Texas summers are hot, but Texas is bright and friendly!
When school lets out, travelers hit the road. If you’re coming this way, you’ll want to know about all the family-friendly summer activities in Texas. Slather on that sunscreen and hit the scene before the rush in July. Whether planning a beach vacation, a family reunion, exuberant river tubing, or hitting the annual Route 66 Festival in Amarillo, summer in Texas is a lovely time of year for family fun.
Will you be on the road this summer in Texas? Plan accordingly, and plan more time than you think you’ll need because more people will be on the road this year than ever. I’ve been hearing that on the news. Our freeways could get busy depending on where you’re going, but your final destination will be well worth the traffic—plan your road trip carefully.
*This list will be updated throughout the summer. For July 4th – go here – 4th of July Celebration in Texas
What To Do In Texas In The Heat?
Well, it’s hot. What can I say about that? Depending on where you are in Texas, it can be not very nice, even for us Texans. But summer still goes on here, and we have a good time. Choose an area that you’re most comfortable with. The Gulf Coast can be humid and hot; East Texas can be rainy but beautiful there. North Texas weather can change instantly, and in other parts of Texas, just be sure to look it up before heading out.
You know how it goes in Texas and other parts of the world – the weather can change in the blink of an eye, but it’s still going to be hot in the summer in Texas, so there’s no way around that. Enjoy the Lone Star State! You could always drop your kids off at a summer camp in Texas, then take the high road to an all-adult hotel. Sound good?
West Texas Summer Things To Do In Texas
Route 66 Festival In Amarillo
June
If you’re planning a road trip on Route 66, end it or start it in Amarillo for their annual Texas Route 66 Festival from June 6-15, 2024. It’s ten days of themed events packed with events along the Texas route, including classic car shows, Texas Route 66 bus tours, cattle drives, parades, music festivals, and a grand finale festival on Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District.
Cool Canyon Nights – El Paso
July
Hang out at the base of the Franklin Mountains listening to various music in the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater—see Kiss E Paso.
East Texas Family Fun Things To Do In Texas
Two Creeks Crossing RV Resort – Lake Livingston
Summer
My family and I will be at Two Creeks Crossing on Lake Livingston on the first of June. We look forward to four days and three nights of fun by the lake. Be sure to see my dedicated article on our experiences. (I will include a link here when my article is published.) Hint: Think cabins, glamping tents, RVs, and outdoor games.
While checking out East Texas, look at these stunning scenic drives through small towns. They may be on your way to where you’re going!
Lake Livingston State Park
Lake Livingston State Park in East Texas is full of things to do. They have a park store (ice cream) and a nature center with snakes crawling and bees buzzing around. The little kids will love it. Climb the tower to the top and look down. Enjoy your ice cream up high! Kayak rentals are available, and there are lots of hiking trails. It’s only $3 to enter if you don’t already have a Texas State Park pass.
North Texas Family Fun Things To Do In Texas
Annual Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes – Waxahachie
June
For this 54th annual event, which will take place June 1-2, 2024, check Visit Waxahachie Texas on Instagram for more information and ticket sales. It features five (5) historic homes on Main Street and several other landmark attractions. If you like pink, I think you’ll love this tour.
Party at Stumpy’s On Lake Granbury
All Summer Long
Hang out at Stumpy’s Lake Granbury this summer for lake activities, good food at the grill, margaritas on Wednesday, and plenty of outdoor fun.
North Texas Fair & Rodeo – Denton, TX
August
Ten days and nights of live entertainment, rodeo fun, exhibits, livestock shows, food, and more. August 16-25, 2024, at the Denton Fairgrounds.
Ultimate Freestyle Bullfighters – Fort Worth Stockyards
Every Sunday
See it all at the Cowtown Coliseum at 2:30 every Sunday. Google for tickets.
Juneteenth Family Reunion Festival – Fort Worth
June 14-16
At Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth
South Texas Family Fun Things To Do In Texas
International Geocaching Day
August
Have you ever done geocaching? It’s a popular family hobby. I’ve done it a couple of times with my son. It’s fun, and we usually find treasures, especially in state parks. You can go on a self-guided treasure hunt at the Guadalupe River State Park in Spring Branch. Make sure to have the GPS downloaded.
Central Texas Family Fun Things To Do In Texas
Western Days 2024 – Elgin, TX
June
Gulf Coast Family Fun Things To Do In Texas
The best things to do on the Gulf Coast are usually in the summer when most people travel.
Summer Events in Port Arthur, TX
Sea Rim Sandcastle Contest
July 6
Create a Castle is a new event at the state park. Sea Rim State Park Sandcastle Contest
KidFish at Sea Rim State Park
July 27th, 9-12 Free
Rockport Art Fest
July 6-7
Rockport, Texas, Festival Grounds will host this art festival—$ 10 for entry.
Galveston Island Wine Festival 2024
August 31-September 1
Play and stay while sipping wine and watching the baby penguins play. There’s plenty more to do. Check out and buy your tickets here – Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens.
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