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There’s no shortage of fun activities in the great state of Texas. The largest state in the continental U.S. is home to beautiful landscapes, thriving cities, and sleepy coastal cities. The next time you travel through the Lone Star State, make sure you take some time to check out these attractions for a fun-filled family day.
1. The Alamo
Since it was built in 1718, The Alamo has been the center of many historic events in what is now the city of San Antonio. Famously known for being the site of the 1836 Battle of The Alamo, the former mission church offers more than 300 years of history. Entry to the museum is free, so visitors are encouraged to explore the sacred grounds, take in live demonstrations, and watch an educational video about this Texas landmark.
2. San Antonio River Walk
Also, the River Walk is just around the corner from The Alamo in San Antonio. The 15-mile strand is where families can walk or bike as they stop at museums, shops, and delicious restaurants. Don’t feel like biking? Opt for an on-off tour, where you can ride a boat down the river, stopping when and where you want.
3. Natural Bridge Caverns
Experience the thrill of navigating the intricate caverns 180 feet underground. Once you see these hidden caves and pools, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. The center has ziplines, mazes, climbing walls, rope courses, and a place to mine for fossils. This is a great spot to spend a day adventuring and having fun while visiting San Antonio.
4. Barton Springs Pool
Texas has hot summers, so you’ll want to take a dip in the Barton Springs Pool. Located in Zilker Park in Austin, this pool is a free option for those looking for an afternoon of swimming. Parents can watch their kids play in the water from the grassy knolls, which are great for sunbathing and afternoon picnicking.
5. Beachside Billy’s at Lake Travis
Lake Travis is just north of Austin. This lake town is home to Beachside Billy’s, a water park built for families of all ages. There’s a life-size pirate ship, a water-based obstacle course, and a lazy river to relax in. Outside the water park, enjoy the many restaurants and stay in one of the hotels to enjoy a second day exploring the town.
6. Sea Turtle, Inc.
South Padre Island is on the southern tip of Texas, and this sea turtle refuge offers self-guided tours of its rescued turtles. For about $10, you and your family can watch these elegant creatures swim in their tanks or bathe in the sun. If you’re lucky, you can see a hatchling release and watch baby turtles go from the sand to the ocean to live in the wild.
7. South Padre Beach Day
After visiting the sea turtle conservatory, stay on South Padre Island for a fun beach day. The crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico offer excellent kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and paddle boarding. South Padre also has many local shops and restaurants to enjoy after a day soaking in the sun and swimming in the warm waters.
8. Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo is home to over 7,000 animals and 500 different species of animals. Tickets for adults are $19, while kids are only $15, making it a relatively cheap way to spend a day on vacation. Visitors can see some of the world’s most beautiful creatures, like lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, orangutans, and hippos. Make the trip even more special by visiting the feeding platform, where you can hand-feed giraffes.
9. Watch a Real Cattle Drive
No trip to Texas is complete without a glimpse of a genuine Texas longhorn steer. At the Forth Worth Stockyards, visitors can watch these massive bulls parade through the town’s main street. Once you see the horns on these beasts, you’ll understand why they say everything is bigger in Texas.
10. NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston
This is the place for kids to get up close and personal with real-life astronauts and engineers who make space travel possible. Take one of the tours to see astronaut suits, training facilities, and control rooms. Visitors can even climb inside a replica Space Shuttle to see where these brave astronauts lived when they blasted into space.
11. The Houston Museum of Natural Science
Spending an afternoon at the museum is another great learning experience for tourists with children. This museum has many interactive exhibits, including life-sized dinosaur skeletons, Texas wildlife, Ancient Egypt halls, and mineral specimens. Visitors can also get up close and personal with butterflies in a six-story butterfly center, where these beautiful creatures land directly in their hands.
12. Visit the Houston Zoo
Like the Fort Worth Zoo, the Houston Zoo is also a must-see. Tickets are about $30 per person, but admission is free if you’re lucky enough to be in Houston on the first Tuesday of the month. How cool is that? The zoo has a unique African forest, Galapagos Island exhibit, and intimate gorilla and elephant encounters.
13. Kemah Boardwalk
Just southeast of Houston is the coastal city of Kemah. The town’s boardwalk is always bustling with tourists enjoying the many shops, restaurants, and fresh coastal breeze. You’re also in the right spot if you are looking for a thrill ride. The boardwalk has a 65-foot Ferris wheel, a wooden roller coaster, and a 140-plunging free-fall ride to get your heart going. There are also many rides for younger kids, as well as carnival games and arcades.
14. Big Bend National Park
If you and your family enjoy everything nature offers, you will fall in love with Big Bend National Park. Located in the deep southwest, just outside Terlingua, this park has wide open spaces to hike, bike, and enjoy the limestone cliffs and vast canyons. The park is perfect for relaxing and unwinding while reconnecting with the great outdoors.
15. Attend a Rodeo
What type of event screams Texas more than a rodeo? You can find rodeos of all sizes in most areas of Texas. Some of the best rodeos in the state are at The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, the Houston Livestock Show, and the Rodeo of Austin. Buy a ticket, grab a seat, and witness some real-life Texas Cowboys wrestle steers and ride broncos and bulls for a real experience of this state.
14 Coastal Towns That Offer Affordable Retirement and Quality
Image Credit: Shutterstock.[/caption]
Retirement is not just about taking a long-deserved break; it’s about embracing a new adventure in life’s next chapter. What better way to start this journey than in a coastal town, where the sea meets the sky in a harmony of tranquil living? This post sails through the 14 most enchanting seaside towns, handpicked for retirees who dream of quality living without breaking the bank. We’ve anchored downtowns that tick all the boxes for an ideal retirement haven – affordability, rich quality of life, top-notch healthcare, and delightful weather. So, let’s dive in and explore these seaside gems where your golden years can truly shine.
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18 Underrated U.S. Destinations Worth Exploring
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Every state in the United States has its unique charm and attractions. However, some states are often perceived as less exciting or engaging than others. This perception, which may not always reflect reality, could be based on various factors, from a state’s geography and culture to its lack of iconic landmarks or tourist hotspots. Here are 18 states that some Americans might dread visiting due to a perceived lack of exciting activities or attractions.
