Summer is the perfect time for my two favorite words—road trip! There are a host of Insta-worthy destinations just a day’s drive from Houston with more to do than you may think. So, grab some snacks, the sunscreen, your favorite playlist, and let’s hit the road for one or more day trips!
Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect for any of these day trips, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them.
Austin, TX – 165 miles
I prefer to take my time in the music capital so I might stay the weekend, but if you feel like hopping on back, definitely a day trip option!
- Answer the call of the {rescued} wild at the Austin Zoo.
- The Austin Aquarium is a landmark you’ll have to “sea” to believe.
- Hike and bike at the picturesque Zilker Park.
- You’ll go absolutely batty for the Austin Bat Cave.
- Discover your inner explorer at the Austin Nature & Science Center.
Brenham, TX – 76 miles
While they may be famous for housing a certain delicious sugary confection, day trips to Brenham have more to offer in the down-home fun department!
- Chill out and dish up your fave flavors with a Blue Bell Creamery Tour.
- Mine for treasure in Lucky Gulch or launch a water war at Horseshoe Junction.
- Lake Somerville boasts a beach area with swimming, two playgrounds, marina fishing, and even a pavilion.
- Learn how to milk a cow and tour the farm at Jersey Barnyard.
- Texas Cotton Gin Museum features the oldest operating cotton gin in America!
Conroe, TX – 42 miles
Our neighbor right up the road has a lot to offer, from black light mini golf to splash-a-rrific aquatic center!
- From a petting zoo to a giant sandbox, you’ll find lots of farm fun at 7 Acre Woods.
- Splash in the Conroe Aquatic Center at Candy Cane Park.
- Time to Spare Entertainment offers bowling, go-karts, an arcade, and more!
- Pack your fishing pole and a picnic for fun at Lake Conroe Park.
- Sink a psychedelic hole-in-one at Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf.
Galveston Island, TX – 56 miles
The island offers its fair share of water activities and museums, not to mention the best taffy pull in Texas!
- A family favorite, Moody Gardens offers every environment from the beach to the rainforest.
- Pleasure Pier is a dock full of carnival fare, thrill rides, and ocean views.
- Tinker, discover, paint, and build at the Galveston Children’s Museum.
- Sail away to Sea Star Base for an interactive and learning experience on the Gulf.
- Take a guided tour of the bay while catching a glimpse of friendly dolphins with Baywatch Dolphin Tours.
- On the way out to Galveston, why not take a quick detour into Alvin and Pearland or visit Lago Mar for a quick swim?
For even more ideas of what to do in Galveston, check out Know Before You Go: Galveston Edition.
Kemah, TX – 34 miles
Our own version of Coney Island, Kemah is a great spot for a quick day trip getaway and has something for everyone.
- Dining, shopping, and entertainment—Kemah Boardwalk has it all!
- Get up close and personal with nature at Stingray Reef – Kipp Ave.
- Sailaway Clear Lake Charters will give you access to the open sea.
- Boardwalk Beast is open daily for rides, night excursions, and lunchtime packages.
New Braunfels, TX – 175 miles
They may be known for the hottest, coolest time in Texas, but there’s more fun to be had during day trips to this German town! {After all of that water and sun I prefer to spend the night, but that’s just me.}
- Slither on over to Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo to see some creepy crawly things.
- See model trains {and real ones} on a new level for FREE at the New Braunfels Railroad Museum.
- Learn to snowboard, wakeboard, wakesurf, or skateboard at Texas Ski Ranch.
- Get ready for tons of hands-on fun at the McKenna Children’s Museum!
- And just because it’s hot and you need a waterpark— Schlitterbahn!
San Antonio, TX – 197 miles
With a host of theme parks and the bustling Riverwalk, it’s easy to plan a fiesta in San Antonio!
- Become besties with Shamu and high-five a seal at SeaWorld San Antonio.
- Goliath, Batman, Boomerang—they’re all waiting for you at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
- Morgan’s Wonderland is a theme park for children of all ages and abilities. {Built with his special needs daughter in mind.}
- There’s plenty to see, taste, and do at the River Walk, but wear comfy shoes!
- Have breakfast with giraffes or go behind the scenes with hippos at the San Antonio Zoo.
Wimberley, TX – 182 miles
A quiet spot tucked away in the Texas hill country, Wimberley is an ideal destination for nature-loving families who love day trips.
- Blue Hole Regional Park features 126 acres of fun, but make sure you swim in its namesake.
- Get a bird’s eye view of the rolling landscape at Wimberley Zipline Adventures.
- Jacob’s Well, an artesian spring, is a cool 68 degrees and equally pristine.
- Old Baldy is popular among rock climbing enthusiasts and offers a stellar lookout spot.
Day Trips to Texas State Parks
While you’re packing the picnic basket for your day trips, don’t forget your scenic state parks and other nature adventures!
- Brazos Bend State Park
- Creole Nature Trail
- Galveston Island State Park
- Goose Island State Park
- Lake Livingston State Park
- Sam Houston National Forest
- Village Creek State Park
And the Bay Area offers some fun parks to check out when your children are in desperate need to blowing off some steam!
Are there any other Houston day trips worth the drive from the city?
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