canyon in the country and a mesmerizing sight to see. Bring binoculars and take the family on a bird watching hike in search of kestrel, Mississippi kites, wild turkeys, and painted buntings. You might even spot an endangered Texas Horned Lizard. 

Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua

Known as the “other side of nowhere,” Big Bend Ranch is the biggest state park in Texas. Don’t miss: Stargazing! The state park is an International Dark Sky Park with starry sky wonders sure to leave you transfixed.

The Best of Corpus Christi’s Beaches

City meets the sea in Corpus Christi, the Gulf Coast Capital. From arts and culture to must-see attractions like a WWII-era warship and vibrant botanical gardens, Corpus Christi just might check every box for an unforgettable spring break for the entire family. The stars of this coastal gem are the beautiful beaches. While each beach holds a magic all its own, Mustang Island State Park, Padre Island National Seashore, and North Beach are musts for families.

North Beach

Relaxed vibes meet easy access to amenities at North Beach, named one of the top five urban beaches in the country. A short drive from Harbor Bridge, this beach, also known as Corpus Christi Beach, has a mile of sand, a concrete beach walk for cruising around town, and playgrounds. After you hit the beach, head to Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum

Mustang Island State Park

An 18-mile-long barrier island off the Texas coast, Mustang Island State Park is a nature lover’s paradise with primitive campsites and ample opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, sea turtle spotting, and exploring the surroundings. Paddle the shoreline along the Mustang Island Paddling Trail’s three different trail options for an unforgettable way to experience the coast.

Padre Island National Seashore

Not to be confused with South Padre Island, Padre Island National Seashore consists of more than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and beaches. It’s an untouched slice of paradise adjacent to a major metropolitan area. You’ll feel like you are miles and miles away from it all. Search the open waters and surrounded beach along the Grasslands Nature Trail. Join a Ranger-led program from the Padre Island Visitors Center, and search for seashells at the aptly named Little Shell and Big Shell beaches. Discover more about what happens during the sea turtle release after hatching on the shores in summer.

Galveston Island

Famous for its 32-miles of beach, Galveston Island is a top choice for folks looking to enjoy some quality fun in the sun. Get out on the water for surf lesson or a fishing adventure, view birds and sea life, look for souvenirs at the beachside boutiques, or wander the famous Downtown Historic District. Moody Gardens offers visitors plenty to explore and experience under three pyramid structures: an aquarium, a rainforest filled with exotic plants and animals, and a discovery museum with 4D Special FX Theater, plus a spa and golf course. At Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, stroll the historic boardwalk, ride the roller coaster, or try your luck at carnival games before catching the incredible sunset.

Saddle Up at These Bandera Dude Ranches

It wouldn’t be a Texas trip without a little Western fun thrown into the mix. The Lone Star State’s many dude ranches invite you to sit back and relax amid wide-open spaces as you settle in to the way things used to be. Flying L Ranch Resort is a one-stop dude ranch-style resort experience nestled in the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” With horseback riding, a lazy river, access to scenic trails, and even an 18-hole golf course, this all-in-one spot will delight any aged traveler. For an Old West meets modern outdoor adventurer, nearby West 1077 Guest Ranch is adjacent to the Hill Country Natural Area State Park, perfect for hiking and exploring. And it might not get more authentic than Dixie Dude Ranch horseback riding, family-style suppers, and cozy accommodations welcome guests to this working ranch.

More Texas Inspiration