Plano TX

If you’re the type of traveler who loves an offbeat adventure — one that delivers history, mystery, and just a hint of the eerie — Yorktown Memorial Hospital in Yorktown, Texas, is calling your name. This long-abandoned hospital has become an unlikely destination for curious visitors who want to explore its shadowy halls, hear its stories, and maybe even feel a chill down their spine.

Looking for a spot where you can stroll through a forest of prehistoric giants and feel like you’ve stepped back in time? Welcome to Dinosaur World in Glen Rose, Texas—a place where life-size dinosaurs loom around every corner, delighting kids and adults alike. It’s equal parts quirky roadside attraction and immersive outdoor adventure, inviting you to explore a land where dinosaurs rule the trails.

Ever locked eyes with a gorilla while holding a Texas-sized churro? Or walked inches away from a free-roaming kangaroo? At the Fort Worth Zoo, these aren’t just hypotheticals—they’re part of the everyday magic. Nestled in the heart of the city but shaded by mature oaks and alive with the sounds of exotic chatter, this zoo is more than an animal exhibit—it’s a full-blown adventure for all ages.

There’s a place just outside Houston where you can plunge into wave pools, soar through the sky on a zipline, and meet baby gators—all before lunch. Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures in New Caney, TX, is the kind of wild, slightly chaotic fun that’ll have your inner kid grinning from ear to ear (and your actual kids totally wiped out by dinner).

In the heart of Texas Hill Country, where oak trees sprawl and sunsets sizzle, there’s a laid-back spot where your cold craft beer might come with a curious llama staring you down. The Shady Llama in Wimberley isn’t your average outdoor bar—it’s a quirky, open-air hangout where good drinks, sweeping views, and a herd of resident llamas (plus a few friendly alpacas) make for an unforgettable afternoon.

Imagine sipping a refreshing iced latte, then stepping outside to climb aboard a delightful miniature train that winds its way through one of Houston’s most beautiful urban parks. That’s exactly the whimsical experience you’ll find at Twiga Café, nestled right inside Hermann Park—where coffee culture meets classic family fun.

If the idea of sipping a cold drink under a thatched roof while slowly cruising a sunlit lake sounds like your kind of perfect afternoon, let us introduce you to Cruisin Tikis Lake Conroe. This isn’t your average boat ride—this is island vibes meets Texas charm, all floating along the scenic shoreline of one of the Lone Star State’s favorite lake towns.

Imagine trading traffic for tube floats, office noise for cicada songs, and screens for sunshine. That’s the rhythm at Son’s Blue River Camp in Kingsbury, Texas—where summer lives its best life and visitors do the same. Just an hour from San Antonio or Austin, this riverside retreat offers an irresistible mix of nature, comfort, and low-key adventure.

If you think you’ve seen all that Texas has to offer, think again—because deep in Beaumont, just off FM 365, lies a wild and toothy adventure you won’t soon forget. Gator Country is where you can come face-to-snout with hundreds of alligators, from tiny hatchlings to colossal creatures with jaws that could snap a watermelon in half (and sometimes do).

Step into a place where the shelves burst with color, the air smells delightfully sweet, and every corner invites you to rediscover the joy of your favorite childhood treats. Blooms Candy & Soda Pop Shop, tucked along charming West Main Street in Carrollton, Texas, is not your average candy store—it’s a full-on nostalgia trip wrapped in bright packaging and fizzy glass bottles.