These things to do in Beaumont with kids will keep you busy all day!
Beaumont, Texas, is located in southeast Texas, about 86 miles east of Houston on I-10 and minutes from the Louisiana border. It’s an old city known for its rich history in the Texas oil boom and many gators! If you have only one day to spend, consider these top things to do in Beaumont with kids. But plenty of attractions can keep a family busy all weekend long.
The city of Beaumont has many attractions that you’ll want to check out. We’ve listed many below, like the live gators at Gator Country, a Texas-size fire hydrant, colorful murals all over the city, and not to mention, Beaumont was dubbed the Museum Capital of Texas years ago because there are more museums per capita in the city than any other city of its size in Texas.
Things To Do In Beaumont With Kids
Cajun flavors mixed in with all things Texas are what you’ll find in Beaumont! But, most importantly, the city has many attractions for families to enjoy, like alligators, good food, and many places to have family time outdoors. It’s a great place to taste authentic Cajun food; you don’t have to cross the border for that!
Low Cost & Free Things To Do In Beaumont TX
If you are a history buff and enjoy learning about Texas history, there are enough museums in Beaumont to keep you and your family busy for an entire day. You’ll find most of them to be unique museums that you won’t find anywhere else. Sadly, some museums have closed.
• Fire Museum Of Texas
The Fire Museum of Texas is a great way to learn a bit of history and a fun way for the kids to experience it. There is so much to explore on a self-guided tour in this two-story, seven-bay station that the Texas Historical Commission recognized as a historic landmark in 1983! The Fire Museum of Texas is worth your time—the kids will have a blast. Don’t forget to get a selfie in front of the world’s largest working fire hydrant.
Admission: FREE
• Art Museum Of Southeast Texas
Located in downtown Beaumont, the AMSET exhibits and collections consist of many local artists, artwork galleries, bronze and marble sculptures, and the expansive permanent collection of regional folk art.
Admission: FREE
• Texas Energy Museum
The Texas Energy Museum tells the colorful story of Texas oil. Located downtown in the museum district.
Admission: $3-$5
• Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum
A Beaumont attraction is the oil-gushing Spindletop. It’s where the Texas oil industry got its start. Though oil doesn’t gush out anymore, it is something to witness.
Admission: $2-$5
• Beaumont Children’s Museum
I don’t care how old you are – the Beaumont Children’s Museum is for everyone. It’s decorated in so much color, you can’t help but be happy while there.
Admission: $4-$5
• Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum
The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum pays tribute to the greatest female athlete of all time. Located at 1750 Interstate 10 E.
Admission: FREE
• John Jay French House
A restored, 2-story pioneer home built in 1845, complete with period furnishings & household items, is Beaumont’s oldest house. The Beaumont Heritage Society runs it. Contact the society for guided tours.
Admission: $5
• Mcfaddin-Ward Historic House Museum
It is a gorgeous historic home built in 1906 with the original furnishings. The Carriage House and Gardens are also available to see. It’s a true Texas oil boom home. WOW … and it’s all free to see. Check out MWH for the days and times of tours.
Admission: All tours are FREE
(More) Things To Do In Beaumont With Kids
Gator Country Adventure Park. Photo Credit: E. Irish
Gator Country Adventure Park
The best things happen when Big Al and Big Tex are visited, two of the largest alligators in captivity at the Gator Country Adventure Park. It’s the largest alligator adventure park in southeast Texas, home to over 450 alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles. We spent most of our time here at the adventure park while on our trip. We arrived in the rain and figured we would spend an hour or so. Several hours later, the kids were still gazing at, holding, and learning about gators and other wildlife.
Giant Dalmatian Fire Hydrant
Texas-Sized Landmarks For Photos
If you love roadside attractions, you will not want to miss snapping a family photo in front of these huge landmarks—all free things to do.
• Giant Dalmatian Fire Hydrant
Sits just in front of the Fire Museum of Texas. It’s a trendy Instagrammable photo.
• Giant Muffler Man
The location is 830 South 11th Street.
• Big Beau
At Gator Country Adventure Park.
Village Creek State Park
About 16 miles from Beaumont is the Big Thicket Getaway at Village Creek State Park. Things to do at the park are camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, geocache, nature, and wildlife.
Beaumont Botanical Gardens
Beaumont Botanical Gardens, part of Tyrrell Park, is a beautiful location for a family hike. Beautiful plants, flowers, and foliage kept us oohing and ahhing as we traversed through the lovely outdoor gardens.
Running, playing, and cutting up as a family is how we enjoy ourselves while getting a little exercise on a road trip. This trip was a fun family outing and the perfect environment for capturing memories on camera.
Several people were walking around getting their photos taken by photographers, even on this chilly day. Beaumont Botanical Gardens is a charming place to explore with the kids.
Photo Credit: Kim Croisant
Cattail Marsh Wetlands
Another free place to enjoy with the family is Cattail Marsh. Cattail March provides spectacular views with 900 acres of scenic wetlands, including a boardwalk and two covered platforms.
If you enjoy birding, more than 250 species can be seen annually. Pelicans, egrets, roseate spoonbills, ducks, ibis, doves, and red-winged blackbirds are just some of the birds you may see. There are more than eight miles of gravel levee roads within the Marsh to enjoy, which are great for hiking, biking, or other recreational activities. It’s enjoyable to walk out on the boardwalk, watch the birds fly over, and try to count all the different species of birds you see.
Big Thicket National Preserve
If you have extra time while visiting Beaumont, take an hour’s drive to Big Thicket National Preserve, rent a kayak, or go on a kayaking tour with Big Thicket Outfitters. More tours are available than you can imagine.
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
A popular place to worship in Beaumont is the St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. It’s part of the Faith Trail that extends into Port Arthur.
Restaurants In Beaumont Texas
Hungry? Not to worry. When you’re ready to feast, Beaumont has some of the best food in the southeast, and being so close to the border of Louisiana, the food scene has some of the best Cajun food in Texas.
• DaddiO’s Burgers
Head to Daddios for a fabulous burger with fresh ingredients, including the bun! Ask for their homemade sauces too.
• Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp
A local favorite is Tia Juanita’s. Don’t be shy – ask the waiter what they recommend, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with any meal here. But you may have to ask them to repeat – unless you’re Cajun. Some do have an accent – which is so cool. I loved listening to her talk.
• Rao’s Bakery
Enjoy coffee and traditional bakery items at Rao’s. The perfect place to please your sweet tooth.
Be sure to google restaurants in Beaumont and see what comes up. You’ll be amazed!
Experience a new side of Texas in Beaumont! Are you looking for additional inspiration? See all Beaumont has to offer at the Beaumont Visitors Bureau.
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