Adventures with the Grandkids: Spring Edition

Looking to go see some Texas landmarks during the Springtime? We've got you covered!

Story and photos by Gerald McLeod, retired TCDRS Communications Manager

 

Springtime in Texas is an ideal time to get out and about with the family and the grandkids.

Battleship Texas

After seeing service in both World Wars, the Battleship Texas was retired to the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in 1948. In August 2022, the last dreadnought-type battleship was towed to dry dock in Galveston for repairs to its 111-year-old hull. The ship can be seen at least through the summer from Pier 21 in Galveston or by taking harbor boat tours.

Now is the time to see the Battleship Texas while it’s in dry dock at Galveston. The 110-year-old ship arrived at the shipyard in August 2022. This year offers a unique opportunity to see the battleship out of water. It can be spotted from Pier 21, or several harbor boat tours offer closer glimpses of the only battleship to have seen service in both World Wars.

And while you’re in the Island City, don’t forget that the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is the best free ride in town.

Texas State Parks

Palo Duro Canyon State Park outside of Amarillo is one of the 89 parks that showcases the natural diversity of the state. The 5.7-mile round-trip hike to the Lighthouse rock formation is a moderate to easy hike that is best done in spring or fall and before the heat of the day.

This year, Texas State Parks celebrates its 100th anniversary. Look for special events in the parks. Any time of the year is a good time to visit most state parks, but some parks can get brutally hot in the summer or cold in the winter.

For instance, hiking in Palo Duro Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Texas, is best in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. The musical TEXAS, plays at the park’s outdoor amphitheater in the cool evenings from June 8 through August 5.

Historical Sites

San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site brings Texas history alive for young scholars. Not only does the park have a wonderful interactive museum, but several buildings of the colonial capital have been rebuilt. A mile from the historic site, Stephen F. Austin State Park offers access to the banks of the Brazos River.

Spring is also the best time to visit the historical sites of the Texas Revolution. Visiting the Alamo and San Jacinto Battleground is a great way to give young scholars context to the events that shaped our state at other historical sites.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site was where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed, San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site was the capital of Stephen F. Austin’s colony, and Presidio La Bahia State Historic Site is one of the finest examples of a colonial Spanish fort in America.

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