Weekend getaways are the perfect way to step back, relax your mind and body, and get back to work feeling refreshed! Even if you can’t get two weeks off to travel across the world every year, you can still take a Friday off and do a whole lot over a weekend. Need ideas for places to visit and activities to do with family? Here is a list of cities in Texas with activities that might interest you to a small weekend getaway!
I’ll be adding to this list often, so check out the updates by following me on Instagram @ travelmania360!
Austin
As the capitol of Texas, Austin has a lot to offer to someone who needs a mini vacay. It’s filled with many hole in the wall food spots and activities to do left and right. Whether you go with your spouse, a group of friends or family, this is a place that everyone can enjoy.
1. Visit the Capitol!
The Capitol is a place you must visit at least once if you’re a Texan! Even though I have been a couple of times, my my first time entering the building was over this summer. It is free to enter, with a brief scanning at the entrance. It’s huge inside and there is so much to read and learn.
Address: 1100 Congress Ave
Parking: On the streets; don’t forget to bring some quarters!
Would we visit again?
Yes! We did not get to go around and see everything or go to the upper floors because we were on a time crunch. We also did not get to walk down the front where all the statues are located. I would definitely love to go back and take my time and see everything at a slower pace.
2. Zilker Botanical Garden
I’ve been to the Zilker Garden a couple of times and I love it. There is so much to do and see within the garden alone that you have to plan to be there for several hours. They have beautiful rose gardens, koi fish ponds, small waterfalls, open areas for children to play, trails, and more.
Tip: In the summer, it can get quite hot. Ditch the cute sandals and dress and pull those walking shoes out. You will thank me later.
Address: 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Timing: Daily 9AM-6PM
Fee: Children under 12: $1, Adults: 2
(And free parking!)
Would I visit again?
Many times over! It’s a great place to relax, walk around or have a picnic! And did you notice the ticket price?
3. Dinosaur Park
We went to the dinosaur park with my little nephews. But I think my husband enjoyed it more than they did. They had a trail set up outdoors, with different dinosaurs along the way. They also had a printed sheet of different clues and questions that help you to find dinosaur artifacts along the way.
There is a playground and a shaded area with tables for an outdoor picnic. This was a good resting spot for us while the kids played.
They also had two big sandboxes, filled with sand, “dinosaur artifacts” and brushes. We spent a good deal of time here and I think my husband did most of the digging to find the artifacts.
Click here for their website.
Time: 10AM-4PM
Tickets: Adults: $9, Children: $8, Under 2: Free
Would we go again?
Possibly! It was very educational and informative. The area was smaller than we had expected, but the kids still had a lot of fun. If we had the chance to bring any of our other nephews or nieces, then we wouldn’t mind going again. They also had a big toy/souvenir store when you enter, which the kids loved, of course.
Tip: Bring a hat, sunglasses, sun tan lotion, and water. Even though there are trees and shades, there are more open areas.
3. Kayaking in Lake Austin
The first thing we did in the morning was go kayaking. It’s best to go early in the morning or late into the afternoon so it’s not too hot. We rented a two seater kayak and it was great. (I left my life jacket on the whole time because I don’t know how to swim.) Besides kayaking, they also have many other water sports to choose from.
Would we do this again?
Yes! This picture is from a few years ago. It’s definitely time for a trip back! The prices were pretty decent for the time allotted. By the end of it, you’re tired and ready for some good food!
Click here to check out a few of our favorite food/drink spots in Austin!
San Antonio
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
This African Safari-Texas Style Ranch is a great place to see wildlife in their (almost) natural habitat. The animals were wonderful to see; most of them very active. When you enter, you get one bag of food for free and can buy more at the entrance or shops inside if you like. We just took the one bag and that was plenty (for one kid). We used it for the safari and the petting zoo, and still had more left.
There is an area designated for giraffes where you can walk to the gate and watch them. Make sure you go the extra few miles and check out the recently added section of the ranch. The petting zoo is also something not to miss while you are there.
There are two buildings in the compound, with food, drinks, desserts, restrooms, and gift/souvenir shops!
Address: 26515 Natural Bridge Cavern
Pricing: $24.50 (adults), $22 (seniors), $15.50 (aged 3-11), Free (under 3)
The last entrance to safari is at 6pm and the entire ranch closes an hour and a half after this time.
Click here for their official website!
Would we go again?
Probably not to this safari again since we have seen everything there already. But was it a great experience? Yes, I liked the fact that the animals have so much space to wander around and are not caged up or limited in any way. My only concern is for the few who come near the cars and people for the food, which is not natural. It would be better if we were not allowed to feed the animals for the safari portion of it. But then it wouldn’t be as much fun for the kids. I guess we have to loose somewhere.
Riverwalk
The Riverwalk in San Antonio doesn’t need an introduction. I’ve been there so many times and each time, did something different. There are many restaurants, bars & breweries, museums, tons of stores, a theater, and more. Depending on what time of the day you go, it has a different feel to it.
Would we go again?
Yes, it’s a lovely place to walk around and hang out. However, it’s not a great place if you have toddlers, as there are no barriers between the pathway and the water.
Check out their website for more information.
Brackenridge Park– Japanese Tea Garden
The Brackenridge Park is a beautiful area to walk around and enjoy. The Japanese Tea Garden located inside the park has a variety of plants, several koi-filled ponds and small stone bridges. Even though we went during the winter, it was still very beautiful. Can’t wait to go back during the spring to see all the Japanese cherry blossoms!
Would we go again?
Yes, of course! I would love to go see the cherry blossoms during the spring time. That is my favorite part of the Japanese tea gardens!
The Alamo
The Alamo is a big part of Texas History. As a Texan, it’s a place you should visit at least once. The line to get in might be longer than expected, but it’s worth it. It has so much history behind all the things inside, so be sure to read up a little on Texas history before you go!
More things to do in San Antonio:
Natural Bridge Caverns
SeaWorld (I have been; although I have mixed feelings about this)
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Aquatica San Antonio Theme Park
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
New Braunsfel
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Check out the full review for this awesome family-owned, Snake Farm Zoo that we visited in New Braunsfel!
More things to do in New Braunsfel:
Explore the Landa Park
Tube along the Comal River
Walk around the Gruene Historic District
Go horseback riding near Canyon Lake
Check out the local winery
Houston
As someone who lived in Houston for ten years, this list will possibly be the longest and most detailed. Houston is so big, because “Houston” also contains all the smaller cities that surround it. Even if you’re on the upper end in Conroe, or the lower end in Alvin, you’re still considered to be in Houston! Here are a few locations in the Houston region that I have been to several times and never get tired of.
Hermann Park
They are always changing up things in Hermann Park and it never gets old. I love that every time I go there, I feel like I see something new. One of my favorite parts of Hermann park is the Japanese Garden, which has beautiful cherry blossoms!
Also inside Hermann Park is the Miller outdoor theater, which hosts tickets and free shows from time to time.
Hermann Park Hours: 6AM-1130PM
Japanese Garden Hours: 9AM- 6PM
Free parking and free entry!
Houston Zoo
Right down the street from Hermann Park is the Houston Zoo! You can literally walk to the entrance of the zoo after walking around Hermann Park.
They also have many events and programs you can attend. You can also volunteer at the zoo if you like!
Adults: $18
Children 2-11: $14 Under 2: FREE
Seniors: $11.50
*If you visit a booth at Fiesta Mart, you can purchase the tickets for a few dollars less!
*Free Admission: First Tuesday of each month from Sept-May (starting at noon)
Hours: 9AM-7PM Daily, except Saturday closes at 5PM
Click here for their official website.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green, although not as big as Hermann Park, is a great place to hang out. It’s about 4 blocks big and consist of a big open grass area, a small lake, jogging trails, several food spots and some play areas for kids. They host events there every week and most of them are free. I have been there on a Saturday when they had kayaking in the lake for a small fee. During the Christmas season, they have many events and lights shows.
Hours: 6AM-11PM
Click here to check out their weekly events and more!
Rice Village
Rice Village is filled with lots of restaurants, shopping stores, and beautiful scenery. The main reason I used to go to Rice Village was for a specific crepe restaurant named Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café. Check out the full review in Views and Vittles!
Another reason I used to go to Rice Village was to take pictures! The Rice Village and surrounding areas are filled with scenic streets and natural beauty.
Houston Downtown Aquarium
If you live in Houston, you must go to the Aquarium at least once. We took the Houston City Pass when our friends came into town and the Downtown Aquarium was a part of it. We went on a rainy day, right after the rain had stopped. There was no one else at the whole aquarium besides us! We went outside to the rides and got to go on most of the rides at no extra cost! There were no lines and all the workers were still there. We just happened to luck out, but I’m sure this place is packed otherwise.
Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
Hours: 10AM-8:30PM on weekdays, 10PM on weekend
Free days?
Tip: Take the Houston City Pass. When two of our friends came into town, we took the Houston City Pass and explored all the places we haven’t been to.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Museum of Natural Science is a great place for both kids and adults. Firstly, it is located in a great area; right next to the Hermann Park and the recently built McGovern Centennial Park. Secondly, it has something for everyone, from kids to adults and has many exhibitions within one building. They are also constantly making changes and adding new exhibits each time I visit.
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
General admission into the museum:
Adults; $25, Child/students/seniors: $16
Timings: 9AM-5PM
Click here for more details.
Free Admission* : The permanent exhibits are free on Thursdays from 2-5pm!
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a great section with so many different types of plants and insects. This section has a beautifully enclosed rain forest themed green house, with a big waterfall in the center. The Brown Hall of Entomology is a new section of the Butterfly Center, which I have yet to visit.
Admission (not included in general ad.) Adults; $12, Child/Seniors/Students; $10
The Burke Baker Planetarium at the Natural Museum of Science is yet another great exhibit, which offers several shows throughout the day. A few of their shows include Starry Night Express, Unseen Universe, Black Holes, Expedition Reef and more.
Admission (not included in general ad.): Adult: $9, Child/Student/Senior: $8.
Mecom Rockwell Colonnade
A block away from the Natural Museum of Science is a hidden gem, the Mecom Rockwall Colonnade. I love taking people there for photo shoots because its never crowded and has great photo ops. Since it is surrounded by streets, it doesn’t have a parking lot. You can park at Hermann Park or the Centennial Park and walk over.
Address: 1100-1102 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Children’s Museum of Houston
Believe it or not, I have been to the children’s museum several times and I love it. I’ve been there with my nephew and I have also been there for a party of a friend’s child. They have many exhibits that cater to all age groups and interests. I have seen several arts and crafts activity set ups, chemistry lab set ups, play houses with dolls, play stores with carts, check outs, and food items, set ups of ambulances and firetrucks and many more. If you have young children, it is definitely worth getting a season pass.
Address: 1500 Binz St. Houston, TX
Hours: 10AM – 6/8PM. Closed on Mondays.
Admission Fee: 1+ yr : $12, Seniors 65+: $11
Free Admission *: Thursdays 5-8pm
Click here for more information!
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
The Waterwall Park is a great place to hang out with friends or family, take pictures, have a picnic or just to people watch. It is conveniently located nearby the Galleria mall. The highlight is the 64-foot tall semicircular water fountain over looking a large grass-covered area. On the other end is the 64 story high William’s Tower, with its breathtaking architecture.
Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston
Click here for more information before making your visit!
And if you’re in the area, I highly recommend trying out Kenny & Ziggy’s. Full review coming soon!
If you live in one of these places, then check out the Dallas-Fort Worth area for more activities and fun! Click here for my review on the Dallas Aquarium and stayed tuned for more activities in the Dallas area!
There are so many more weekend trips I would love to do in the near future. I would love to explore cities nearby like Brennam, Waco or El Paso. Also coming soon are activities from smaller towns like Lufkin and Nacogdoches. Stay Tuned!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.