Texas is the second largest state in the country by land area and population, according to the 2000 Census. It encompasses many large cities and a variety of beaches that are fun vacation destinations for kids of all ages. There is a diverse amount of attractions and things for families with children to do in the Lone Star State.
San Antonio is a vibrant city that offers a variety of things to do, from historical landmarks to theme parks. The most popular historical landmark is the Alamo, which is a historical monument marking the location of a famous battle. Located just feet from the Alamo is the famous San Antonio Riverwalk that has views of the San Antonio River along with a variety of restaurants and gift shops. SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas are the theme parks in San Antonio that offer rides, shows and entertainment that is suitable for kids of all ages. Other fun things for kids to do include the San Antonio Children's Museum, San Antonio Zoo and a variety of museums and parks.
Corpus Christi is a beach destination located in the southern part of Texas, offering several beaches and many kid-friendly attractions. The Corpus Christi Bay is the home of the historical vessel the U.S.S. Lexington, which is a World War II naval aircraft carrier. The Texas State Aquarium is located on Corpus Christi Beach and it houses a variety of sea life such as dolphins, sharks and many different species of fish. The Padre Island National Seashore is the world's biggest still-existing natural barrier island, covering 130,000 acres. Other attractions include the Corpus Christi Botanical Garden and the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
Galveston Island is a tourist island located off the northern part of the south coast of Texas, only 40 miles away from Houston. It includes 32 miles of beaches and attractions such as Moody Gardens, which spans over 242 acres and features three exploration pyramids: the Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Pyramid and Aquarium Pyramid. It also features a waterpark, IMAX theater and paddle boat rides. Schlitterbahn Waterpark is located next to Moody Gardens and features a wide variety of water rides and is open year-round. Maintained Victorian architecture is located throughout the city, including the 1895 Moody Mansion. The city also offers many different tours, such as Galveston Duck Tours and Painted Lady Tours.
