When final exams are done, grades are finalized, and school is almost finished, you always hear word of other students’ travel and summer plans. Ugh, this conversation again. You smile as you listen to how your BFF Paul is visiting Aunt Florence in Russia or taking a weeklong cruise to Cozumel, but shamefully duck your head and hope they don’t ask you to spill out your summer plans in response. You know what’s happening: You aren’t going anywhere this summer. Never happened before, and is never going to happen because of expenses and lack of vacation days for your parents. Instead, your summer consists of days-on-end of staying home and counting how many grooves are in your ceiling walls.

Not this summer.

You don’t have to travel far or for a long time to have a great vacation. Many destination spots in Texas are great places for short visits and don’t have high costs for transportation. (Besides, Mom has a fear of flying anyway). With the only requirements of a GPS, car, and the right state of mind, you can have fun and maybe not befriend your wall over the 10-week break.

State Parks

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/

Perfect for the nature-enthusiast. Texas state parks hold many wildlife and a large variety of wildflowers. From fishing to horseback riding, state parks offer great adventure in the outdoors. Some personal favorites of mine are Enchanted Rock, Inks Lake, Pedernales Falls, and Longhorn Cavern. Check out the website link above for locations and more information of all the state parks in Texas.

Moody Gardens

http://www.moodygardens.com/

A large attraction in Galveston, if you decide to visit the beaches this summer don’t forget to stop by here. The pyramids hold different ecosystem imitations inside, such as a rainforest and aquarium. Moody Gardens also offers a ropes course, zip line, and a new water attraction area. This is a great place for family fun.

Horses on the Beach

http://www.moodygardens.com/

Another attraction near the coast, if you are interested in horseback riding and want to stay at the beach, this is a perfect 2-in-1. This summer, you will have a chance to ride on a horse by  the Texas coastline just like in a movie.