It’s time to dust off the sun hat, break out the road atlas and crank up “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham. Corral the family or friends into the 1983 Ford Wagon Queen Family Truckster and take a trip beyond the Brazos Valley no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Our team has put together a list of locations both far and near to ensure you can have the summer vacation of your dreams.
Millennial's Day Off
All work and no play makes for a dull day. For the young and adventurous with some money burning a hole in their pocket who want to get out and do something this summer with their friends the Insite editorial staff presents three day-trip ideas that’ll make even Ferris blush.
Austin FC – Austin
Baseball may be America’s pastime, but soccer is the world’s sport. Austin FC is the premier MLS team in the Lone Star State. Q2 Stadium sits on the northern edge of Downtown Austin making it a quick drive for any resident of the Brazos Valley. Q2 Stadium is even surrounded by local breweries and restaurants making it easy for visitors to grab a drink or bite to eat before heading to the pitch.
For fans that want the most involved game day experience possible, make sure to sit with the supporters section, where fans wave banners and get loud and rowdy.
To start planning your trip to Q2 visit austinfc.com/ schedule/#competition=all&date=2024-03-30 to see the club’s full schedule and to purchase tickets.
Houston Astros – Houston
Hotdogs and foul balls have been summer staples of Houston since 1962 when the Colt .45s moved into town. The team moved into the then 8th wonder of the world, the Astrodome, and became the modern tequila sunrise baseball team and the beating heart of Houston sports.
Sharing a soft pretzel with friends and cracking jokes, while watching the boys crack bats is a perfect way for young adults with some disposable income to spend a summer day. With Minute Maid Park’s retractable roof, fans know that they will be comfortable regardless of rain or excessive shine.
To start planning your trip to Minute Maid visit mlb.com/astros/ schedule/2024-03 to find a home game that works best for your friend group and purchase tickets.
Billy Bob’s – DFW
Dust off the dancing boots and pull out the Stetson; it’s time to experience the bygone era of the Urban Cowboy at Billy Bob’s. Hosting performers that have gone down in the history of country music, the iconic venue features concrete hand impressions and memorabilia featuring Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Alabama and ZZ Top. Billy Bob’s second most famous attraction, only behind its musicians, is its dirt arena featuring live bull-riding every Friday and Saturday.
Billy Bob’s will be hosting Ashley McBride on May 3, Roger Creager on May 31 and Midland on June 21 and 22. This bastion of Texas culture has been a national landmark for over 40 years. Billy Bob’s even features pool tables, dancing lessons and an indoor volleyball arena alongside its full-service bars and restaurant.
Visit billybobstexas.com to find out more about what’s going down at Billy Bob’s this summer.
A Chipmunk Adventure
There are 104 days of summer vacation and keeping the kids entertained for that long is a tall order. Wrangle Alvin and the gang into the car to take a break from TV, video games and phones. These day-trip ideas are a surefire way to keep the kiddos engaged, body and mind, even when school is out.
Sloomoo Institute – Houston
It’s time to get ooey and gooey at the SlooMoo Institute. This interactive slime museum is a sensory paradise allowing youngsters and adults alike to indulge in 100s of different textures, colors and scent combinations. Walk across Lake Sloomoo between experiencing the many slime vats. Take a look through slimey mirrors and see slimy versions of yourself reflected back. Every ticket includes the opportunity to create a custom slime using the institute’s 150-foot slime bar. For a few dollars more, visitors can get the ooziest experience and have the opportunity to get slimed themselves with ponchos provided by the SlooMoo Institute.
Visit sloomooinstitute.com to find out more and to purchase tickets or to schedule a private event or room at the institute.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Austin
Frolic through 284 acres of native Texas plant life at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Families can visit the Central Complex to see the view from the top of the sandstone observation tower, stroll through the entrance garden, visit the art gallery or grab lunch at the Wildflower Café. For those that aren’t afraid of a hike, take a long walk through the Texas Arboretum, a one-mile loop under the boughs of native Texas oak and pecan trees with swings scattered throughout to play on.
Learn about land management and controlled burns on the Hill Country Trails or learn about the local aquafer while walking through the Savanna Meadow. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center hosts weekly events in addition to its regular gardens, educational exhibits and hiking trails. The gardens are open seven days a week.
Visit wildflower.org to learn more and purchase tickets in advance.
Dinosaur Valley State Park – DFW
Step into the past when giants roamed the Earth at Dinosaur Valley State Park. This park is a perfect way to get the kids outside and engaged with nature and history. The namesake of the park is the dinosaur footprints that line the riverbed that junior rangers can discover and walk through. Visitors can also go to Track Talk where a park ranger will recount the 113-million-year-old story of the park.
Other activities to do at the park include geocaching, hiking, birdwatching, swimming and trail riding. No Horse? No problem. Take a guided horseback trail tour with Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company with riding options available for ages three and up.
Visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley for more information on activities, equipment available for rent and checkout, and to purchase day passes in advance.
Grand-parental Guidance
The grandkids are out of school and that means that Granny and Papa can spoil them as much as they want. This summer, show the kiddos what summer fun was like before cell phones and video games at these three attractions that will leave them wide-eyed and amazed.
Space Center Houston – Houston
While the moon may be 239,000 miles away, the Apollo 11 experience is just down the road at Space Center Houston. This museum and interactive experience dedicated to NASA and the final frontier beyond the heavens is a perfect way to make sure the grandkids’ minds are staying active and engaged all through the summer.
Take a tram ride and visit the historic mission control room before hopping over to the astronaut training facility and the George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park. Walk through the history of human space exploration at Independence Plaza and watch astronaut stories unfold at the Space Center Theater. Learn about the future of space exploration at Mission Mars and the Artemis Exhibit.
Visit spacecenter.org to learn how to inspire the next generation of explorers and buy tickets in advance.
Blanton Museum of Art – Austin
Inspire their inner artist at the Blanton Museum of Art. The museum offers free tours daily for a live guided experience, but also paper and audio tours for visitors who prefer a guiding hand rather than a strict schedule. Explore the works of ancient Greece through pottery and sculptures. Become inspired by romantic period oil paintings or Latin American and United States paintings dating back to the 1900s.
Featured exhibits this summer will allow visitors to see art from the Japanese Edo period until June 30 and forgotten Mexican artist Melecio Galván through August 25 alongside trends in Latinx and Native American fashion until September 22.
Visit blantonmuseum.org to learn more about exhibits, special events, hours of operation and to purchase tickets.
The Dallas World Aquarium – DFW
Diving 20,000 leagues may be a bit too far for a day trip so visit the ocean floor at The Dallas World Aquarium instead. Explore the depths of the ocean in downtown Dallas and learn about the intricacies of life and the ecosystem underneath the waves. The Dallas World Aquarium is home to aquatic species from across the world. Featuring a full aquarium housing seadragons, jellyfish and octopi, just to name a few of the watery residents.
See penguins from Boreno, frogs from South Africa and axolotols in the Mundo Maya exhibit. The Dallas World Aquarium also features a floor dedicated to showing visitors footage of endangered animals to inspire conservation efforts.
Visit dwazoo.com to learn more about the animals that call The Dallas World Aquarium home and purchase tickets.
Going for Broke
Having fun on a budget is the name of the game this summer. Old or young, saving money is a difficult thing to do. Get out and have some fun without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly day trips.
Houston Museum of Natural Science – Houston
Step into the land before time at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Featuring one of the largest fossil collections in the U.S., the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great way to have fun on a budget with free admission on Tuesdays.
Explore the glittering hall of gems, stroll through African savannahs and walk into the tombs of Egyptian kings. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a wonderland for curious minds, featuring a butterfly center, planetarium and full theater.
Visit hmns.org to learn more about free admission on Tuesdays at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Pinballz – Austin
Experience what arcades were like before the digital age. Pinballz is a classic arcade experience for all ages and is a perfect place to take a break from the heat and have an afternoon of fun.
The facility is outfitted with a full kitchen and liquor bar and the original location on the north side of Austin has a bring-your- own-beer policy. Play classic pinball machines, rack up high scores and compete with friends. Pinballz has something for everyone with laser tag, go-kart tracks and a weekly pinball tournament.
Visit pinballz.com for more information.
Cidercade – DFW
Battle it out with joysticks at this all-you-can-play experience. Cidercade has three locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for visitors to enjoy. With a bar and food trucks on site, this arcade experience has everything visitors could need.
A quick round of pinball, followed by a classic beat ‘em up sidescroller and then a round of three-point shooting is just one way to have fun at Cidercade. The venue even allows patrons to bring their own food and drinks. An arcade experience for all ages that’s light on the wallet, Cidercade is a perfect way to have fun on a budget this summer.
Visit cidercade.com to learn more.
Bad Grandpa
All the menaces are out and about. This summer get away from those rascally kids and enjoy some adult time. Take a day trip to one of these destinations that are perfect for relaxation and fun away from munchkins and teens alike.
Pickleball Social – Houston
The game that’s taken the world by storm is a perfect way to get out and have some active fun this summer. Pickleball Social is a premier pickleball destination that’s perfect for a day of relaxation or competition.
With a full-service bar and kitchen, Pickleball Social is a perfect place to have a day of fun. The facility features both indoor and outdoor courts so avoiding the heat is no issue. For visitors looking to relax instead of battle it out on the pickleball court, Pickleball Social also has a grass lawn with cornhole and lawn chairs and a deck with shaded couches and tables.
Visit pickleballsocialtx.com for more information and to reserve a court in advance.
The Broken Spoke – Austin
It’s time to boot, scoot and boogie down to the Broken Spoke, one of the last great Texas dance halls. This classic honky tonk features live music every weekend and has a designation as a historical site from the Texas Historic Commission.
Even if visitors don’t know how to two-step or line dance, they can still have a good time. The Broken Spoke has a full menu with steaks, BBQ and Mexican food. The venue also hosts dance lessons for patrons who think they have two left feet. Get out and waltz across the floor, while enjoying the classic Texas honkey tonk experience.
Visit brokenspokeaustintx.net for more information.
Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar – DFW
Whether it’s nine o’clock on a Saturday or a Tuesday afternoon, come be a part of the regular crowd when it shuffles in. Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar is a perfect place to have an evening full of fun, laughs and good tunes. This classic piano bar is completely musician-owned and features live music every night. Listen to dueling pianos any night of the week and enjoy the full-service kitchen and bar.
Louie Louie’s prides itself on providing an entertaining show and every artist that performs plays multiple instruments so the lineup is constantly changing.
Visit louielouiespianobar.com to learn more and make reservations.
Backyardigans
For explorers seeking adventure and fun a bit closer to home there are a multitude of options. Below are some of our editorial staff ’s favorite places to visit within an hour of the Brazos Valley.
Newman’s Castle – Bellville
Visit a handmade medieval castle, just outside of Bellville. With towering stone walls, parapets and a working 3,000-pound draw bridge, complete with a moat, Newman’s Castle is a destination straight out of a fairy tale. Open for tours six days a week
this historically accurate castle is a wonderland for the imagination.
Visit newmanscastle.com for more information on booking a tour.
Blue Bell Creameries – Brenham
Take a break from the heat at the original Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham. Take a self-guided tour, eat fresh ice cream and watch Texas’s favorite ice cream be made from the observation deck. Brenham is a perfect destination this summer with over 100 years of Blue Bell history on display, the creamery’s best-selling flavors available at the parlor and a full country store.
Visit bluebell.com/visit-blue-bell for more information.
Lake Conroe – Montgomery County
Make a splash and stay cool this summer at Lake Conroe. Swim, fish and relax along the 157 miles of shoreline or take a boat out onto the 22,000-acre lake surface. With restaurants, boat rentals and water fun experiences along the shore, Lake Conroe is a perfect way to cool off. Take a guided fishing tour, rent a pontoon boat or jet ski, grab a bite to eat, or even hit the water on a floating tiki bar.
Visit visitconroe.com/lake-conroe for more information.
