Are you looking for a fun-filled, yet chill weekend getaway from Houston? This easy drive route has plenty the whole family will enjoy with attractions that’ll keep the kids entertained while offering mom and dad a bit of relaxation, good bites, and most importantly, the chance to get out of the house without pulling their hair out.
With our new triple threat itineraries, we’ll show you three places to visit, three things to do, and three places to eat in three days. Perfect for a long weekend, the Houston area is diverse, with 14 cities within just a few hours, making it easy to explore. Why not plan a road trip around Southeast Texas?
Relax in The Woodlands (30 minutes)
Go: The Woodlands Waterway runs through downtown providing a beautiful respite to the city connecting many of the area’s attractions and venues from the shopping district to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Beat the heat at Riva Row Boathouse where SUP boards, kayaks, and swan paddleboats are available to rent by the hour.
Do: Splash around at the waterpark at The Woodlands Resort. One of the most family-friendly hotels anywhere, this staycation destination is perfect for both parents and children. The kids can float in the lazy river or fly down the slides, while mom and dad work out their stress on the green or tennis courts. A laundry list of daily activities keeps everyone busy from sun up to sun down with active pursuits like kayaking and biking to trivia, bingo, scavenger hunts, s’mores, and “dive-in” movies at nights.
Eat: Your casual yet upscale neighborhood eatery, Fielding’s local-kitchen + bar is a Woodlands must. There are Bloody Mary and mimosa flights for mom at brunch, while the dinner menu features hand-cut steaks dry-aged in house and homemade pastas everyone can savor.
Pro Tip: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is one of the best outdoor amphitheaters in the country for music under the big Texas sky. Be sure to check out their performance schedule and plan your trip accordingly!
Chill Out in Conroe (15 minutes)
Go: Head to 7 Acre Woods for nostalgic family fun. A farm, petting zoo, and Old West town, this giant family fun park has something for everyone with slides, games, rides, and fair food. Cuddle up to the animals, throw some horseshoes, and take some photos for your next Christmas card in the fake jail.
Do: Howl at the moon at Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary. An amazing private animal rescue, 10+ wolves and wolf-dogs reside here who no longer can survive in the wild. See the beautiful creatures on a tour or get up close and personal with them at night. Animal lovers can become part of the pack and spend the night camping with the creatures under the stars.
Eat: Pie in the Sky Pie Co. is more than just a sugary afternoon delight. They have one of the best brunches in town for their sweet creations like pie waffles and banana bread French toast. But don't discount the options for health nuts and savory fans from salads and casseroles to seafood bakes. Of course, you can’t leave without trying at least one of their desserts (may we recommend the French Silk?) and grabbing some cake balls or cookies to go.
Explore the Bayou in Beaumont (1 hour, 45 minutes
Go: Get cozy with Gators at Gator Country. Part animal theme park, part rescue facility, Gator Country is the place to get intimate with reptiles. You can swim, feed, and hold baby alligators, slither up to the snakes, and see plenty of other creepy crawlies. Be sure to wave hi to Big Al and Big Tex, two of the largest gators ever kept in captivity. If you’re so inclined, they also offer airboat rides through the swamp for a hair-raising, backwater safari.
Do: Make it a family day at Colorado Canyon. Challenge the kids to mini-golf, laser tag, mine for gemstones, and play around in the arcade at Beaumont’s leading entertainment center. Whoever collects the most tickets wins.
Eat: Indulge in juicy burgers and old-fashioned malts in a vintage airstream. Willy Burger is the iconic, retro hamburger stand. You can also make it a food crawl with pizza bigger than your head next door at Crown Pizza, which has quirky, crowd-pleasing toppings like French fries. And don’t forget the ice cream for dessert. You can get a shake from Willy or head to La Real Michochana for unique Mexican flavors or Sub Zero for liquid nitrogen treats.