Texas History for Families

Austin

As the seat of state government, Austin makes a good history getaway for families--and an inexpensive one. Free tours of the Texas State Capitol are available plus your family can tour the adjacent Capitol Visitors center (right) with plenty of family-friendly displays.

San Antonio

Mention Texas and history in the same sentence, and the Alamo will always come to mind. The birthplace of Texas liberty, located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, is a must see for all families. Admission is free to the complex, including the chapel where the defenders took refuge during the battle and the Long Barrack, now filled with exhibits on the fateful event.

Children who don't know the story of the Alamo might enjoy a big screen explanation of the historic battle. The IMAX® Theater at Rivercenter Mall presents a 45-minute docudrama of the 13-day siege that lasted 13 days.

Although the Alamo is the city's best-known mission, it is only one of many historic missions. The San Antonio Missions National Historic Park showcases four other Spanish missions from the same period; admission to the park is free. Self-guided tours cover Mission Concepción, Mission San José (nicknamed the "Queen of the Missions"), Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.

El Paso

Spanish missions can also be seen by families visiting El Paso. These 16th century buildings first drew settlers to the region. Mission Ysleta (still used by the Tiguas for religious services), Mission Socorro (the oldest continuously active parish in the country), and Presidio Chapel in San Elizario all welcome visitors; admission is free of charge although there is a suggested donation..

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