Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for some unique ideas for family-friendly fun in Texas, we’ve got them. From two-stepping your way across Gruene Hall (yes, kids are welcome!) to taking in trees-turned-works-of-art in Galveston, there’s a little something for everyone across the Lone Star State.
Gruene: Hit the dance floor at Gruene Hall
Little Gruene, located between Austin and San Antonio, has become a tourist darling in recent years thanks to its penchant for “gently resisting change,” and the heartbeat of this town is Gruene Hall. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is the state’s oldest continually operating dancehall and features live music every day. Check out the online calendar to plan your visit around a big-name act such as Gary Clark Jr., or simply show up any afternoon and enjoy a beverage and a breeze — and fabulous music — at one of the outdoor picnic tables. https://gruenehall.com/
Gruene Hall is a can’t-miss destination between Austin and San Antonio. Contributed
Galveston: Take a tree sculpture tour
From the tranquil beaches to bustling Pleasure Pier, Galveston is a no-brainer when it comes to spring break fun. And for a free activity that seamlessly blends history and art, look no further than a self-guided tree sculpture tour. You see, Galveston has seen its share of devastation thanks to hurricanes that frequently ravage its shores, but rather than lamenting their losses, a group of homeowners joined together to create incredible tree sculptures out of that devastation. You can view the sculptures, which incorporate themes including mermaids, dolphins, and even SpongeBob SquarePants, across the island, with many being centered in the city’s East End Historic District. https://www.Galveston.com/treesculpturetour
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Dallas: Go swimming on the edge at The Joule
It’s easy to feel right at home at The Joule, a stunning downtown Dallas hotel that proves that it’s possible to be both chic and family-friendly. Walking through the lobby and hallways feels like visiting an approachable yet beautiful museum thanks to the prized pieces from proprietor Tim Headington that are showcased throughout the building. Perhaps no piece is more spectacular, however, than Tony Tasset’s 30-foot-tall sculpture, “Eye,” which is made out of fiberglass, resin and steel and crafted to look like, well, the artist’s own eye. One excellent place to view “Eye,” which sits along Dallas’ Main Street on Joule property, is the hotel’s pool, which functions as a piece of art in its own rite. Located on the 10th floor, the 8-foot cantilevered pool juts out over Main Street below, giving visitors the sensation of swimming over the hotel’s edge. https://www.thejouledallas.com/
The Joule is a stunning, art-filled hotel on Dallas’ Main Street. Contributed by The Joule
Port Aransas: Learn how to build the perfect sandcastle
Port Aransas is famous for its sandcastles – there’s even a festival called Texas SandFest that draws visitors from all over the world (this year it will be held April 17-19). But you can actually learn to build a sandcastle any time of year thanks to Mark Landrum, aka “the Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy.” With the help of buckets, shovels and carving tools, Landrum will guide adults and kids alike through a 45-minute lesson that incorporates essential skills such as how to stack the sand at the base of your castle and how to carve a staircase. https://sandrum.com
RELATED: Lessons in life and death on the beach in Port Aransas
Fort Worth: Visit the “world’s largest honky tonk”
Fort Worth is always a good idea. And so is Billy Bob’s Texas. Set in the heart of Fort Worth’s famed Stockyards, a historic district known for its live music, rodeos, nightlife and a free, twice-daily cattle drive, Billy Bob’s draws visitors of all ages from across the world eager to take in the self-proclaimed “world’s largest honky tonk.” Built in 1910 and formerly an open-air barn used to house prize cattle for the Fort Worth Stock Show, Billy Bob’s now spans 100,000 square feet and has a capacity of more than 6,000. Seeing a concert here, as I did with my teenage daughter earlier this year, is an unforgettable experience. https://www.fortworth.com/
Mirielle Badgley-Finan and Kristin Finan at Jordan Davis’ show at Billy Bob’s Texas in March. Kristin Finan photo
Amarillo: Make your mark at Cadillac Ranch
The sight of 10 brightly painted Cadillacs spiking out of the ground is fascinating enough, but you can also grab a spray paint can and leave your own mark on this Amarillo art installation, which has been stopping traffic since 1974. While you’re in town – even if you’re just pit-stopping on the way to Colorado – see if you can complete the 72-ounce steak challenge at Big Texan Steak Ranch. If you can eat the whole 72-ounce steak, you get it free. https://www.visitamarillo.com
Corpus Christi: Salute the flagship Whataburger
Yes, there’s a flagship Whataburger located in Corpus Christi. Yes, it has an elevator. And yes, it has oceanfront views. This two-story tribute to Texas’ favorite burger chain – and its founder, Harmon Dobson – sits right along the water in downtown Corpus Christi, not far from another must-see attraction: the Mirador de la Flor statue, which honors Tejano music queen Selena Quintanilla-Perez. https://www.visitcorpuschristitx.org
Houston: Wander through the Beer Can House
When people talk about Houston’s art scene, that talk isn’t just limited to museums – there’s also a quirky, experimental and unexpected vibe here that surprises you when you least expect it. Case in point: the Beer Can House. Started one drink at a time in 1968 by John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Beer Can House is now adorned with an estimated 50,000 beer cans and stands as a monument to recycling. It’s open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is free. https://www.orangeshow.org/beer-can-house
The Beer Can House is an institution in Houston. Contributed
Sugar Land: Zip your way across Brazos River Park
Located about a half-hour from downtown Houston, Sugar Land served as the site of major U.S. sugar producer Imperial Sugar’s headquarters from 1843 to 2003, when the refinery shuttered its doors. These days, the city has garnered a sweet reputation for being among the most diverse cities in the nation and frequently finds itself on the top of nationwide rankings. One idyllic way to experience Sugar Land is to see it from the sky during a zip line tour with Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park, a 19-acre tree-top adventure facility complete with zip lines, climbing nets, and a tree canopy rope course that’s located within the beautifully green Brazos River Park. https://www.goape.com/location/texas-houston/
Marfa: View the mysterious lights
Are they ghost lights or simply the atmospheric reflections of cars and campfires? To visit Marfa and take in the mysterious Marfa Lights is to join an ongoing conversation about what makes blue, red and white orbs appear randomly each night – regardless of the weather – in this West Texas town. https://visitmarfa.com/mystery
San Antonio: See a show at the Majestic Theatre
No matter whether you’re seeing a concert, a theater production, or stand-up comedy, any entertainment experience is made richer when it’s set in the Majestic Theatre. San Antonio’s oldest and largest atmospheric theater, the Majestic was designed by architect John Eberson for Karl Hoblitzelle’s Interstate Theatres in 1929. The theater’s intimate set-up – there are only 2,264 seats – ensures that there’s not a bad view in the house. Recent shows have included Counting Crows, Louis CK, Journey, and Gabby’s Dollhouse. The venue also offers historic tours throughout the year. https://www.majesticempire.com/
Waco: Float on at the Dr Pepper Museum
Waco has experienced a renaissance in recent years (thanks, Chip and Joanna Gaines!) but it’s also home to many classic attractions that have been courting visitors for decades. Perhaps the greatest example of this is the Dr Pepper Museum, where you can learn all about the state’s beloved soft drink, sample an original Dr Pepper Float or even make your own soda. http://www.drpeppermuseum.com
