Can't miss homeschooling field trips in Texas?

[Wabi Sabi]

We're headed to Texas! One of joys of homeschooling is that we can take extended trips without worrying about missing school.

 

We'll be staying with a close friend in Austin for a month and there are plenty of things there to keep us busy. I imagine we'll spend a couple days in San Antonio seeing the Alamo and going to Sea World (my mother is buying the kids tickets for Christmas.) We also want to drive down to Houston to visit a cousin for a few days. Otherwise our month is totally free.

 

We'll have a car and don't mind driving for a few hours for a special outing/overnight. Any suggestions of fabulous, can't-miss-it homeschooling excursions?

 

Oh, and FWIW, my kids are 4 and 7.

[GoVanGogh]

Field trips we have been on --

 

San Antonio:

San Antonio Zoo

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - very nice!

Alamo, plus IMAX show

Enchanted Rock (outside SA)

Natural Bridge Caverns - very nice!

 

If you go out to Enchanted Rock, Fredericksburg has some interesting (though small) museums.

 

 

Austin:

Austin Nature and Science Center (free!)

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Bob Bullock Museum - this was very good, but we went on the last day of a 10-day vacation - we were too spent to fully appreciate.

 

Houston:

Space Center/NASA

Houston Museum of Natural Science (very nice science museum, though $$, we thought)

Downtown Aquarium (It was good, but smaller than we anticipated.)

 

Misc:

Cave Without A Name (Boerne, TX) - very nice!

 

Ocean Star Oil Rig (Galveston) - DS loved this field trip

Blue Bell Creamery (factory tour, Brenham) - free sample at the end :D

Cameron Park Zoo (Waco, Texas)

Waco Mammoth Site (Waco, Texas)

Mayborn Museum (Waco, Texas – science/nature/history) - very nice science museum

[Unicorn.]

Drive over to Stonewall, and go to the Living History Museum at LBJ State Park. Your kids will love watching the blacksmith and the different steps in cheese making. Just down the road from there, in Fredericksburg, you can go to the National Museum of the Pacific War - (Nimitz Museum). I think they have some re-enactments going on in December. In Austin, go to the Bob Bullock Museum. Be sure to watch the film -seating is interactive.

[Mommyof4ks]

I don't think Galveston's Moody Gardens have been mentioned yet, but that is fun. There is a long ferry ride in Galveston too that is fun for the kids.

 

The Ft. Worth Zoo is amazing.

 

Spend a day in Fredericksburg if you can. There are many fun historical things there. There is a website that lists things, but I cannot find it at the moment.

 

Your friend probably has Austin planned out for you, and do take advantage of that. There are so many neat things to do there.

[Halftime Hope]

For your time in San Antonio, I would prioritize three things with littles:

 

1) Sea World - full day and evening, includes a water park. Buy souvenir towels. My kids still have theirs, and two are in college! : )

2) The Witte Museum (Huge, multi-story "tree house", live prairie dogs, lots of hands on activities) most of a day

3) the San Antonio Children's Museum half-day

 

At your kids age, I'd skip the Alamo, just walk past the front, unless you don't think you'll ever get back. Read some children's books on it before you go. The IMAX was good, but my littles tended to fall asleep in movies when we were going full-tilt on vacations.

 

If you take them to the River Walk, there is a nice daytime walk from the SE (?) end (near the convention center) that you can take without having to pay for anything. There is a hotel along the way that has an ooh-ahh, multistory lobby with escalators, glass elevators, water features, and wild glass/light art fixtures. Fun and free! (2+ hours walk, early morning is nice. I'd go before everyone is tired.) If you want to ride the River Walk boats, it's a nice evening activity; I'd start when it was still light so they can see the river and restaurants then plan the timing to be dark so they can enjoy the lights before the end of the boat ride.

 

In the Market Square, http://www.sanantonio.gov/marketsquare/pdf/Market%20Square%20Events.pdf sometimes you can see Charro exhibitions, the Mexican traditional horsemanship displays---wonderful for little eyes.

 

Finally, my kids loved the Spanish Missions drive, south of San Antonio. We stopped briefly to look in on the mission churches, but they really loved the working aquecias (aqueducts) and the drive-through-water-in-your-car (nail-biting for littles!) river crossings. It is scenic, wide open, relaxing, perfect for a packed picnic. I'd give that one a couple of hours.

 

BTW, the San Antonio Zoo is good, but the Fort Worth Zoo is phenomenal.

 

Don't know where you live, but if you are a boat loving family, when you are over in the Houston direction, it's worth a day trip to Galveston. There is a battleship (USS Texas) on the way, and the tall-ship Elissa (you can actually get on it and explore the cabins and holds) in Galveston. The museum next to the Elissa is quite good, lots of kid-level dioramas, and of all things, a breeches buoy. People swear by Gaido's restaurant, but we really liked their family-friendly cousin, Casey's Cafe. Fifteen years ago, if I could have perauded them to part with their honey pecan vinaigrette recipe, I could have died a happy woman. : ) But I digress. I've never been to Moody Gardens, so I can't speak to it. The Galveston Beach is not very impressive if you've been to beautiful beaches, but perhaps a walk out onto one of the fishing piers would be enough, without you're having to do the sand-in-the-pants routine.

 

In Fredericksburg, there are several great WWII museums, one on the Pacific War. Another is mostly an outdoor collection of vintage vehicles, tanks, half-tracks, artillery, etc. If any of that appeals, it is well done--they're not just parked in rows. For something really fun, the beer factory in town often has oompa band nights, but you'll have to plan your date. That is something my kids still talk and laugh about--considering that we are teetotalers, who would have guessed?!

 

Undoubtedly, your friend will take you to Barton Springs in Austin. If you enjoy the water and want something really relaxing with the kids, you could also go to New Braunfels, on a weekday, for a two hour tubing, float trip on the Comal. I'd go at noon on a warm day, so your littles don't get chilled. The water is a consistent, spring-fed 72 degrees year round. On the weekends, it's a mess with rowdy crrowd, although it wouldn't be as bad later in the fall. There are only two quick man-made chutes that give any zoom at all, no rapids, so it is perfect for your average littles.

Edited November 14, 2011 by Valerie(TX)

[jennsmile]

Glen Rose

Dinosaur footprints in the riverbed at state park

A Creation Museum

Dino world (touristy)

Drive through nature preserve (mommy brain is not working can't remember the name)

 

If you like Dr. Pepper head to Dublin and see the old 1930's bottling machine and drink Dublin Dr. Pepper made with real sugar.

 

If you have boys into the Army there are Museums on Fort Hood and displays of old tanks, helicopters, jeeps ect.

 

First 2 weekends in Dec head to Burnet for Mainstreet Bethlehem. Very fun and realistic.

[jennsmile]

Longhorn Caverns is also great. If you go during the weekday you might even end up on a private tour. Just be prepared to tip the tourguide. ;)

[vonfirmath]

Glen Rose

Dinosaur footprints in the riverbed at state park

A Creation Museum

Dino world (touristy)

Drive through nature preserve (mommy brain is not working can't remember the name)

 

If you like Dr. Pepper head to Dublin and see the old 1930's bottling machine and drink Dublin Dr. Pepper made with real sugar.

 

 

We went to the Creation Museum near Glen Rose this year over the July 4th weekend and were VERY disappointed. Its not worth the drive to get to it. There was nothing there I could not get out of a book, etc. And they were not set up for my son to be able to get anything out of the museum at all. (My son is 4). There were things to look at that he was too small to see. But the things that looked like they were set for a small one to be able to stand on had big "Do not Stand" labels on them! And everything was "Do Not Touch" with no effort to make the labels something a parent could read to a little one and the kid understand.

 

I have been looking forward to going to this museum for a long time and it was disappoint.

 

OTOH, the factory tour at Dublin, TX was FANTASTIC. It was worth the wait. (we had to stand in line to get entrance passes and then wait for the time on ours. The factory is small so a limited number of people can get in at a time) My 4 year old got a bit antsy at the end of the tour. But the factory part kept his interest and they were VERY accomodating to 4-year old inquisitiveness and questions!

 

Both are fairly far away from Austin though (and in the opposite direction from Houston)

 

I highly recommend the Blue Bell creamery as a place to visit

My other place to visit is Washington-on-the-Brazos

 

Everyone knows about the Alamo in Texas (which you can visit in San Antonio. It's walking distance from the Riverwalk)

 

Washington-on-the-Brazos is the reason WHY the Alamo was not a loss for Texas, but a victory. There's a museum there too. While the folks at the Alamo were dying to buy them the time to do it, there was a different set of folks signing the declaration of independence for Texas.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/washington_on_the_brazos/overview.phtml

 

There is also a Barrington Living History Farm there. Though I have not seen it.

 

Near Houston, you have the San Jacinto Monument -- http://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/ where the final Independence was won. Santa Anna surrendered here.

"As a result of the Battle of San Jacinto, almost a third of what is now the United States of America changed ownership."

 

You also have NASA in Houston, of course. And the Battleship Texas. I remember this tour as being a lot of fun. (This is evidently near the San Jacinto Monument: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/houston/A28374.html )

Edited November 14, 2011 by vonfirmath

[Swimtaxi234]

While we were in Austin for a large family gathering, we drove down to Gruene ("green"). We spent hours walking around the charming little town.

 

On another day, we toured the Missions south of San Antonio and really enjoyed that. http://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/index.htm. It looks like one of the Churches is closed, but you could still visit the mission and see the grounds.

[chiguirre]

I'll add in the Houston Children's Museum (free Thursday evenings) and the Houston Zoo (free first Tuesday after 2). There's also the Health Museum (free Tuesdays after 2). Those are all fun for kids. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston has kid friendly activities sometimes, check their website for their schedule, it's free on Thursdays. Oh! They have a King Tut exhibit now. It's pricey so I've been waiting for a deal, but I'd do that while you're here.

 

For a completely fun outing, I'd go to the Kemah boardwalk if the weather is warm.

 

Outside of Houston, I'd visit Washington on the Brazos. You won't be here for the homeschool day on the homestead, but it's still worth a visit. You can combine it with the Brenham Bluebell factory tour, they're fairly close.

[Ellie]

Inner Space Cavern, which are in Georgetown (just north of Austin on I-35).

 

Texas State's Aquarena. The glass-bottom boats are fun. Aquarena is also right off I-35, south of Austin in San Marcos.

 

We did Inner Space Cavern and Aquarena in the same day. :-)

 

If you go to the Alamo, you should park in the garage at the RiverWalk Mall. Parking is the pits--hard to find, no directional signs leading you back to the Alamo or Riverwalk if you park in one of the parking lots, and then you still have to walk back. :ack2: Park in the garage; you walk outside of it over to the Alamo, and then back to the Riverwalk itself. Just remember where you parked, lol.

[GoVanGogh]

Re: The suggestions of the Fort Worth Zoo.

FW is a day drive from Austin. If you are interested in visiting other things in the D/FW area, go to the zoo. But I wouldn't drive all that way with two young children *just* for the zoo. Nor would I make the drive up for Glen Rose (either the wildlife park or state park), when you have Natural Bridge Wildlife Park so close to Austin. If you are interested in hiking/nature, SA and Austin are going to have better options.

Just my own personal opinion here, but the FW zoo isn't all that. If you are familiar with the Omaha, Kansas City or Memphis zoo, you would be sorely disappointed with FW. It really is a shame that D/FW has two "meh" zoos instead of one stellar zoo. If only they could combine forces...

If you are going to Houston already, though, their zoo is worth a visit.

 

Houston used to offer a discount ticket pack, that gets you in to many of the tourist locations. If you are spending more than a few days there, you might want to check into that.

 

Kemah boardwalk was mentioned. It is fun! And it is near NASA, so you can visit NASA, then hit the boardwalk for supper.

 

At your kids age, I'd skip the Alamo, just walk past the front, unless you don't think you'll ever get back. Read some children's books on it before you go. The IMAX was good, but my littles tended to fall asleep in movies when we were going full-tilt on vacations.

We took DS to the Alamo when he was seven and he enjoyed it and remembers it, but we did read several books in advance so he was prepped. I missed that your youngest is four. I wouldn't do the IMAX then, as it is rather realistic.

[Chelli]

The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi was my dd's most favorite field trip we've ever taken. It was really neat!

 

Edit: I also second the Houston Zoo. It's really good.

[Lacie]

Austin

• Bats under the Congress Ave Bridge
  
• Treaty Oak
  
• Zilker Park
  
• Barton Springs Pool
  
• Mt Bonnell
  
• Capitol Building and Grounds
  
  • My kids are 6 and 4 now, we went last year and they loved it
    

  [*]Nature and Science Center

  [*]Botanical Garden

  [*]Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum

  [*]Zilker minature train

  [*]Texas State Cemetery (they have some great statues and a 9/11 memorial)

I will post again if I come up with any more. There are other places to visit, but they would be better for older kids (imo - traditional Museums). If you have any questions about it just pm me, I grew up in Austin.

[arghmatey]

Houston:

 

Dewberry Farm (try to tag along with a field trip during the week when everything other than admission and lunch is free)

Mercer Arboretum (always free and gorgeous)

Renaissance Festival (expensive but fun if that's your cuppa)

[i.love.lucy]

Easy to get to from Austin without an overnight is the Waco area for the zoo and the Mayborn Museum. You could do both in one day if you have a lot of stamina. My kids LOVE the Mayborn and there is a really cool Mammoth exhibit there.

 

San Antonio is also a day trip, but since there is so much to do there I would plan a few days. My kids loved the missions, but were kind of "meh" on the Riverwalk. Maybe if they had been able to ride the boats. We did visit Natural Bridge Cavern and loved it (wear good walking shoes like tennies). The zoo is really nice, and of course there is Sea World.

 

We had a great little getaway to Fort Worth last year. We went to the stockyards and visited the Natural History and Science Museum there. It was very nice.

 

Many people have listed nice things to do in Austin. I will just add Camp Mabry if you have kids interested in military stuff. They have a great Texas Military Museum there with tons of aircraft, tanks, uniforms, guns, etc. All housed in a really cool original building. Did I mention it's FREE?:D

[AnnaM]

I second the Witte Museum. Also if you drive through Dallas we have the 6th floor museum, Dallas aquarium and the Science place.

[Lymeade Mom]

Glen Rose

 

If you like Dr. Pepper head to Dublin and see the old 1930's bottling machine and drink Dublin Dr. Pepper made with real sugar.

 

 

I would say if you like Dr. Pepper, try the Dr. Pepper museum in Waco. Not as good as the Mayborn Museum in Waco (half of which is an amazing children's museum), but very cool--Dr. Pepper was started in Waco and it's the original building, plus has other cool stuff on economics, etc. in a kid's section. I'd do that before the Cameron Park Zoo. Austin is a very nice place to visit.

 

Enchanted Rock is a cool place near Fredricksburg, but don't know if the walking would be good with a 4yo.

 

Don't remember if anyone said Innerspace Caverns--nice cave field trip.