8 family-friendly destinations for Spring Break 2016

 Ariel Inman

    With Spring Break rounding the corner, families across the community are packing their suitcases as they prepare to embark upon their short vacations jampacked with sand, sun, and surf. Some are boarding cruise ships, some are flying across the country to go skiing, and yet still many others are traveling to world renowned beaches for some well deserved rest and relaxation. For families still searching for Spring Break destinations, there are amazing opportunities throughout Texas that are close to Hudson, offer decent prices for their attractions, and provide family-friendly environments. No matter personal preference, these attractions appeal to people of every taste.

Moody Gardens:

Distance from Hudson: slightly under 3 hours

Admission Price: Individual attraction tickets start at $8.95, Bundled tickets cost $56.95 per person

Description: Attractions include several aquariums, an IMAX theater, and a rainforest encased in the three pyramids that dominate the western side of Galveston

To reserve tickets or find out more information click here: https://www.moodygardens.com/

Inner Space Caverns:

Distance from Hudson: slightly under 3 and ½ hours

Admission Price: $11.95 per child (aged 4-9) and $19.95 per adult for a 1 hour and 15 minute tour

Description: tours for all ages and skill levels, a playground, mining area, gift shop, and fossil display

To reserve tickets or find out more information click here: https://innerspacecavern.com/tours

Dinosaur Valley State Park:

Distance: slightly under 4 hours

Admission Price: Free for children (12 and under) $7 for adults

Description: see 2 life size replicas of ancient dinosaurs, find dinosaur tracks, camp, picnic, hike, mountain bike, swim and fish in the river, watch for wildlife, look for a geocache (modern day treasure hunt), ride your horse, or visit the interpretive center.

To reserve tickets or find out more information click here: http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center:

Distance: slightly under 4 hours

Admission Price: $15.95 per child (3-11) and $21.95 per adult for scenic drive

Description: sanctuary for endangered species; the rugged beauty offers views of live oak thickets, limestone outcroppings, and stands of juniper nestled away in the rustic hills of Somervell County

To reserve tickets or find out more information click here: http://www.fossilrim.org

Wonder World Park:

Distance: slightly over 4 hours

Admission Price: $9.50 per child (3-5), $16.95 per youth (6-12), and $24.95 per adult for a 1 and ½ hour guided tour

Description: theme park offers guided tours of Balcones Fault Line, Tejas 110 Foot Observation Tower, Topsy-Turvy World of the Anti-Gravity House, Train Ride, Texas Wildlife Petting Park, Mystery Mountain, and Water Falls

To reserve tickets or find out more information click here: http://www.wonderworldpark.com/

Longhorn Caverns State Park:

Distance: slightly over 4 hours

Admission Price: $12.00 per child (2-12), $15.00 per teen (13-19), and $16.00 per adult

Description: state park that offers guided tours through the historic underground caverns of Burnet

To reserve tickets or find out more information click here: http://www.longhorncaverns.com/

Fiesta Texas (Six Flags):

Distance: slightly under 5 hours

Admission Price: $56.99 per child (under 48”) and $71.99 per adult (discounts of up to $20 off are available online)

Description: San Antonio's biggest, most popular themed attraction featuring dozens of thrill rides, shows, and activities

To reserve tickets or find out more information click here: https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas

Natural Bridge Caverns:

Distance: slightly under 5 hours

Admission Price: $12.99 per child (3-11) and $20.99 per adult

Description: largest known commercial caverns in the state of Texas; varying tours for varying skill sets, gem and mineral fossil mining, ziplining, and an open air maze are all available to visitors

To reserve tickets or find out more information click here: http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/(S(hwb2iqy0vk5qmp552gkymxfs))/Index.aspx

Adventures also await in the nearby metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas, Austin or Tyler. Zoos, aquariums, museums, and endless other possibilities await eager travelers. For those willing to risk the crowd of college students enjoying their week of freedom, places such as South Padre Island, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, New Braunfels, Big Bend, Lake Travis, and San Antonio are open to tourists during Spring Break. Regardless of preference, attractions across Texas offer unique expeditions for every adventurer that wishes to stay a little closer to home.