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| Every
year nearly 100 million Americans embark on a family vacation, according
to AAA. While destinations such as California and New York remain
popular, an increasing number of vacationers have come to appreciate
the warm hospitality of the Lone Star State. Although big cities such
as Austin, Dallas
and Houston are bursting
with fun-filled activities for the whole family, great adventure awaits
in some of the more off-beat destinations as well. Whether you're
looking to rough it out in nature, want to experience the best food
Texas has to offer, or be blown away by an aquarium within a glass
pyramid, these family-friendly destinations
should definitely be considered for your next vacation. |
Embrace the
unconventional in Marfa
Marfa
may seem like a somewhat unconventional choice as far as family vacations
are concerned, but it definitely is one of the best if you are looking
to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. The Big
Bend National Park is a real gem, and can keep young and old occupied
for weeks at a time, with outdoorsy activities such as hiking, rafting,
horseback riding and camping. The hikes all range in difficulty, and
the easiest, such as the one exploring the Santa Elena Canyon, is
even suitable for small children. The Marfa
Lights are an absolute must-see while you're in town, and although
they can be spotted from just about anywhere in Marfa,
you might want to head approximately 9 miles east of the town to the
Marfa Lights Viewing Area, where you are guaranteed exceptional views
of the ous orbs that will have both adults and children in awe. |
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Fort
Worth is a food lover's paradise
Apart from being
home to one of the best zoos in the state, as well as the renowned
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Fort
Worth is also one of the most family-friendly foodie destinations
in the country. Whether you're in need of a decent cup of coffee or
craving a plate of chicken and waffles, your family is bound to see
all their culinary dreams come true while visiting the town. With
so many delectable dishes to choose from, some of which may contain
ingredients that are unknown to you, it is important to keep a close
eye on anyone in the family that may have a food allergy. Don't let
fear ruin your vacation though - just make sure you have an auto-injector
or medication on hand in case someone consumes something that triggers
an allergic reaction. If you want to take a break from feasting on
mouth-watering Texan food, head on over to the Fort Worth Botanical
Garden, where you can spend a quiet afternoon in nature while
the children learn more about all the bugs and birds found in the
region. |
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Galveston Island
Pleasure Pier
https://unsplash.com/photos |
Children will
fall in love with Galveston
Galveston
is any child's perfect vacation destination, with its sandy white
beaches, the Galveston Island Pleasure Pier amusement park,
child-friendly restaurants, and an interesting variety of interactive
museums. The highlight of any family vacation to Galveston
is, however, a visit to Moody Gardens and its three giant glass
pyramids. The Rainforest Pyramid is filled with butterflies, birds
and other forest-dwelling creatures, and even boasts its own waterfall.
If your family enjoys science, the Discovery Pyramid will be a firm
favorite, although the Aquarium Pyramid with its sharks, sea lions,
penguins and countless fish is bound to be the ultimate highlight
of your visit. Other activities to enjoy at Moody Gardens include
watching a hard-hitting documentary in the MG 3D Theater and burning
off some energy on the ropes course and zip line. |
| Texas
is, without any doubt, one of the most family-friendly states in the
country. Even the less-obvious vacation destinations in the state
are filled with hidden gems that will create memories to last a lifetime. |
©
Jane Townsend, freelance writer
11-21-2019
guest column |
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