Would you like to spend some much-needed time together as a family, but don’t have the time to plan a week-long vacation? Thankfully, there’s a wide range of family-friendly activities within a day’s reach of Coppell, Texas, including everything from museums and aquariums to community parks and exciting water adventures. Take a day off and get ready to experience something new, fun, and yes, even relaxing with your family in the Coppell area and beyond.
Sea Life Aquarium
From stingrays and clownfish to interactive rock pools and rainforest adventures, there’s always something amazing to discover about marine life at Sea Life Aquarium in Grapevine, Texas, a short distance from Coppell. Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Center to view a working turtle hospital, get up close and personal with a moray eel, or take a stroll under the sea as you experience their underwater ocean tunnel. Sea Life Aquarium also offers family field trips where families are challenged to dive deep into each sea life exhibit. General admission tickets begin at $18.95 for children and $23.95 for ages 13 plus. Toddlers under 3 years are free.
Perot Museum of Nature & Science
Image via Flickr by rjhuttondfw
A short half-hour drive from Coppell, the Perot Museum of Nature & Science is sure to delight each member of your family, from the oldest to the youngest. Catch a 3D film about the dinosaurs of Antarctica at the Hoglund Foundation Theater. Gaze at the natural beauty of Earth’s original rock stars at the Lydia Hill Gem and Minerals Hall. Let your little explorers spend the day creating, exploring, and playing at the Moody Family Children’s Museum. There are literally dozens of activities that the entire family can discover together. General admission tickets range from $13-$20 for nonmembers. Admission is free for members.
Coppell Nature Park
Coppell Nature Park, a 66-acre park on the west side of Coppell, is home to several types of wildlife, including hawks, coyotes, and bobcats. View more than 130 species of birds as they migrate through the park every year. With over 5 miles of trails to explore, your family can enjoy the seasonal flora and fauna that’s always on display. Appreciate a day of relaxation walking through the trails and enjoying the natural scenery, or download one of their many free field guides or educational lessons and set out to discover the local tree, plant, or wildlife species that make Coppell Nature Park their home. Admission is free.
Legoland Discovery Center
If you have some serious Lego fans in your house, be sure to plan a day at the Legoland Discovery Center in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. This ultimate indoor Lego playground is a quick 30-minute drive from Coppell. Explore Duplo Village or build and test your very own Lego racer with the youngest of your brood. Meet some of their favorite Lego characters while playing with the interactive Miniland City or visiting the ever-popular Lego Friends at Heartlake City. There are several ways to explore and play together at Legoland! Ticket prices begin at $22.95 per person.
Coppell Community Garden
If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity as a family, check out the Coppell Community Garden. This all-volunteer-run organization offers several ways for both children and adults to experience the pride of growing organic fruits and vegetables for the family-friendly community of Coppell. Not only will you enjoy some fresh air and outdoor exercise, but you’ll also be helping meet the needs of local families by supplying fresh-picked produce for the community food pantry. There’s no charge, but you do need to register to volunteer.
NRH2O Family Water Park
Nothing beats the hot Texas heat than a day at NRH2O Family Water Park, located in North Richland Hills. There’s something for each member of your family to enjoy. The Tadpole Swimming Hole is a favorite of the youngest with its kid-friendly water slides, balancing nets, and lily pads. The entire family can play together in the Splashatory, which is a five-level interactive playground. If you’re looking to recharge your batteries, then you must visit Beachside Bay, where you can swim or float in the relaxing waters of the 5,300-square-foot pool. General admission tickets range from $15.99 purchased online to $32.99 purchased at the gate.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Image via Flickr by Jtruong11
The mission of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is to engage, inform, and inspire people of all ages with plants, landscapes, and nature. This living museum features over 15 gardens, boardwalks, and nature preserve areas for the whole family to view and appreciate. The Japanese Garden is a 7.5-acre area filled with cherry trees, magnolias, bamboo, and ponds that are home to over 1,200 koi fish. The Native Texas Boardwalk is a living outdoor classroom with 13 educational stations that your school-age children will absolutely enjoy, such as speaking tubes and balance beams. Tickets are $6.00 for children and $12.00 for adults. Children 5 years and under are free.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Another beautiful garden to visit in the Dallas area is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. About a half-hour drive from Coppell, this natural sanctuary promotes the art, enjoyment, and knowledge of horticulture while also providing educational opportunities for the public. Your family can explore the 66 acres of beautiful grounds, including meandering waterways, picturesque lily ponds, garden sculptures, infinity pools, ornamental gardens, and the popular children’s adventure garden. Ticket prices range from $12 for children to $17 for adults, and members are free.
Now that Creme de la Creme of Coppell has given you eight recommendations for family-friendly fun within a day’s trip of Coppell, which one will you and your family choose? Will it be the Legoland Discovery Center? Or maybe the Sea Life Aquarium? Maybe your family would prefer a relaxing day at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Whatever you choose, you’ll be so happy you experienced one of the recommended activities above, making lasting memories together as a family.
Are there other exciting activities to explore or relaxing trips to enjoy that your family may like more? Do you have additional recommendations for other families in the area who could also use a day away together? If so, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to add it to our list.