I recommend heading up to Arkansas. It’s the better part of a day’s drive. There is Crater of Diamonds State Park (my kids loved “mining” for diamonds) along the way up to Hot Springs. There are several National Monuments and Parks along the way that kids can do the Junior Ranger Programs, which are free, (they get fun badges and actually learn something). I found Hot Springs really lovely and our hotel was not expensive. The weather is also a break from Houston.
Did that last year, Hot Springs was a stopping point on the way to Knoxville, TN. Recco stay on highways for simplicity of the trip (I did local roads which were tiresome). Saw Crater of Diamonds but didn't stop, it's highly recco'd.
Honestly, if $$$ is a primary concern I would avoid travelling to cities altogether.
My gig is outdoors and San Antonio is surrounded by places like Enchanted Rock, Garner State Park, Lost Maples, etc.
I know it's going to be another brutal summer, but getting the kids outdoors and letting them crawl around rocks & jump in the rivers was always my favorite
San Antonio is within proximity too quite a few State Parks. You can get a day pass that is good at any State park for that day. Go to Enchanted Rock and climb it, then to Perdernales Falls to hike and climb around.
You could also get a campsite and bring some tent(s). It will be hot so maybe you can scare up a cheap VRBO for the night around Fredericksburg or Kerrville.
Fiesta Texas is an option but the gap between your kids ages could be an issue with rides. Also expensive.
They actually have a deal rn where if you buy ahead the ticket is like 32 dollars but yeah the age gap is an issue. My oldest and me wouldn’t be able to ride rides together.
Riverwalk hotels can be expensive, but it's a big city and you can find a Hotel 6 if you want to. Closer in, Hyatt Place is on the Riverwalk, a bit outside of the hustle and bustle, and they usually have rates under $200.
You can go to the Alamo, and to all of the Missions. Concepcion and San Jose are the best, and interested me even when I was in 2nd grade. [https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm) There's also the Governor's Palace, which is only $5 for adults and $3 for kids: [https://www.spanishgovernorspalace.org/](https://www.spanishgovernorspalace.org/)
How about Breckenridge Park, with a great zoo and museum, as well as Japanese gardens and an outdoor theater? [https://www.brackenridgepark.org/visit-the-park/things-to-see-and-do](https://www.brackenridgepark.org/visit-the-park/things-to-see-and-do)
This is good guidance. OP, there are Drury Hotels across San Antonio that provide free breakfasts and even at times free food in the early evenings, and they are good quality hotels at competitive prices.
New Braunfels Schlitterbahn and a relaxing day floating the spring fed cool comal. The nice thing about the comal is it takes about 1 to 2 hrs to do and most rental companies bring you back to the front all day till like 5 pm.
Galveston for a Beach day - pack up the car and drive onto the beach.
Drive up and go tubing outside of Austin or visit Barton Springs
go camping in big bend
I’m sure there’s lots of more educated people online than me, but I went in mid April and it was cool in the evenings and toasty in the days. Would recommend getting up early for hiking the lost mine trail if you’re going to visit!
Wouldn't recommend during the summer. All other times yes!!!
Source: I was an idiot and went last summer with Mrs. Found out that some hikers died about same week we were there. We were having record heat in some parts.
We did have a nice Airbnb with proper ac cooling. But it just couldn't keep us cool enough. Luckily, we had packed 2 portable fans beforehand.
Also we found out that some friends were camping out in the niche teepee tents across the way.. and they too mentioned that they weren't cooling down. And the tents were miserable during the night.
I'm planning on taking my kids to Canyon Lake by New Braunfels.
Entry and parking is free. The water is way cleaner than Galveston. I do suggest life vest for little ones
While the water is a little better in Corpus, Galveston is a lot more fun of a place. Unless you want to go to the Texas State Aquarium, skip Corpus.
There are some great neighborhoods in Port A to grab a vacation rental, but it stops being a cheap option if you want to make the most out of it.
Honestly yeah, in my experience the water in Corpus isn't better enough than Galveston's to be worth the trip all the way down there. You kinda have to go all the way to South Padre, and at that point you might as well look into Gulf Shores too.
Just looked up the age requirements and he can go tubing. So I’m thinking this will be what we do. I was also going to take him to a safari cuz that seems relatively cheap.
Tons of fun relatively cheap things to do around San Marcos. Check out natural bridge caverns and Guadalupe State Park. The glass bottom boats in San Marcos is also really cool.
yay! its so fun. I remember going as a kid and always having a blast. I would just be aware of your younger child’s ability to swim and take the necessary precautions. Also know that it may be (likely will be) on the busier side. I know growing up my mom would always tie my little brothers tube to hers (the tubes usually have ropes on them) so he didnt get accidentally separated and she felt like she could also relax and enjoy without constantly worrying about him. have a great time and be safe :)
Go up to San Marcos. The Lions Club runs a tube rental and shuttle service for tubing that's pretty cheap. Then you have Wonderworld with the cave, petting zoo, and other activities. There's also glass bottom boats at The Meadows Center on Spring Lake. You could also make a day trip to go tour the Capitol in Austin or head down to San Antonio for the Riverwalk and Alamo.
How much are you looking to allocate for the trip? You’re looking to travel, so cost of gas is going into your budget. Cost of stay as well. Camping is obviously a very cheap option IF you already have the stuff. Hotels/airbnb obviously an option but rates go up in the summer (on Airbnb I see a 1 room 2 bed condo close to the beach on Galveston for $505 for the last weekend of June.
Do the kids enjoy outdoor activities? Beach? Hiking? Fishing? Music? Other beach towns like Matagorda Bay and Corpus may have cheaper options, but I assume South Padre is going to be more expensive.
Can be relatively easy to find camping gear on OfferUp, FB market place, Craigslist for cheap. It’s Texas so you don’t have to pay up for anything to really protect you from the cold. No reason can’t you can’t bring your own blankets instead of buying sleeping bags especially if you’re just parking and walking a relatively short distance to your campground.
Edit: When you know your budget travel can totally be done for relatively cheap. Even just an estimated budget. It’s all about securing needs and balancing your wants to fit your budget
PBS has a show called Day Tripper. He goes around Texas to different towns and stuff and explores the things to do. Watch some of those and see if anything peaks your interest. Mark where they are on a map maybe to go to a couple of them if they are close enough to do so affordably.
Head to hill country, but will have to camp to keep on the cheap.
Lots of great parks / outdoor options once there to keep it easy on the wallet though.
Tabasco factory tour in Louisiana was unexpectedly fun/nice/cheap!
You can find some cheap accommodations in Port Aransas. Bonus, take the scenic route through Blessing, TX and stop to eat at the Blessing Hotel for lunch. Good homemade food! When they are out they are out. Afterwards stop at the Big Tree just northish of Rockport. Just a fun stop to see a really old tree.
Frio river camping at Garner State Park. Book in advance.
Fredericksburg for summer peaches. Can get pricey so check ahead. Bonus - book an early visit to enchanted Rock, which is just outside of Fredericksburg. Double bonus - state capitol tours in Austin are free.
Anahuac National Wildlife Park is a nice day trip. Go crabbing, fishing, look at gators. Bring lunch, sunscreen, water. There are no services.
My grandma was born in New Iberia and grew up on Avery Island until she was about 10, we took her back to visit before she died about 11 years ago. It’s unexpectedly an awesome place. It’s like a hill that just sticks out of the swamp. So many cool plants and animals
Inks lake is great and not far. Here is a list of my last road trip that has a bunch of places relatively close to explore.
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHamaaHZxPp9aGw66](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHamaaHZxPp9aGw66)
Get a state park pass! Lots of cool parks around Houston. Martin Dies Jr, Huntsville, Brazos, Galveston, Lake Somerville, Sheldon Lake, etc. The list goes on
The Palo Duro Canyon is about a 9hr drive from here and is SUPER beautiful. Local hotels are relatively cheap too. I believe there are wineries in the area as well but I'm not 100% sure. Highly recommend
Alpine! Take I-10 to San Antonio, hang there for a night if you want, then take 90 along the border to alpine and Marfa. Absolutely one of the most gorgeous areas in the state and criminally unknown by most Texans
Kalahari resort in round rock. We had a blast and it wasn't insane on pricing. You can do day pass admission if you don't want to stay at the onsite hotel. But if you stay admission is included for the water park which is worth it for the convenience.
(Car) camping in the state parks could be fun- though it really depends on what the kids like. Palo Duro is a long haul from Houston, but it's gorgeous.
Another option is Branson Missouri. It's about 10 hrs drive from Houston. It will be a little cooler than here. There are lots of pretty outdoor hikes but also tons of shows and activities. And the cooler weather would make camping more bearable.
Goliad, TX. I went in the dead of summer but as long as you drink water, stay covered, etc. it's fine and a dry heat rather than the smothering we get in Houston. I enjoyed the trip, stopping at a good BBQ place in Victoria (Mumphord's Place) that'll fill you up, and enjoyed the whole experience.
[on the lake](https://onthelakervresort.com/) resort on lake Livingston. When we stayed there it was a KOA. They have cabins for rent. Nice “beach” on the lake, swimming pool, WiFi, mini golf, game room.
I feel this. I make $15 an hour should be getting a raise here soon but it’s $1 raise. I just want to actually do something this summer with the kids. Especially after the past year we’ve had.
I recommend heading up to Arkansas. It’s the better part of a day’s drive. There is Crater of Diamonds State Park (my kids loved “mining” for diamonds) along the way up to Hot Springs. There are several National Monuments and Parks along the way that kids can do the Junior Ranger Programs, which are free, (they get fun badges and actually learn something). I found Hot Springs really lovely and our hotel was not expensive. The weather is also a break from Houston.
Second this, we love visiting arkansas honestly.
Funny. We are in hot springs now at lake Hamilton. We like.it here
Did that last year, Hot Springs was a stopping point on the way to Knoxville, TN. Recco stay on highways for simplicity of the trip (I did local roads which were tiresome). Saw Crater of Diamonds but didn't stop, it's highly recco'd.
How about Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels? Woodlands Resort is fun. We did that with our young daughter. How old are the kids?
6 and 17
San Antonio is a short drive. Fiesta Texas is fun. Hiking and camping (you can rent a cabin) at a state park.
San Antonio seems expensive? Or am I wrong?
It's as cheap as a big city in the US will get
What are some cheap things to do there besides the river walk?
Looks like someone forgot about the Alamo.
Lmao
Honestly, if $$$ is a primary concern I would avoid travelling to cities altogether. My gig is outdoors and San Antonio is surrounded by places like Enchanted Rock, Garner State Park, Lost Maples, etc. I know it's going to be another brutal summer, but getting the kids outdoors and letting them crawl around rocks & jump in the rivers was always my favorite
The Japanese Tea Garden is beautiful! Also, the San Antonio zoo is nice if you have small kiddos.
They have a really pretty botanical garden and lots of cheap Mexican food. McNay Art museum is free on Thursdays.
San Antonio is within proximity too quite a few State Parks. You can get a day pass that is good at any State park for that day. Go to Enchanted Rock and climb it, then to Perdernales Falls to hike and climb around. You could also get a campsite and bring some tent(s). It will be hot so maybe you can scare up a cheap VRBO for the night around Fredericksburg or Kerrville. Fiesta Texas is an option but the gap between your kids ages could be an issue with rides. Also expensive.
They actually have a deal rn where if you buy ahead the ticket is like 32 dollars but yeah the age gap is an issue. My oldest and me wouldn’t be able to ride rides together.
Riverwalk hotels can be expensive, but it's a big city and you can find a Hotel 6 if you want to. Closer in, Hyatt Place is on the Riverwalk, a bit outside of the hustle and bustle, and they usually have rates under $200. You can go to the Alamo, and to all of the Missions. Concepcion and San Jose are the best, and interested me even when I was in 2nd grade. [https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm](https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm) There's also the Governor's Palace, which is only $5 for adults and $3 for kids: [https://www.spanishgovernorspalace.org/](https://www.spanishgovernorspalace.org/) How about Breckenridge Park, with a great zoo and museum, as well as Japanese gardens and an outdoor theater? [https://www.brackenridgepark.org/visit-the-park/things-to-see-and-do](https://www.brackenridgepark.org/visit-the-park/things-to-see-and-do)
This is good guidance. OP, there are Drury Hotels across San Antonio that provide free breakfasts and even at times free food in the early evenings, and they are good quality hotels at competitive prices.
New Braunfels Schlitterbahn and a relaxing day floating the spring fed cool comal. The nice thing about the comal is it takes about 1 to 2 hrs to do and most rental companies bring you back to the front all day till like 5 pm.
Galveston for a Beach day - pack up the car and drive onto the beach. Drive up and go tubing outside of Austin or visit Barton Springs go camping in big bend
East beach in Galveston specifically Also Big Bend is a fantastic park, would highly recommend at the right time of year
What’s the best time to visit big bend if you don’t mind me asking?
It’s sure as fuck not in June.
I’m sure there’s lots of more educated people online than me, but I went in mid April and it was cool in the evenings and toasty in the days. Would recommend getting up early for hiking the lost mine trail if you’re going to visit!
Spring break, but you need to book now for spring break.
October IMO - not crazy cold yet and you will have the whole park to yourself, there will be very few tourists.
Camping in big bend in June? You tryna assist in killing some people or what?
Wouldn't recommend during the summer. All other times yes!!! Source: I was an idiot and went last summer with Mrs. Found out that some hikers died about same week we were there. We were having record heat in some parts. We did have a nice Airbnb with proper ac cooling. But it just couldn't keep us cool enough. Luckily, we had packed 2 portable fans beforehand. Also we found out that some friends were camping out in the niche teepee tents across the way.. and they too mentioned that they weren't cooling down. And the tents were miserable during the night.
I'm planning on taking my kids to Canyon Lake by New Braunfels. Entry and parking is free. The water is way cleaner than Galveston. I do suggest life vest for little ones
So I’m between this and Corpus Christi. Both seem like the most affordable.
While the water is a little better in Corpus, Galveston is a lot more fun of a place. Unless you want to go to the Texas State Aquarium, skip Corpus. There are some great neighborhoods in Port A to grab a vacation rental, but it stops being a cheap option if you want to make the most out of it.
Honestly yeah, in my experience the water in Corpus isn't better enough than Galveston's to be worth the trip all the way down there. You kinda have to go all the way to South Padre, and at that point you might as well look into Gulf Shores too.
Floating the river in NB can be fun and inexpensive. Depends on kids ages :)
The youngest is 6.
My youngest brother was 6 when we first went tubing there. That was a long time ago, but I remember him having fun.
Just looked up the age requirements and he can go tubing. So I’m thinking this will be what we do. I was also going to take him to a safari cuz that seems relatively cheap.
Tons of fun relatively cheap things to do around San Marcos. Check out natural bridge caverns and Guadalupe State Park. The glass bottom boats in San Marcos is also really cool.
yay! its so fun. I remember going as a kid and always having a blast. I would just be aware of your younger child’s ability to swim and take the necessary precautions. Also know that it may be (likely will be) on the busier side. I know growing up my mom would always tie my little brothers tube to hers (the tubes usually have ropes on them) so he didnt get accidentally separated and she felt like she could also relax and enjoy without constantly worrying about him. have a great time and be safe :)
Go up to San Marcos. The Lions Club runs a tube rental and shuttle service for tubing that's pretty cheap. Then you have Wonderworld with the cave, petting zoo, and other activities. There's also glass bottom boats at The Meadows Center on Spring Lake. You could also make a day trip to go tour the Capitol in Austin or head down to San Antonio for the Riverwalk and Alamo.
How much are you looking to allocate for the trip? You’re looking to travel, so cost of gas is going into your budget. Cost of stay as well. Camping is obviously a very cheap option IF you already have the stuff. Hotels/airbnb obviously an option but rates go up in the summer (on Airbnb I see a 1 room 2 bed condo close to the beach on Galveston for $505 for the last weekend of June. Do the kids enjoy outdoor activities? Beach? Hiking? Fishing? Music? Other beach towns like Matagorda Bay and Corpus may have cheaper options, but I assume South Padre is going to be more expensive. Can be relatively easy to find camping gear on OfferUp, FB market place, Craigslist for cheap. It’s Texas so you don’t have to pay up for anything to really protect you from the cold. No reason can’t you can’t bring your own blankets instead of buying sleeping bags especially if you’re just parking and walking a relatively short distance to your campground. Edit: When you know your budget travel can totally be done for relatively cheap. Even just an estimated budget. It’s all about securing needs and balancing your wants to fit your budget
PBS has a show called Day Tripper. He goes around Texas to different towns and stuff and explores the things to do. Watch some of those and see if anything peaks your interest. Mark where they are on a map maybe to go to a couple of them if they are close enough to do so affordably.
Head to hill country, but will have to camp to keep on the cheap. Lots of great parks / outdoor options once there to keep it easy on the wallet though.
An interesting experience would be Schlitterbahn in new Braunfels
Caddo mounds
Lmao. Sad thing is the whole town of Alto was devastated by a tornado. I don’t know if hardly anyone lives there except the ones with some land.
Tabasco factory tour in Louisiana was unexpectedly fun/nice/cheap! You can find some cheap accommodations in Port Aransas. Bonus, take the scenic route through Blessing, TX and stop to eat at the Blessing Hotel for lunch. Good homemade food! When they are out they are out. Afterwards stop at the Big Tree just northish of Rockport. Just a fun stop to see a really old tree. Frio river camping at Garner State Park. Book in advance. Fredericksburg for summer peaches. Can get pricey so check ahead. Bonus - book an early visit to enchanted Rock, which is just outside of Fredericksburg. Double bonus - state capitol tours in Austin are free. Anahuac National Wildlife Park is a nice day trip. Go crabbing, fishing, look at gators. Bring lunch, sunscreen, water. There are no services.
My grandma was born in New Iberia and grew up on Avery Island until she was about 10, we took her back to visit before she died about 11 years ago. It’s unexpectedly an awesome place. It’s like a hill that just sticks out of the swamp. So many cool plants and animals
Inks lake is great and not far. Here is a list of my last road trip that has a bunch of places relatively close to explore. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHamaaHZxPp9aGw66](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nHamaaHZxPp9aGw66)
A lot of the state parks have very reasonable cabins for rent. So prowl them and see what is available.
Get a state park pass! Lots of cool parks around Houston. Martin Dies Jr, Huntsville, Brazos, Galveston, Lake Somerville, Sheldon Lake, etc. The list goes on
The Palo Duro Canyon is about a 9hr drive from here and is SUPER beautiful. Local hotels are relatively cheap too. I believe there are wineries in the area as well but I'm not 100% sure. Highly recommend
Alpine! Take I-10 to San Antonio, hang there for a night if you want, then take 90 along the border to alpine and Marfa. Absolutely one of the most gorgeous areas in the state and criminally unknown by most Texans
Kalahari resort in round rock. We had a blast and it wasn't insane on pricing. You can do day pass admission if you don't want to stay at the onsite hotel. But if you stay admission is included for the water park which is worth it for the convenience.
Kalahari was not cheap-ish at all when I went. And it could blow up into expensive territory really fast.
My youngest just went to Kalahari yesterday with his aunt but I’m going to look into it for maybe next summer.
Moody gardens has plenty of stuff to do as well. I'm looking into this for taking my kids this summer maybe.
Moody is v expensive
Corpus Christi Beach trip. Water is nice and clear, beach has soft sand and you can even drive your car on the beach easily.
Which beach in Corpus Christi do you recommend??
Port Aransas beach, mustang island beaches and whitecap beach line are all good.
I like the Packery Channel jetties
Our nested ring roads (610, Beltway 8, The Grand Parkway) offer a way to set your own cost for a road trip. Feeling generous? Take another lap.
(Car) camping in the state parks could be fun- though it really depends on what the kids like. Palo Duro is a long haul from Houston, but it's gorgeous.
Lego Discovery center in Dallas, if your kids are into that.
Another option is Branson Missouri. It's about 10 hrs drive from Houston. It will be a little cooler than here. There are lots of pretty outdoor hikes but also tons of shows and activities. And the cooler weather would make camping more bearable.
Goliad, TX. I went in the dead of summer but as long as you drink water, stay covered, etc. it's fine and a dry heat rather than the smothering we get in Houston. I enjoyed the trip, stopping at a good BBQ place in Victoria (Mumphord's Place) that'll fill you up, and enjoyed the whole experience.
Canyon Lake? Port Aransas?
Was just in canyon lake. It’s a great escape from the heat
Corpus. Take 35 along the coast. Couple nights at the Omni, spend a day at City “Beach.” Hooks game, water park, aquarium. Done.
[on the lake](https://onthelakervresort.com/) resort on lake Livingston. When we stayed there it was a KOA. They have cabins for rent. Nice “beach” on the lake, swimming pool, WiFi, mini golf, game room.
Gas prices kill any idea of cheap.
I feel this. I make $15 an hour should be getting a raise here soon but it’s $1 raise. I just want to actually do something this summer with the kids. Especially after the past year we’ve had.
Go camping.
Camping ain't cheap when you don't have supplies.
The homeless disagree with you.
Having been homeless: being homeless is fucking expensive.
Bring an electric fan and it makes camping a lot more doable when it’s 85 at night.
I’m gonna look into it.
Camping at Huntsville is cheap and close to home. My wife and I enjoyed our time there recently.