Spring in Aggieland brings out the best of Bryan-College Station. The wildflowers bloom, the skies clear up, and the weather hits the sweet spot between chilly mornings and warm afternoons. It’s the perfect time for families to get outside, explore, and make new memories together.
This university town is a tight-knit community where families thrive. From scenic nature trails to hands-on history lessons and kid-friendly events, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Bryan-College Station when the weather turns mild. Longtime residents know it’s a great time to enjoy everything the area has to offer. For those thinking about moving to the area, spring is a great time to get a feel of what the Aggieland real estate market truly has to offer and get a taste of the local lifestyle.
In this guide, we highlight outdoor adventures for all ages, educational outings that actually hold kids’ attention, local attractions built for family fun, and seasonal events that give weekends a little extra spark. These aren’t just activities—they’re part of what makes College Station, TX, real estate perfect for families looking for connection, convenience, and space to grow.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES FOR FAMILIES
Bryan-College Station is home to a variety of parks, trails, and open spaces that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors without venturing far from home. Whether you’re in the mood for a nature walk, a casual bike ride, fishing, or wildlife watching, there are plenty of family-friendly spots to explore.
Lick Creek Park and Gary Halter Nature Center
Lick Creek Park spans 523 acres in southeast College Station and offers five miles of hiking, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding trails. In spring, native trees bloom, making it a calm, scenic place for families to explore. Wildlife sightings are common—expect birds, butterflies, and the occasional deer or armadillo.
At the park’s center is the Gary Halter Nature Center, a 2,400-square-foot facility focused on environmental education and family programs. It features:
- A discovery room with nature exhibits and activities
- An outdoor classroom and amphitheater
- Native plant gardens and a monarch butterfly habitat
- A meeting room for events and seasonal programs
Families can check out Young Explorer Backpacks, which include binoculars and other tools to help kids engage with the environment during their visit.
The trails are well-marked and mostly flat, with shaded paths, benches, and rest areas along the way. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are available near the parking area, so it’s easy to turn a morning hike into a full outing.
Lick Creek Park is located at 13600 Rock Prairie Road. The Nature Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset, with a curfew in place from 1:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Lake Bryan
Lake Bryan is a well-loved outdoor destination just 10 minutes west of downtown Bryan. This 829-acre lake is surrounded by over 20 miles of trails, open fields, and wooded shoreline — perfect for families looking to spend the day outside without a long drive.
The lake is calm and scenic—ideal for paddling, biking on the surrounding trails, or just relaxing by the water. Kids can wade along the shoreline, anglers can cast for bass or catfish, and parents can set up picnic spots close to the action. There’s room to spread out and enough variety to keep all ages engaged.
Lake Bryan also offers:
- On-site kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Designated picnic areas with tables and grills
- Tent and RV campsites with lake access and basic amenities
- Over 20 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, or running
- Pet-friendly space and open areas for yard games
- Lakeside dining at Cadillac Ranch Bar & Grill
The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (March to November) and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (December to February). Admission is $5 per person, and kids 10 and under are admitted free. Annual passes are available for $75 per vehicle.
Burton Cotton Gin Festival
Just 45 minutes west of Bryan-College Station, the town of Burton hosts a spring event that feels like stepping back in time. The Burton Cotton Gin Festival is held every April and centers around the 1914 Burton Farmers Gin—the oldest operating cotton gin in the U.S., still powered by its original Bessemer engine.
The festival is free and offers a full day of hands-on history and family entertainment. It’s a good mix of education, live demonstrations, and small-town charm. For kids, there’s plenty to see and do beyond just watching the cotton gin in action.
The festival features:
- Live ginning demonstration using the original 1925 Bessemer engine
- Guided tours of the historic gin and museum exhibits
- Folk life demonstrations like blacksmithing, butter churning, and spoon carving
- Antique tractors, classic cars, and engine displays
- A morning parade through downtown Burton
- Live music and two-step dance lessons
- Food vendors and open-air seating
The festival typically takes place on a Saturday in late April, running from mid-morning through the afternoon. Guided tours of the gin are usually offered before lunch, followed by a live cotton ginning demonstration later in the day. The event is held on the museum grounds at 307 North Main Street, with free parking nearby. The entire area is stroller-friendly and easy to navigate.
Royalty Pecans Farms Tour
Royalty Pecan Farms sits just off Highway 21, about 20 minutes from College Station, and offers a slower-paced, hands-on outdoor experience for families. This working orchard spans over 500 acres along the Brazos River and produces thousands of pounds of pecans each year. In spring, the trees leaf out, and the farm opens its gates for public tours and weekend visitors.
The farm’s monthly orchard tours, which are usually available in late spring or early fall, offer behind-the-scenes look at how food is grown. Tours are guided by staff who walk visitors through the history of the orchard, the science behind pecan farming, and how the nuts are harvested and processed. It’s interactive, easy to follow, and full of small details that keep kids engaged.
During a typical visit, families can enjoy:
- Guided tram or walking tours through the orchard
- Fresh pecan tastings and locally made treats in the farm store
- Shaded picnic areas with views of the pecan trees
- Seasonal events like family days, planting workshops, or local vendor markets
Tickets for orchard tours are $12 for adults and include a bag of fresh pecans and bottled water. Kids under five join for free. While walk-ins are allowed, tours do fill up quickly on event weekends, so reservations are a good idea. The farm also offers private group tours for larger families or school groups.
The gift shop is worth a stop on its own, stocked with flavored pecans, baked goods, and handmade items from local artisans. It’s a laid-back place to spend a Saturday afternoon and a nice break from more crowded parks or playgrounds.
Millican Reserve family hikes and outdoor Activities
Just south of College Station, Millican Reserve offers families a quiet, nature-focused alternative to city parks. This 2,500-acre private preserve features trails, woodlands, and lakes, and while it’s primarily a membership-based community, many of its spring events are open to the public. It’s a great spot for families who want more structure in their outdoor time—without the crowds.
The reserve hosts family hikes and seasonal programs throughout the spring. Some hikes are self-guided, but others are led by local naturalists who walk families through the area’s native trees, wildflowers, and wildlife. With over 30 miles of trails, there’s space to explore whether your kids are new to hiking or just need plenty of space to roam.
In addition to hiking, public events at Millican Reserve often include:
- Spring markets with local vendors and live music
- Outdoor movie nights and community gatherings
- Youth workshops on gardening, conservation, and nature crafts
- Canoeing and kayaking during special events
- Rotating farm and education-based programming for families
While some amenities are reserved for members, most public events are listed in advance on the Millican Reserve website, so checking their calendar ahead of time is a good idea.
Located off FM 2154, the reserve is a short drive from central College Station. It’s a quiet curated space that appeals to families looking for fun things to do in Bryan-College Station that combine outdoor activity with learning and environmental awareness.
EDUCATIONAL AND HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES FOR KIDS
Some of the most memorable experiences for kids are the ones that spark curiosity—where they can get up close, explore, and ask questions. In Bryan-College Station, several attractions blend learning with hands-on fun, offering the perfect mix for curious young minds and parents looking for something more meaningful than just passive entertainment.
These places are great for spring break plans, weekend outings, or even weekday visits when school’s out. From natural history to presidential archives, this part of Aggieland gives families easy access to interactive learning.
Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, located on Briarcrest Drive in Bryan, is a small museum that packs a lot for curious kids. It’s easy to navigate, low-key, and full of exhibits that spark questions—making it a reliable pick for a short but meaningful outing.
The permanent collection includes Ice Age fossils, a full cave bear skeleton, dinosaur skull casts, and displays of taxidermy animals like lions, bears, and birds of prey. There’s also an impressive collection of rocks, minerals, and artifacts from local archaeological digs. It’s hands-on without being overstimulating, and the museum keeps things fresh with rotating exhibits throughout the year.
You’ll also find:
- A Discovery Room with puzzles, live turtles and snakes, and an observation beehive
- A butterfly garden and short walking trail right outside the building
- Seasonal nature camps and spring break programming
- Special family events like scavenger hunts and outdoor festivals
Admission is affordable—$5 for adults, $4 for kids ages 4-17, and free for children under 3—, making it one of the most budget-friendly fun things to do in Bryan-College Station.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Located on the Texas A&M University campus, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum offers a deeper look at American history through the life of the 41st president—but it’s far more interactive than you might expect. With large-scale displays, kid-friendly exhibits, and open spaces to explore, it’s a good option for families who want to mix learning with a day out.
Inside, kids can walk through a replica of the White House Situation Room, sit in a recreated Air Force One cockpit, and see a full-size World War II Avenger Torpedo Bomber. The exhibits go beyond President Bush’s life and cover broader topics like the Cold War, the space race, and the role of the presidency—all presented in visual and hands-on ways.
Throughout the year, the museum also hosts:
- Storytime and craft sessions during spring break and holidays
- Special events like the annual Easter celebration with egg hunts and games
- Scavenger hunts and activity books to help kids engage with the exhibits
- Outdoor spaces, including a rose garden, pond, and shaded walking paths
Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for youth ages 6-17, and free for children under 5.
BEST LOCAL ATTRACTIONS FOR SPRING BREAK FUN
Local attractions around town offer enough variety to keep kids busy, entertained, and out of the house for a few hours at a time. This is the stretch of the season where indoor and outdoor options start to overlap—some days call for animals and sunshine, others for arcade games and air conditioning.
These spots are ideal for families looking to break up the week with easy outings that still feel like a treat. No packing required—just show up and have fun.
Aggieland Safari
Located northeast of Bryan, Aggieland Safari is a wildlife park that offers a full day of interactive animal experiences. The park includes a drive-thru safari and a walkable zoo, making it an accessible spring break choice for families with animal-loving kids.
The experience starts with a 2.5-mile drive through open fields where animals like zebras, ostriches, antelope, and bison roam freely. Families can buy feed buckets and interact with the animals right from their car windows. It’s one of the few places where kids can safely feed exotic animals without needing to leave the vehicle.
After the drive, you can park and explore the Walkabout Adventure Zoo, a 20-acre walkable area with shaded paths and close-up animal encounters. Highlights include:
- A giraffe feeding platform and tortoise feeding station
- Walk-through areas with kangaroos, reptiles, and exotic birds
- An Animal Barn and Nocturnal Hallway with smaller species
- A playground and shaded picnic area
- Keeper talks and animal presentations offered daily
The park also offers optional animal encounters—short, guided experiences with reptiles, tamanduas, and other animals. These need to be booked in advance and tend to fill up during school breaks.
Admission is structured in four package tiers. Check out their pricing page for more information.
The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last car admitted to the drive-thru one hour before closing.
Grand Station Entertainment
Grand Station Entertainment in College Station is one of the largest indoor family attractions in the area—and a reliable option for spring break, especially when you want to keep things simple and outdoors. With bowling, laser tag, mini-golf, and a full arcade, it’s built for high-energy outings that don’t require a lot of planning.
It’s easy to move between activities, and there’s something for every age range. Younger kids can try bumper bowling or arcade games, while older ones can head to laser tag or mini-golf. There’s also a restaurant and covered patio on-site for when you need to refuel.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- 40 bowling lanes, including bumper lanes and nighttime Glow Bowl
- A two-story laser tag arena
- Indoor mini-golf with blacklight effects
- A large arcade with classic and new games
- Food, drinks, and snacks served on-site
Hours are 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday through Tuesday, 11:00 AM to midnight Wednesday and Thursday, and 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Located just off Texas Avenue, Grand Station is easy to access and offers online reservations and seasonal deals. For families looking for fun things to do in Bryan-College Station that are weatherproof and kid-friendly, this one’s a safe bet.
Adamson Lagoon and Cindy Hallaran Pool
College Station’s two main public pools usually open around Memorial Day and stay busy through the summer. Both offer affordable ways for families to get in the water, and each one has a slightly different feel depending on the age and comfort level of your kids.
Adamson Lagoon, located in Lemontree Park, is a mini water park with an Olympic-size pool, two large slides, and a separate shallow pool for younger kids. It also has shaded seating and picnic areas, making it easy to turn a swim day into a longer outing.
For something smaller and quieter, Cindy Hallaran Pool on Rock Prairie Road has a 25-yard pool with a zero-depth entry that gently slopes to 4 feet—ideal for early swimmers and toddlers.
If you’re visiting earlier in the season and still want water play, the city’s splash pads open well before the pools and stay available through the warmer months. The Fun for All Playground Splash Pad at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park and the W.A. Tarrow Splash Pad are open daily and feature no-cost, no-reservation access to spray features and fountains.
EVERYDAY REASONS TO LOVE LIFE IN AGGIELAND
Spring in Aggieland gives families plenty of ways to spend time together without needing to travel far. From nature and animal encounters to museums, splash pads, and local events, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Bryan-College Station—yet another reason why this sought-after community is an ideal place to put down roots.
Exploring College Station, TX, real estate or want to talk to a local Aggieland Realtor? We’d love to help. The team at Bock Realty Group knows the area inside and out and can guide you through your next steps. Call us at 979.325.2134 or send us an email to get started.