The Best Spring Break Destinations for Families in Texas

Texas Offers Plenty of Options for Family Spring Break Activities

By Danno Wise

Updated 03/04/18

Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi
••• Courtesy of Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi

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.

  • 01 of 10

    Moody Gardens

    Moody Gardens
    ••• Courtesy of Moody Gardens

    Visitors crossing the causeway to Galveston Island will surely see the pyramids rising on the western side of the island. Those pyramids are just part of 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.

  • 02 of 10

    Natural Bridge Caverns

    Natural Bridge Caverns
    ••• Courtesy of Natural Bridge Caverns

    An underground wonder, Natural Bridge Caverns shows the family a side of the world they probably haven't seen. In addition to a variety of subterranean tours, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.

  • 03 of 10

    Dinosaur Valley State Park

    Dinosaur Valley State Park
    ••• Courtesy of 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. 

  • 04 of 10

    Cascade Caverns

    Cascade Caverns
    ••• Courtesy of Cascade Caverns

    Located just outside San Antonio, Cascade Caverns offer visitors a look beneath the surface of the Texas Hill Country. The cavern stays 68 degrees year around, making it a perfect place to beat the summer heat, plus it features a 100-foot underground waterfall.

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  • 05 of 10

    Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

    Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
    ••• Courtesy of 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.

  • 06 of 10

    Inner Space Caverns

    Inner Space Caverns
    ••• Courtesy of 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.

  • 07 of 10

    Wonder World Park

    Wonder World Park
    ••• Courtesy of 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.

  • 08 of 10

    Longhorn Caverns State Park

    Longhorn Cavern State Park
    ••• Courtesy of Longhorn Cavern State Park

    Longhorn Caverns are a Hill Country wonder that has housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, and outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours and educational programs.

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  • 09 of 10

    Six Flags Fiesta Texas

    Six Flags Fiesta Texas
    ••• Courtesy of 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. 

  • 10 of 10

    Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi

    Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi
    ••• Courtesy of Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi

    Schlitterbahn, one of Corpus’ newest attractions is located on the island portion of Corpus Christi. The fourth location in the Schlitterbahn Park chain across Texas, Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi is much more than just a water park. Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi 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.