As an adult, spring break just is not the same. We get a sample of the anticipation through the eyes of our school-aged kids, but work doesn’t stop nor do they. I always find it helpful to keep them busy and get out the house whenever possible! I have compiled a list of things to do if you are in Texas or close enough to travel here. If you could careless about spring break, still take a look at these cool places for a future trip. Some of these ideas are ones I have blogged about, so will re-link the posts so you can get full details.
Visit a Medieval style castle in Bellville
This guy, Sir Newman, built a castle to retire in by his bare hands, and decided to open the doors of his super cool home! You have to make a reservation, so call ahead now if you think it is something you’re interested in. On the way to the castle, you will stop at the bakery to get a wrist band. We totally missed this step, so definitely do not make the same mistake we made. You have to arrive by a specific time, and the owner will make his entrance. I will spare you the details, because I think us going in with no expectations is what made it all the more fun. This is a great day date or family date. Before you leave, what’s included with your admission, is a TON of items from the bakery and sandwiches. Yummy!!!!
2. Stay in a Tipi along the Guadalupe River
This is glamping at it’s finest! These are not directly on the river but they are close by. The boys, my husband, and even me really enjoyed staying in these! This would be even more fun with a group of people staying in the tipi village. Check out my blog post here for more details.
3. Checkout Krause Springs!
This place is like straight out of a storybook and it is in Austin. This swimming hole is family owned and operated. There are a few waterfalls, hiking trails, massive gorgeous trees, a butterfly garden, and a swimming pool plus the main feature, the natural swimming hole. There is a shallow area that is perfect for the littles. Checkout my blog post here for more details!
4. Get Tropical at Son’s Island
Son’s Island is close to San Antonio, about 25 minutes, and 2-2.5 hours from houston. They closed it, and then re-opened it, so yay! It is an actual little island, surrounded by pretty blue/green water. The island has several cabanas that you can rent by the day, each include water access point, a grill, power, a fan, and a hammock. They are on sale for spring break, so we took advantage and are going! Checkout more details here.
5. Visit Shangri-La Botanical Garden
This was one of the most beautiful botanical gardens and nature center I have ever seen! And I have been to several. It is about 2 hours from houston and very close to the Texas/Louisiana border. You can spend the day getting lost in this garden. There is even a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat. The swamps are massive and contain all kinds of creatures, the kiddos love it.
6. Hike to see real Dinosaur Tracks & Visit Dino World
Glen Rose is about an 1-1.5 hour from Fort Worth. It is an area where dinosaurs once roamed and they left behind the tracks to prove it! There are 2 sets that are somewhat accessible within Dinosaur Valley State Park. We only saw one as you need water boots/shoes to get to the other tracks (I think there are 3 total). The park ranger gives you fairly clear guidance to get to them. A few minutes from the park is Dinosaur World. It was super cool! They have life size robotic dinosaur nestled among the trees and facts about each of them. We all loved it. More details from our experience here.
7. Go see the 77 ft waterfall at Turner Falls
This picture of Turner Falls does not do this place justice! The water is a perfect emerald green color. When the weather permits, the pool below the waterfall is packed! You can stay within the area via a cabin. There are several shallow parts that makes for fun for even the youngest swimmers. There are hiking trails, including one that takes you above the waterfall. There are also several caves. More details here. It is about 1.5 hours north of Dallas.
8. See real life mammoth bones!
Turns out there are several different types of mammoths! There were several uncovered in waco, and they are still there for you to view, real bones! Seriously was so cool to be so close to history. The only way to visit is via tour, but they make it fun and interactive.
9. Disc-surf on sand dunes
The photo above is actually from White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, but Texas has a mini, more brown sand version called Monahans Sandhills State Park. This is one of the further places on the list, but sand dunes are worth it! It is truly a sight to see, plus sliding down on the discs are exhilarating! While you are out that way, check out Big Bend or Palo Duro Canyon (both far from each other though).
10. Visit a Tulip Farm or get lost in the bluebonnets
Texas Tulips has 2 farms, one outside San Antonio, and another outside of Dallas. The SA one will be up through March and Dallas, hopefully, through December. The kids can run around a little, they enjoy pulling up the flowers, but the best thing is the photos, at least for mom. Bluebonnets pop up around spring as well, and are gorgeous! Enjoy a picnic and the view. This is free fun! Just beware of snakes.
In addition to this list, you can never go wrong with parks, museums, the zoo, and indoor playgrounds. If you happen to be in Houston, during spring break, the Houston Lifestyle Show and Rodeo is a must do!!! There is also a Hill Country Elephant Preserve near Fredericksburg that looks incredible! It is pricey, but you really get to interact with them. It is on my list to visit.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. XoXo