Skip to main content

5 great day trip ideas for fall in Texas

If visiting Texas in the triple-digit weather in the summer doesn’t appeal to you – we feel you. But in the fall, temperatures reach a modest enough number that you can get out and see some great sites. Like with any state, all of the festivals and attractions ramp up in the fall, giving you plenty to do.

Known for hot weather and BBQ that won’t stay on the bone, Texas also offers plenty of amazing things to do as a family during the fall as well. If you have a day you need to fill, we have the plans set up for you. Here are some family-friendly day trip ideas in Texas that will keep everyone happy.

Parents walking down a scenic street holding their child.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Get medieval in Todd Mission

If you want to get out of the hustle of Houston, a bit of a drive north and slightly west will take you to Todd Mission. There, you’ll find a most magical place for the whole family to have an enchanted time. The Texas Renaissance Festival is the place to be. Get into character and dress up or come as you are. But try all of the food and watch all of the entertainment.

Starting in October and going through November for 2021, the whole family can enjoy the festival. It will take up an entire day so you won’t have to plan anything else. There’s a whole section on their website about kids 12 and under and what to do, so you really don’t have to think about how to keep the kids busy at all.

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg

Making a triangle with Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg offers a little bit of German heritage. Texas is actually full of it. Though the whole state boasts some pretty awesome Oktoberfests, this is the largest one.

If you’ve been to any Oktoberfest, you know there is plenty for everyone to do. This one has a special kid’s area and tons of family-friendly fun. Kids 6 and under are free and kids 7 to 12 are only $1. Add in all of the delicious food (oh, the German sausages and pretzels) and the music, and the day will be over before you realize it.

Rollercoasters in San Antonio

If your family loves theme parks, then check out the Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. Theme parks are a great way to keep the whole family entertained, spend an entire day having fun, and not have to plan anything else out.

From kids rides to family rides to the more thrilling rides if you have older kids, there is a good time for everyone. There are also live shows and other events happening all of the time, so check their calendar before you plan your trip. It will be impossible to not have fun at Six Flags.

A family taking a walk on a sunny day.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Get outside indoors in Grand Prairie

If your family wants to enjoy the water but also wants to stay inside, then you need to take them to Grand Prairie. Right next door to Dallas, the Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark will give you a whole day of splash-tastic good times without having to worry about reapplying sunscreen. If you want to get some water fun in but stay out of the heat, this is a great spot.

If you need a break from all of the water, walk on over to the restaurants and grab something to eat. You can also let your kids have fun in the arcade. Let’s face it, the parents will have just as much fun in there, too. That’s plenty to last a whole day.

Color in Plano

Kids love to color. Adults love all kinds of adult coloring books. Combine everyone’s love of coloring and visit the Crayola Experience. North and a bit east of Dallas, this is an experience that kids of all ages and grown-ups can enjoy.

From making your own crayons to buying specialty items in the Crayola store to making your own art to so many play areas, you’ll need a full day to check everything out. When the kids need a little snack, there’s an on-site cafe to grab a treat. You’ll have trouble fitting all 22 attractions into only one day, but the whole family will have a blast trying.

Whether your family is into theme parks, festivals, or some of the most fun indoor experiences, you can find it all in Texas. They say everything is big there, and the fun times and family-friendly days are no exception.

Combine southern hospitality and these Texas day trips for families to have an amazing time that won’t have anyone checking phones. The weather will be cooled off enough that sunburn and sweating into your eyes won’t be an issue. We can’t wait for all of the beautiful memories your family will make doing any of these awesome experiences.

Editors' Recommendations

Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
Baby play mat ins and outs: What age you should get one and the benefits for baby’s development
Play mats are fun for babies of all ages
Smiling baby on colorful play mat

Play mats are a must-have item for many babies because they can provide endless fun and stimulation for your little one, not to mention allowing them to play on their own. A play mat gives your child a comfortable spot where they can play on their back or their tummy and practice rolling over. It's also a nice place where baby's classic toys are within easy reach for your mini human. 

One benefit a play mat offers is encouragement for your little one to interact with their surroundings. Plus, baby play mats give a fun opportunity for your little one to reach developmental milestones and build the muscles they need to sit up and crawl. If you haven't grabbed one for your tiny tot yet, you'll want to after we tell you all about these fun baby play mats. 

Read more
4-year-old birthday party ideas: 7 low-stress themes your child will love
Throw a preschool party that rocks with these 4-year-old birthday party themes
Boy is excited for his fourth birthday

Congratulations! Your little one is turning 4. This is such an exciting age and so much fun to plan an exciting birthday celebration for. Preschoolers are curious, have a great deal of energy, and love to play. When putting together a fabulous fourth birthday party, you'll need to have an engaging theme, but you also don’t want to overload yourself with added stress. Thankfully, soon-to-be 4-year-olds have a wealth of interests to choose an inviting theme from.

Whether you're hosting at home or holding the party at a venue, the theme sets the tone for the party’s decor, cake, and goodie bags. To avoid giving yourself extra anxiety, pick a theme that’s easy to implement, easy on the budget, and of course, one that kids will be excited about. There are quite a few 4-year-old birthday party ideas that are super fun for the kiddos and low-stress for you.

Read more
Experts explain why kids watching YouTube isn’t a good idea
You'll want to rethink screen time after you know what experts say about kids watching YouTube
Young boy on an iPad.

You have things to get done around the house. But a small person who says they're bored is keeping you from making progress on your to-do list. And so, you do what many parents do in this stretched-thin situation: You turn on the television, hand over a cellphone, or put on YouTube. (Hey, no judgment; we have all been there, done that!) But is letting kids watch YouTube doing more harm than good?

Screens can be "addictive," as noted by Dr. David Greenfield, founder and clinical director of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. He explains that they have a dopamine-producing effect, and many realistic pediatric experts agree that, while screens are a part of our modern lifestyle, moderation should be enforced and limitations be set. Parents need to learn why they should be mindful of children watching YouTube and how to lay down the screen time law at home. We'll share some tips and words of wisdom from experts in the know.

Read more