Tyler, Texas, United States
Airfare prices are through the roof, making it expensive to fly anywhere with your family. Why not stay local? Instead, plan a trip to beautiful Tyler, Texas, where everyone can enjoy plenty of affordable, family-friendly activities.
Tyler, Texas, and East Texas, in general, are home to a wide range of things for the whole family, such as walking through the historic downtown square and historic district. Visit Tyler’s famous rose garden, Azalea Trail, and other botanical wonders, or hike in the oak forests and piney woods trails. Skip the hotel, and enjoy your family getaway in a beautiful country-style Airbnb accommodation like The Rose Cottage.
The Rose Cottage is centrally located, making it the perfect comfortable lodging for the whole family. Having multiple generations of family living in Tyler, we know where the best family friendly destinations are. Once your place to stay for your getaway is all set, you can start planning the fun activities.
Here’s a list of five must-dos when visiting Tyler with your family:
1. Discovery Science Place
Discovery Science Place offers programs and events, family-friendly exhibits, and hands-on experiences. With a mission statement like, “Igniting curiosity in young minds through fun, hands-on exploration.” You know your kids will enjoy the experience, and so will you.
The amazing regular exhibits showcased by the DSP are sure to catch the interest of even the hardest to please in your family. From a realistic Hometown Veterinary Clinic where your littles can make believe they’re saving a puppy to playing astronauts on the Orion spaceship, to digging for dinosaur bones like an archeologist, and much more, these interactive exhibits bring out the kid in everyone.
In addition, keep an eye on their website, discoveryscienceplace.org, and schedule your trip to Tyler around one of DSP’s special exhibits. “Expedition Egypt” is coming up next.
Discovery Science Place is also handicapped accessible and a dynamic place for everyone to enjoy, experience, and learn.
2. Tyler Rose Garden
There’s nothing better than experiencing the combination of artistic work and nature’s beauty with your family.
The Tyler Rose Garden Center and Rose Museum are not to be missed on a visit to Tyler. This globally famous garden is spread across 14 acres glowing with rose bushes blooming in every possible color in 200 varieties. The best time to visit for peak blooms is in the months of October and mid to late May.
If you come in the spring, it’s also the perfect time to check out the Azalea Trail.
Made up of over ten miles of historic grounds and local gardens, the Azalea Trail features a stunning array of azaleas, dogwood, tulips, wisteria, and many other blooms.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, natural, unique place for family photos in East Texas, you couldn’t pick a better location.
3. The East Texas Outdoors: Something for Everyone
Aside from all the great family-friendly things to do and see in Tyler, the outdoor activities in the local natural wilderness provide interesting, inexpensive, or free fun things to do in Tyler for the whole family.
Tyler’s area is home to 27 parks, some of which are joined by different trail systems for those who enjoy hiking or biking.
East Texas hosts the picturesque Pineywoods—a natural wonderland of grand pines and winding trails.
Visit Tyler State Park, where you can stay for the day or reserve a cabin or campsite. Whether you’re there for a picnic, hike, swimming in the crystal-clean 64-acre lake, fishing, or just relaxing in the great outdoors, Tyler State Park is a great place to explore.
The forests and countryside of East Texas are worth a visit to the area all on their own.
4. Local Food and Beverage Scene
Tyler’s restaurant, brewery, winery, and farm-to-table eateries have something to make everyone in your family happy. There is no shortage of fantastic places to eat in Tyler!
Try a range of fantastic flavors in a fun environment by sampling from Tyler’s food trucks. From the Krazy Cajun Kitchen & Market to Poke in Da Eye BBQ, the food trucks will have treats to please even the pickiest eaters.
East Texas is known for its BBQ, and a visit to Tyler wouldn’t be complete without sampling some. There’s a range of different flavors and types to choose from. Try a few and hold a family vote to choose a favorite.
Tyler is keeping with the times and features some top-of-the-line wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the region’s wineries. Or enjoy a sampling from the famous Rose City Draft House and Bar.
No matter the taste, Tyler has something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to delicious food and drinks.
5. The Caldwell Zoo
A visit to Tyler with the family isn’t complete without going to the Caldwell Zoo. This 85-acre zoo is home to a wide array of animals from around the world.
Your zoo adventure passes through North America, the rainforests of South America, and the wilds of East Africa.
Lemurs, black bears, penguins, flamingoes, giraffes, and so many more animals are on display in a realistic environment for your whole family to enjoy.
Start planning your perfect East Texas family vacation today!
