Ready to make this New Year one to remember? As someone who knows Texas inside and out, I’m excited to share the best spots for family-friendly getaways across the Lone Star State. Whether you’re drawn to sparkling light displays or craving outdoor adventures, I’ve got you covered with the top destinations and activities.
Don’t miss out—keep reading for all the details and start planning a New Year’s celebration your family will cherish forever!
Dallas
Dallas Zoo
Visiting the Dallas Zoo during the New Year is a fantastic way to kick off the year with some fun and adventure! It’s a great way to spend quality time with your family, making memories while exploring the zoo’s incredible animals and exhibits. The zoo often features special New Year events and family-friendly activities, adding to the excitement and giving you a chance to start the year on a high note.
You can enjoy the Dallas Zoo Lights event that will bring your wildest dreams to life! As you journey through the zoo’s mesmerizing, themed areas, you’ll be surrounded by dazzling lights that decorate the entire zoo.
Holiday Ice Skating at Galleria Dallas
Families can enjoy ice skating around the massive Christmas tree at the Galleria Dallas ice rink. It’s a festive activity that lets both kids and adults join in the excitement. Beginners can also take their time—it’s all about creating lovely family memories.
Klyde Warren Park
This urban green space is perfect for family outings. During the New Year, the park often hosts free family-friendly events, including live music performances, food trucks, and kids’ activities. The wide-open space is ideal for playing games, enjoying a picnic, or just soaking in the lively Dallas vibe.
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San Antonio
San Antonio Zoo
Celebrate San Antonio New Year’s Eve at the San Antonio Zoo. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a fun and festive day with loved ones. During this time, the zoo often hosts special events and dazzling light displays, including Zoo Lights—a spectacular journey through miles of shimmering Christmas lights, festive music, and whimsical displays. Don’t miss the Holiday Express, a train filled with seasonal tunes, or the NEW Lakeside Lightshow, where the lights reflect over Big Lake, creating a mesmerizing highlight of this year’s Zoo Lights experience.
Plus, if you’re a dog lover, there’s the Dog Day event—an extraordinary experience where you and your furry companions can embark on a magical adventure together, making it even more special for families with pets.
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is absolutely magical over the holidays, making it a perfect spot for the whole family. The entire area is beautifully lit with holiday lights, and you can take a family boat ride to soak in all the sparkling views. One of the most recognizable New Year’s Eve celebrations in San Antonio is CelebrateSA! This event is designed for families, featuring carnival games and attractions suitable for attendees of all ages.
As Downtown San Antonio welcomes 2025, the festivities extend from Market Street to Civic Park and Arneson River Theatre, culminating in a spectacular firework show that lights up the sky.
Local Museums
Museums like the DoSeum (San Antonio’s children’s museum) often host exciting NYE celebrations, such as Kids Countdown: Monster Mania! This annual celebration features music, arcade games, treats, fun activities, and an amazing balloon drop to ring in the new year. It’s the perfect way for the little ones to enjoy the festivities in a safe and entertaining environment.
With engaging exhibits and hands-on learning experiences, the DoSeum offers a wonderful mix of fun and education, making it an ideal family-friendly getaway.
Fireworks at La Villita and Downtown San Antonio
Fireworks at La Villita and downtown San Antonio offer a spectacular New Year’s Eve experience that’s perfect for families. La Villita, with its historic charm and festive atmosphere, becomes a hub for vibrant celebrations as the night sky lights up with dazzling fireworks displays. The area is filled with special performances from local DJs and a live band, creating an upbeat environment for people of all ages to enjoy.
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For families, it’s a great way to ring in the new year together. You can stroll through the streets, enjoy local food vendors, and find a cozy spot with blankets to watch the fireworks show. Plus, the event is free and open to the public, making it a budget-friendly option for ringing in the new year as a family.
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Austin
Austin’s New Year Celebration at Auditorium Shores
Auditorium Shores in Austin is the perfect place to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the whole family! This spot offers amazing views of the Austin skyline, and it’s where the annual Austin’s New Year event takes place. You can enjoy live music, including a headlining performance by Third Eye Blind, while munching on delicious food from local vendors. The best part? The big fireworks show at midnight, lighting up the sky as you welcome 2025.
What makes it even better for families is that it’s free, so everyone can enjoy the fun without worrying about the cost. It’s a lively, safe environment with something for everyone—great music, tasty food, and an unforgettable view.
Thinkery
The Thinkery in Austin is a fantastic spot for families to visit, especially around the New Year! It’s an interactive children’s museum that makes learning fun with hands-on exhibits and creative activities. During the holiday season, they often have special workshops or events, which are a great way for kids (and adults) to explore new ideas and spark their creativity. Plus, it’s indoors, so it’s a great option if you want to stay warm and cozy while having a blast!.
Check Thinkery’s page to be updated on their upcoming events.
Peter Pan Mini Golf
Peter Pan Mini Golf in Austin is a super fun and lighthearted spot for the whole family to enjoy, especially as you kick off the New Year! This whimsical mini-golf course is full of quirky, colorful designs that make it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re competing for the best score or just having fun, it’s a great way to enjoy some friendly competition together. You can play a round of golf, enjoy the outdoors, and even take a photo with the famous Peter Pan and Tinker Bell statues.
It’s an affordable and easy-going activity that’s great for all ages, and a fun way to start the year with a smile!
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Fredericksburg
Family Friendly Wineries
Fredericksburg is known for its beautiful wineries, and it’s a great place for families to spend time together over the New Year! Many of the wineries, like Becker Vineyards, are family-friendly, so while parents enjoy tasting some delicious local wine, the kids can have fun exploring the outdoor spaces or snacking on treats from the gift shop.
It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy some quality family time in a scenic setting. The kids can run around in the fresh air while the adults unwind, and everyone gets to enjoy the charming, peaceful atmosphere.
Marktplatz
Marktplatz in Fredericksburg is a wonderful spot for families to enjoy during the New Year! This charming town square is beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, making it the perfect place to take family photos and soak in the holiday spirit. You can stroll around the square, relax under the twinkling lights, or just enjoy a peaceful moment together in the heart of the town.
For a little extra fun, don’t miss the Marktplatz New Year’s Ball Drop! The event features lots of exciting activities for kids, like face painting, arts and crafts, and children’s amusements. The best part? The celebration wraps up with a festive confetti drop on the Square at 6:30 pm, making it a perfect early New Year’s celebration for families with young kids.
Wildseed Farms
Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg is a beautiful and peaceful spot to visit with the whole family, especially around the New Year. As one of the charming flower picking farms in Texas, surely you’ll enjoy strolling through their flower fields. In addition to the flowers, Wildseed Farms has a shop with unique garden items, so you can pick up a special souvenir or something for your own garden.
Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk, shopping for fun finds, or just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, it’s a perfect place for both kids and adults to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Fredericksburg.
Houston
Ice at the Galleria
The Galleria Ice Rink in Houston is a fantastic spot for family fun, especially during the New Year! Not only is The Galleria a great shopping destination, but it also has an indoor ice rink where you can enjoy ice skating together. It’s a fun and active way for everyone to kick off the new year, whether you’re a skating pro or just learning the ropes.
After some time on the ice, you can warm up and treat yourselves to a delicious meal at one of the many family-friendly restaurants inside The Galleria.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a wonderful place for families to kick off the New Year, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
For a fun twist, you can join their New Year’s Walking Challenge, a special tradition where you can get outside, take in the fresh air, and earn a free Arboretum Individual Membership for the year. It’s a great way to spend quality time together as a family while also starting 2025 with some healthy outdoor activity.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a fantastic spot for families to celebrate the New Year! This lively park offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax or get active. During the holiday season, you can enjoy ice skating at The Ice Rink, catch live performances, or check out one of the many festive pop-up events.
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One of the coolest additions is PIXAR PUTT, an open-air, pop-up mini-golf experience with 18 interactive holes inspired by some of Pixar’s most loved films like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and more. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity where you can putt your way through a colorful world of Pixar characters and stories
Waco
Waco Ice Cream House
This New Year, treat your family to a delightful getaway at Casa Kumwesu, the whimsical ice cream-themed retreat in Waco, Texas! Nestled on five acres of vibrant property, this beautiful home is designed to spark joy and creativity in both kids and adults alike. With its colorful decor, funky patterns, and playful ice cream motifs, Casa Kumwesu is not just a place to stay—it’s an experience that promises to be Instagram-worthy and full of fun.
Just minutes away from popular attractions like Magnolia Market and Lake Waco, this unique rental offers spacious accommodations. It features themed rooms that are perfect for family bonding and photo opportunities. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a sweet escape, Casa Kumwesu is the ideal spot to kick off the New Year with laughter and love!
And, to make the most out of your New Year getaway, here are some of the best things to do in Waco during winter.
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Family-Friendly New Year Getaways in Texas: FAQs
What should I pack for a New Year getaway in Texas?
Texas weather can vary, so pack layers to adapt to cold mornings and warm afternoons. Essentials like comfortable walking shoes, snacks for kids, and any needed baby gear are critical. Don’t forget festive items for New Year celebrations, like hats or noisemakers!
Are there festive New Year dining options for families?
Many restaurants in Texas cities offer special New Year’s Eve menus and family-friendly seating. Look for barbecue spots, Tex-Mex restaurants, or festive buffets where kids can enjoy a relaxed and fun dining experience.
Are there any New Year’s Eve activities that are free admission for families?
Yes! Many events, such as those at Discovery Green and Marktplatz, are free to attend.
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Family-Friendly New Year Getaways in Texas: Final Thoughts
Texas has something for every family this New Year. From scenic landscapes, local attractions to fun activities, these family-friendly destinations promise to make your holiday extra special. So, gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and start making memories that will last a lifetime. No matter where you go in Texas, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to ring in the New Year together!
Start your adventure today and make this New Year unforgettable!
Last Updated 1 week ago by Jessica Serna | Published: December 15, 2024
