Vacations for Kids in Northeast Texas

Northeast Texas is a vacation destination that has plenty to offer families. Historic railroads, state parks, museums, fish hatcheries and wildlife viewing opportunities are abound. This makes a northeast Texas vacation enjoyable for people of all ages.

  1. Texas State Railroad

    • The Texas State Railroad is a historic railroad that operates in the piney woods of east Texas. The railroad was built by inmates in the Texas prison system in 1881 and stretches 25 miles from Rusk to Palestine. The railroad provides a historic feel with its trains that are still powered by steam. A variety of scenery and wildlife can be seen from the train, and each train depot serves as a museum with rich railroad history and artifacts. While on the train, the conductor can also provide information on historic sites along the railroad.

    State Parks

    • With 13 Texas state parks located in northeast Texas, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Families can go boating, fishing, hiking or swimming at these parks. They offer camping opportunities via traditional campsites, RV hookups and cabins. Texas state parks also offer the Texas Junior Ranger Explorer Program. Kids ages 7 to 9 can order their very own nature explorer pack that includes binoculars, a magnifying glass, animal tracking key, sketchbook, pencil, crayons and watercolors, and colorful guides to identify the flowers, birds, butterflies, trees, rocks, wildlife and plants.

    Children's Museum

    • The Northeast Texas Children's Museum is located in the Watson Center building of Texas A & M University in Commerce. The museum features a variety of exhibits that cater to a child's imagination and provide educational opportunities. Children can pretend they work in a variety of professions, including paleontologist in the dinosaur dig site, pilot in the model airplane, astronaut taking flight in the space shuttle exhibit or doctor treating patients in the medical plaza. There is a bubble room and tiny tots learning center for even the smallest of children. For the natural performer, a puppet theater and live stage provide opportunities for your little one to perform in front of an audience.

    Zoos and Aquariums

    • Northeast Texas is home to the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari, the Caldwell Zoo and the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is a self-guided tour located on a 300-acre preserve. Two dozen different species are located throughout the tour, including alligators, elk, camels and kangaroos. You can feed and view the animals from the comfort of your own car. The Caldwell Zoo is located in Tyler. It houses more than 2,000 animals and plenty of educational opportunities for the whole family. The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is an aquarium, hatchery and education center, all in one. View native Texas fish in one of the over 300,000 gallons worth of exhibits or stop by and see a real fish hatchery in motion.

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