Ten Fun Day Trips to take in East Texas

Ten Fun Day Trips to take in East Texas:

So I think it’s only fair to let you know, I don’t get to go out much, so when I do, it’s gotta be really fun and adventurous. So I am writing this from both experience and while others have been done by friends. So check these places out and let me know what you think! But remember, when the day is done, head over to The Forge for a nightcap and dinner with a bit of live music. It will be the perfect ending to an excellent day.

10. Go for a nature stroll, feed a mob of hungry catfish, or fish all day at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries. This is my family’s go-to place on a sunny day when we don’t have a ton of cash but want to get out of the house and play. The best thing is, you can pack a picnic lunch and really make a day of it and on certain weekends they have some really great special events planned.

9. Meet some new feline friends at Tiger Creek just North of Tyler. They have a variety of cats that have been rescued from private owners or zoos. It is also close to the Tyler state park, which makes it a great place to go for a day trip. They will give you a tour of the facilities and a chance to meet thier residents  including the two cubs that were featured on Animal Planet.

8. If you enjoy antiquing, or even shopping in general, Canton, Texas hosts First Monday Trades days. It got it’s name in the 1850’s as the Circuit Judge came to the County Seat on the First Monday of every month. Swapping and trading just naturally sprang up around the Courthouse Square the weekend before Court on Monday. The tradition stayed and so each weekend before the first Monday of the month, vendors from far and wide sell everything from antiques to flip flops to homemade ice cream.

7. So you think East Texas might be a little too chill? Try Ziplining in New York with New York- Texas ZipLine Adventures. They bring people on guided adventure tours with 6 ziplines. Your zipline adventure will take you soaring through towering pines, hardwoods and high above the rocky hillside of one of the highest elevations in East Texas.

6. TJC’s  Center for Earth and Space Science Education Planetarium is a great place to go on a rainy day. Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are a variety of shows playing on it’s 40’ Spitz NanoSeam domed theatre, including live missions. They also have an incredible state-of-the-art exhibit hall that changes throughout the year.

5. There are some great parks that are free or charge minimal fees to enter all throughout East Texas. Faulkner Park has an athletic complex, walking trails, fishing pond and a free splash park for the kids. Tyler State park has camping, Ranger-led Programs, swimming, kayaking, hiking, fishing and boat rentals. Bergfield Park is constantly having some kind of event throughout the year. Located just south of the center of town, it hosts art shows, has family movie nights in it’s ampitheater and boasts a large playground and tennis courts.  The Children’s Park is just North of Bergfield is just off of Broadway. It’s a small park, but a fun stop, none the less.

4. Splash Kingdom is East Texas’ largest water park beautifully set on ten tree shaded acres, this family-friendly environment is perfect for a day of “fun in the sun”. Come enjoy the wave pool, lazy river, huge slides and children’s castle. Indoor party facility open all year long. While this is definitely a fun trip, plan on spending some money for the entry fee and food. Oh, and don’t for get the sunscreen!

3. I absolutely love to bring my family to East Texas Gator Park in Grand Saline. As a matter of fact, we had my daughters fourth birthday party there and it was incredibly fun. They have a bunch of gators in every size, raccoons, deer and farm animals. There is so much to see and play on that the kids will be enthralled and the entry fee is really a bargain. Animal enthusiasts will love the gator feedings and the up close nature of this park.

2. Porch Pick’n has become almost customary in these parts, and you will find an evenings worth almost everywhere you turn around. During the nicer weather Woodhaven Cabins hosts one in their beautiful pavilion every Thursday night at 6 pm. The Shed in Edom has theirs Tuesday nights, and you can even find one going on in Ben Wheeler from time to time.

1. If it’s good food and entertainment you are looking for, look no further than the 279 Artisan Trail.  It spans from outside of Edom to Ben Wheeler and encompasses many businesses in between. The trail holds and participates in regularly scheduled events throughout the year including Second Saturday Art Jams every month, Car Cruises every Second Saturday during the warmer months, the Edom Festival of the Arts in October and the Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation’s Fall Feral Hog Festival also in October.

So there ya go! I think you will find plenty to do in our eclectic little corner. We also have skydiving, horseback riding, mud bogging and wine tasting. Not to mention all the cool festivals that go on through out the year. If it’s not here in our little corner, it’s making it’s way here soon! So get out there and check out East Texas, it’s so much more than a bunch of small towns. It’s big dreams spread out over bigger areas.