I’ve met a lot of Grandparents who take their grandkids on vacations – check out these places.
Texas has a variety of towns to consider when planning a vacation with the grandkids. I’m a grandmother and mother to my child, and I prefer to vacation with my family in small towns that offer something for everyone. Yet, when we travel to big cities, we also find fun things to do. This article has some of the best Texas towns to visit with grandkids. And I’ve been to all with mine!
You may even find a few towns here that offer a great place to retire in Texas, if that’s something that interests you. Texas has several small towns just for that!
Best Texas Towns To Visit With Grandkids
My grandson and I have been together on many roads, vacations, and day trips. We have done many fun activities together, such as zip-lining, kayaking, canoeing, and horseback riding. He loves it as much as I do. You don’t have to do every activity your grandkids do to enjoy the moment and your vacations. The main thing is to be together.
I’ve listed some of the best Texas travel destinations for families.
1. Kemah (Houston/Galveston)
Before considering a trip to Galveston with the grandkids, how about checking out Kemah Boardwalk first? There is plenty to do there, and you wouldn’t have to stress over the kids playing in the Gulf Coast water. That is fun to do., but some find it scary.
The Kemah Boardwalk offers theme park rides that kids will enjoy, and you’ll enjoy watching them have fun. After a day of playing, there are many waterfront dining options to end the night with a bang. We went in October when some rides were not operating. I recommend that grandparents bring their grandchildren here in the summer months, as it offers plenty of shade.
2. “Blue Bell Ice Cream” Brenham (East Texas)
One of the most charming towns in East Texas is Brenham. Brody and I enjoyed a day at the Blue Bell Creamery. We first visited the museum, where I reminisced about my childhood, looking at photos of old Blue Bell containers and memorabilia from days gone by on the walls. We couldn’t wait to go inside the ice cream parlor to see what was inside. Not only is there the cutest gift shop, but the Blue Bell ice cream was only $1 a scoop (no tax).
Grandparents, you’ll love the historic buildings and downtown shopping in Brenham. It’s also near charming small towns like Chappell Hill, Washington, and Burton. Washington has a rich history, and you might also want to visit Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Travel Tip: Be sure the ice cream parlor is open. The last time I was there, they said they were not open on weekends, just during the week.
3. Frio River (Leakey/Concan)
The Frio River is not far from San Antonio. My uncle invited Brody and me here. His family goes every year. Brody and I tubed down the Frio, and I was more worried about myself making it in one piece than him because he was having a blast with no care in the world, but it was fun, and I managed to go the whole way along with everyone else.
After tubing, we reached an area where the kids could jump off tall rocks. That was a perfect vacation for the two of us. There are more than enough cabins, houses, and hotels to stay in this area. Google – Frio River Cabins.
4. Gaylord Texan Resort (So.Much.Christmas)
For at least thirteen years, I have taken my grandkids to the Lone Star Christmas attraction at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. Starting with my first grandchild to my last – they’ve all been. I also worked there for one year during the holiday season and observed many grandparents with their grandchildren. It’s truly a magical place for all.
Take them to all the attractions, or opt for a staycation at the Gaylord Texan Resort – they will love that! Either way, memories will be cherished by both sides. If time allows, stroll Main Street to see the lights.
5. Brazosport (Gulf Coast)
The Brazosport Area is an excellent option for a beach vacation with your grandkids. The area comprises small towns with unique offerings and would be a strong consideration beyond the busier beach towns. My grandson and I went here in June 2022. I will report back with all the fun we had! Hint – horseback riding on the beach, bed and breakfast, wildlife, kayaking, etc. Here’s our story – Family Fun In The Brazosport Area.
Travel Pro Tip: We all know summer is the best time to go to a beach. Make your plans early.
6. Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose
This small town on the Paluxy River makes an excellent choice for taking your grandkids on a weekend road trip or even for the day. You will all have a great time with nearby Dinosaur Valley State Park for hiking, geocaching, and picnics.
The historic downtown square and everything else Glen Rose offers make it a great destination, and Fort Worth is not too far if you want to do something different.
7. New Braunfels
A Texas Hill Country charmer! Whenever we have the chance to see the Guadalupe River, we take it. We’ve enjoyed Schlitterbahn Waterpark a couple of times together, but the river’s most fun for us. Brody will jump in that cold water, but not me – no way! I love the ambiance of the river and the scenic views.
8. Granbury (Fort Worth)
Granbury has a lively historic town square featuring restaurants with outdoor seating, breweries, and boutiques. And if that’s not enough, Grandbury Lake is a short drive from downtown, but if you want to get your steps in, walk there. Kids will love playing on the beach. And, if they are old enough, let them play in the water while you enjoy lying on the beach.
Although I went to Granbury alone, I enjoyed everything listed above and more. Granbury is a family-friendly town that welcomes pets.
9. Marble Falls (Texas Hill Country)
I don’t know what was more fun – stuffing this scarecrow with Brody at Sweet Berry Farm or going on a cave tour at Longhorn Caverns in the next town. Between these two attractions and all the lake access, there’s no stopping you all from having a great time. Marble Falls is one of my favorite Hill Country towns.
10. Georgetown (Austin)
Road-tripping to Georgetown was fun. It was only 3 hours from Dallas. I found an inexpensive Airbnb for two nights, and we spent very little time there. We shopped, ate well, and enjoyed the town square and San Gabriel Park. This kid never complained.
Slip away to Austin if you want – it’s only a few miles south of Georgetown.
11. Plano (Dallas)
I will let these previous articles (below) tell you how much fun you can have in Plano with your grandchildren. You’ll see there are so many fun things you can do together. And …bring the pets!!
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- Family Fun In Plano, TX – My grandson and I enjoyed outdoor activities
- Fun Packed Weekend In Plano – Rory’s family enjoyed a fun weekend in Plano
- Our Pet-Friendly Stay In Plano, TX – Adeina and her husband took their two fur babies on a weekend road trip to Plano.
12. Jefferson (East Texas)
Another small town in East Texas to consider taking grandkids. I have been here, but I did not take my grandson. Had I, he would have loved everything I did. When I visit towns like Jefferson, my favorite thing is to stay at a bed-and-breakfast that serves delicious breakfasts each morning – you’ll find plenty in this small town!
Here are a few things to do in Jefferson, TX.
- Take a boat tour of Caddo Lake.
- Explore historic downtown and stop by the General Store
- Visit historical homes and museums
- Walking tours
- Rent a golf cart and stroll the city
- Take a ghost tour
- Made in the Shade kayak rentals
- Horseback riding in the next town over – Marshall
And, if you’re still looking for something to do with the grandkids, take them to one of these 15 zoos in Texas.
OR ….kids love caves – do you? It might be wise to check out these popular guided cave tours in Texas.
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