If you want to get away without worrying about airplanes and out-of-state travel advisories, check out this list of everything the city and state have to offer.
Gator Country
Gator Country in Beaumont boasts one of the largest alligator adventure parks and sanctuaries in Texas with more than 450 American alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles. To get there from Houston- drive east on I-10. Click Link above for more info.
Shangrila Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
Shangrila Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is in Orange and offers free entry into its peaceful gardens. The “Here we Grow” interactive children’s garden teaches about planting and growing your own food. A great little getaway to teach your kids about food and sustainability.
Son’s Island
Visit an Island in Texas! Son’s Island in Seguin is 11 miles east of New Braunfels in Lake Placid, the Guadalupe River. At Son’s Island, you can rent lakeside Cabanas with private docks by the day, evening or stay overnight in one of our glamping (glamour camping) setups! You can also kayak, paddleboard, play beach volleyball, swim, slide and more!
Brazos Bend State Park
Don’t forget about Brazos Bend State Park in Needville. If you plan your day trip just right on a Saturday… You can also check out the stars at the George Observatory inside the park open every Saturday until 10 p.m. The park and observatory are closed now because of flooding, but Texas Parks and Wildlife does expect them to reopen on June 5.
BeeWeaver Honey Farm
Head to Navasota to the Beeweaver Honey Farm for a lesson in the life of honey bees. Just call ahead to make sure there is a public tour available before you make the drive.
Blue Bell Creamery
If you’ve never taken your kids to Brenham, make a day of it with a tour of the Blue Bell Creamery. Afterward, take the whole gang to Horseshoe Junction. The theme park has bumper boats, laser tag, go-karts and a lot more.
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Did you know the city of Houston has a park where you can camp overnight? Lake Houston Wilderness Park is in New Caney just 30 miles from downtown. You can swim, rent a cabin or pitch a tent.
Sea Center Texas
Take your kids to Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson. It’s a marine aquarium, fish hatchery and education center on 75 acres operated in part by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Admission is free, and your kids can drop a line in the youth fishing pond.
The Showboat Drive-In
The Showboat Drive-in is one of the last remaining drive-in movie theaters is in Hockley. Enjoy first-run movies every Friday and Saturday night. Adults are $8. Kids 3 to 12-years-old are $6. Good ole summer fun!
Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures
Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures at Grand Texas Theme Park is the newest water park and adventure park with animals, zip lines and one of the biggest lazy rivers in the Houston area just north of town in New Caney. Sounds like a blast for the whole family