Things To Do in Texas With Teenagers

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Whether you live in the Lone Star State or just visiting with family, you’ll probably need a list of the top things to do in Texas with teenagers.

Depending on your budget and interests, there are plenty of things to do in Texas with teens, from intense physical activities to a calm bus tour.

NEW BRAUNFELS TX – MAY 2009 Several people flowing down the Guadalupe River known for its large increased visitor traffic for the summer time. Tubers where taken on May 30th 2009 in New Braunfels - Texas View

Best Things To Do in Texas With Teenagers

Teenagers in Texas might enjoy gaming experiences, shopping, NFL events, or even natural scenery. Spicing the outing with an educational site is also a valid option.

Let’s jump right in with seven teenager-suitable activities to try in Texas:

1. Get Some Adrenaline Pumping

Nothing will make a trip memorable like adrenaline pumping through your veins, and thankfully, there are a lot of opportunities to get that rush in Texas.

Six Flags is an honorable mention and a quite obvious choice, too. However, you can look into any of these fun activities and see which sparks your teen’s interest:

  • Playing a game of Block Smash Mania at the Electric Gamebox in Dallas
  • Trying your luck at any of Texas’s many escape rooms
  • Taking on a nerf gun battle (available all over the state)
  • Going for a Go-Kart race at any of K1’s locations (Arlington, Austin, San Antonio)
  • Testing your reflexes in a game of laser tag at Battlefield Houston
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2. Try River Tubing

If you find yourself and your teen around New Braunfels, it might be worthwhile to check out river tubing together. It’s exactly what it sounds like — just laying in a huge floaty and drifting down the river peacefully.

On the plus side, it’s a great way to cool down, chill, and enjoy some music without putting much physical effort.

The only downside here is that it’ll mainly be packed with people during the summer season’s peak.

Tubing down the Comal River In New Braunfels, Texas

3. Look for an Educational Fun Time

It never hurts to try and slip some educational value into a fun trip with teenagers. There are a few entraining but highly informational activities to consider, but most will require tickets.

  • Explore the Space Center (for the STEM-inspired teenagers!)
  • Go back in time with a tour of the Sixth Floor Museum
  • Gaze in awe at the marine life inside the Dallas World Aquarium
  • Walk down the Houston Museum of Natural Science

4. Go Shopping

Some might say it’s a cop-out just to hit the mall when there’s so much to do outside, but if it keeps your teenager happy, so be it!

While Texas has some great shopping centers, like the Galleria, you can opt for a more culturally immersive experience. For instance, stroll down the Historic Market Square or Waco’s Downtown farmer’s market.

5. Enjoy the Nature

Taking a step back from video gaming, malls, and museums, you’ll never run out of marvelous scenery to enjoy in the Lone Star State.

For one, the Big Bend National Park can fill the entire day with kayaking, hiking, and sweet campfire gossip. However, you might want to book when it’s not too hot outside unless you want to risk a sunburn under the scorching Texas sun!

On the other hand, the Silver Spur Guest Ranch in Bandera might be a good spot to visit if your teen is into riding horses.

You can check out the Discovery Gardens in Dallas if you’re looking for nature exploration. It’ll cover your trip with botanics, butterflies, and exotic snakes!

6. Spend the Day Cheering the Dallas Cowboys

With the AT&T Stadium at the heart of Texas, it’s tempting to get some season tickets and treat your teenager to an NFL game. Alternatively, you can just get a tour of the stadium if there are no events you like that day.

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Since no outing is complete without grabbing a bite to eat, don’t forget to wrap up the day with a grilled steak, Texas-style!

7. Hop-On a Bus Tour

If all else is out of the question, a double-decker bus ride in Austin or Houston doesn’t sound too bad for a tourist with a teenager or two. It’s easy to book, affordable and requires no special effort.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman in NFL Action during the 1990s - Texas View

Top 5 Tips for an Outing With a Teen in Texas

Once you have your eyes set on the activity for the day, keeping a few tips and tricks up your sleeve might be helpful.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Keep some sunscreen in your bag for daytime activities. With one of the highest average UV indexes nationwide, you’ll need it more than anything else!
  2. Download or buy a little book to keep you entertained while your teenagers do their thing.
  3. To avoid going over budget, contact the places beforehand to ask about tickets, hours, and price ranges.
  4. Make a list of the 12 travel information centers all over Texas. Find the one nearest to the places you’re going and look into the services they offer.
  5. Take a bunch of photos for keepsake.

Things To Do in Texas With Teenagers: FAQs

Do you have to spend a lot on an outing in Texas?

A: No, you don’t necessarily need to splurge to have fun with your teens in the Lone Star State. Some activities are more expensive, but you can always look for affordable options like bus tours and museums.

Are all beaches in Texas G-rated?

If you decide to hit the waves for your outing, you won’t have trouble finding a family-friendly beach. On the other hand, swimming holes and springs can be more suitable for a romantic getaway than a day out with your teenager kid.

When is the best time for a visit to Texas?

March and April seem to work best for a lot of different reasons. For one, it’s not as hot as the peak summertime. Plus, the state won’t be overcrowded with wintering visitors anymore.

References

Author Profile

Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.

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