Spring Break is most often associated with the annual debauchery college students partake in during their week-long break from spring semester studies. However, during this same time frame, thousands of school-age kids are also on vacation. Families of those kids are always looking for a place to go where they don’t have to have direct interaction with the college crowd. Luckily, Texas has several such family-oriented Spring Break outposts.
Moody Gardens
Visitors crossing the causeway to Galveston Island can't miss the pyramids rising on the western side of the island. Those pyramids are part of the magnificent Moody Gardens. With attractions that include several aquariums, an IMAX theater, and even a rainforest, Moody Gardens is a must-see for Galveston visitors.
Natural Bridge Caverns
An underground wonder, Natural Bridge Caverns exposes the family to a subteranan side of the world they probably haven't seen. In addition to a variety of below ground tours, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Located in Glen Rose, the park features models of a 70-foot Apatosaurus and a 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as the Paluxy River, preserved dinosaur tracks and more. Dinosaur Valley State Park offers visitors a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the pleasant spring weather.
Cascade Caverns
Located just outside San Antonio, Cascade Caverns offer visitors a look beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. The cavern, discovered in 1932, stays 68 degrees year around, making it a perfect place to beat the summer heat, plus it features a 100-foot underground waterfall.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
This 1,700-acre wildlife center, located in Glen Rose, is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered and threatened species. Visitors can view more than 1,000 animals from their own car or on guided tours.
Inner Space Caverns
Located just north of Austin, Inner Space Cavern reveals relics from the Ice Age. Bones of Saber-Toothed Tigers, Mammoths and other Ice Age animals have been found in the cavern. The park also has a playground and a mining area to keep the wee ones occupied.
Wonder World Park
Incorporating a natural cave formed by an earthquake along the Balcones Fault Line, Wonder World Park offers cave tours, educational earthquake programs, a wildlife park, train rides and many more activities for the whole family.
Longhorn Caverns State Park
Longhorn Caverns are a Hill Country wonder that has housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, an outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours and educational programs.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
San Antonio's Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers the only "floorless" roller coaster in the southwest, plus over 100 rides, shows, a waterpark and more. Fiesta Texas is Texas' most popular theme park and is just opening for the season when spring break arrives.
Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi
Schlitterbahn is located on the island portion of Corpus Christi. The park features not only a ton of great rides but also a full-service hotel, the Veranda Restaurant, a golf club, and tennis courts, making it as close to an all-inclusive resort as can be found along the Texas Gulf Coast.