Texas with Kids

Established in 1955, the Amarillo Zoo sits on a 15-acre property inside Thompson Park. More than 80 species of animals live here, including lions, kangaroos, and Burmese pythons, and live animal shows and zookeeper talks are often held on weekends and during the summer. The best time to visit in is the morning, when the animals are at their most active, but you'll be able to spot plenty of animals no matter what the time of day. If you still have time after visiting the zoo, you can enjoy the trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds in the surrounding park.

700 Comanchero, Amarillo, TX 79107, Phone: 806-381-7911, Map

The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature was created to share and celebrate the best original artwork published in children's books, and it's a wonderful place for you and your kids to indulge in the world of fantasy and imagination. Each exhibit features a different artist, and they're rotated on a regular basis. During exhibit opening events, visitors can sometimes even meet the artists themselves and pick up a signed copy of their favorite book. Family art activities are held every Saturday afternoon, and a special Art Adventure is offered for preschoolers once a both. All art activities are free of charge.

National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St, Abilene, TX 79601, Phone: 325-673-4586

Operating out of the Main Street Station in the city of Texas, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers scenic passenger train rides on historic 1920s Victorian coaches. There are several train ride options to choose from; the Cotton Belt Route takes visitors on a 21-mile ride to the Fort Worth Stockyards and returns to Grapevine approximately two hours later, and from the Stockyards, there's an optional 45-minute loop that crosses over the Trinity River and through Trinity Park. On Saturdays, there's a one-hour loop train, and the railroad also offers a special Polar Bear Express ride during the Christmas season.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 707 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051, Phone: 817-410-3185

Home to more than 450 alligators and crocodiles, Gator Country is the biggest alligator sanctuary and adventure park in the southeast part of the state. Many of the animals have been rescued by the sanctuary's team of experts, and all visitors will have the opportunity for a unique hands-on experience and photo opportunity. Between March and September, there's also a special Adventure package that includes wading with the gators. If you book in advance, you can also take a boat tour through the swamp, where you'll spot a wide variety of birds and perhaps even a few alligators.

Gator Country, 21159 FM 365 Rd Beaumont, Texas 77705, Phone: 409-794-9453

Formerly known as the Fort Worth Children's Museum, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is an interactive museum geared primarily towards younger children. Some of the old museum has been preserved in a playful exhibit designed for kids 8 and younger, but there are plenty of other exhibits as well, including a dinosaur dig site and an exhibition hall dedicated to the cattle industry. The museum also boasts a planetarium and an eight-story IMAX theater, and tickets for these attractions can be purchased either on their own or as add-ons to the main museum exhibits.

1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, Phone: 817-255-9300, Map

One of the most unique petting zoos in Texas, the Franklin Drive Thru Safari is a 100-acre property filled with exotic animals like zebras, giraffes, and monkeys. Visitors are welcome to drive their own cars through the property, but if you want to learn more about the animals and how they're cared for, you can also book a private guided tour. Kids will also love hand feeding the animals, and feed can be purchased from the gift shop. For an extra-special experience, you can also pay to enter the baby animal room, where you can interact one-on-one with a variety of adorable animals.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari, 4324 W Hwy 79, Franklin, TX 77856, Phone: 979-828-5256

Housed inside an old fire station that was built in 1927, the Fire Museum of Texas is the state's official fire museum. The building is a beautiful example of Renaissance Revival architecture, but perhaps a more recognizable feature is the World's Largest Fire Hydrant standing outside. The exhibits trace the history of firefighting from the mid-1800s to the present day, and for many, the highlights of the collection are the 1856 firetrucks. Kids can kids can dress up like firefighters and sit behind the wheel of a real fire engine, and there's also a two-story playhouse designed for practicing fire escape plans.

Fire Museum of Texas, 400 Walnut St, Beaumont, TX 77701, Phone: 409-880-3927

Conveniently located only three miles outside the city, the Dallas Zoo boasts more than 100 acres for visitors to explore. There are approximately 2,000 individual animals representing more than 400 species, and whether you're interested in the wildlife of Africa, South America, or the Australian Outback, you'll find something here to tickle your fancy. Aside from spotting animals in the exhibits, all of which are designed to resemble natural habitats, visitors can feed giraffes and learn about animals from zoologists. When school isn't in session, the zoo also offers day camps for kids between Kindergarten and Grade 5.

650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, Phone: 469-554-7500, Map

Widely recognized as one of the country's best museums for kids, the Children’s Museum of Houston offers an excellent collection of fascinating exhibits and hands-on activities. Among other things, kids are invited to step inside a futuristic factory, explore an exciting child-sized town where kids call the shots, and tinker around in an inventor's workshop. A challenging obstacle course allows kids to exercise their bodies as well as their brains, and there's a special tots play area for kids up to 3 years of age. The museum is usually open Tuesday through Sunday, and free admission is offered for families on Thursday evenings.

1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004, Phone: 713-522-1138, Map

Dedicated to educating children about the natural and cultural history of the world we live in, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History can be found right on the waterfront in Corpus Christi. The exhibits have a special focus on the history of South Texas, and highlights include artifacts from a 1686 Spanish shipwreck, an exhibit about the geology of Texas, and a 5,000-square-foot science center filled with interactive exhibits. Day programs for homeschooled kids are offered on a monthly basis, and every second Sunday, the museum hosts an afternoon of hands-on activities designed for families.

1900 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, Phone: 361-826-4667, Map