Best Day Trips from Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas is an amazing place with many exciting things to do but once in awhile you need to get away and explore some of the activities in the surrounding areas. There are many places where you can visit within a day's drive where the whole family can have a wonderful time.

Here are 5 places a short distance from Austin where you can have a fun-filled adventure and then return home the same day:

1. SeaWorld - Located in San Antonio, SeaWorld is an amazing place to visit and it's just as much fun for the adults as it is kids. Enjoy amazing entertainment from some of the finest performers on earth, relax in the pool or watch a show. You can also go on one of the thrilling rides or grab a bite to eat in one of the fine restaurants located within the park. You'll never run out of things to do. Normally, the park opens at 10 a.m. but closing time is between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. depending on what day of the week it is and the price of tickets will vary depending on when you visit and whether or not you purchase a pass. It's only a couple of hours from Austin.

2. Cameron Park Zoo- When you're searching for a great place to take the kids where they can learn all about the different types of animals firsthand, the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco is both a fun and educational place to visit. There are many exciting exhibits to see as well as animals. The park opens at 9 a.m. except for Sundays when it opens at 11a.m. and it closes every evening at 5 p.m. Children under the age of three get in for free, ages 4-12 is $6, age 13 and up pay $9 and senior citizens age 60 and over pay $8, making this attraction as affordable as it is fun.

3. The Alamo and River Walk- Located in downtown San Antonio is the famous Alamo and The River Walk. The Alamo is a beautiful place that symbolizes about three hundred years of history. As you stroll along the garden, you can walk through the Shrine or the Long Barrack Museum where there are many exhibits on display and there is also a Gift Museum. It's open every day from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except for two days at Christmas. After enjoying a touch of history, you can hop on over to the River Walk. Here, you can get something to eat or a refreshing beverage as you see the sights or take a ride on the riverboat. It's both fun and educational for the whole family.

4. Six Flags Fiesta Texas- San Antonio's Six Flags is one of the most exciting amusement parks in the world. With thrilling rides, water parks, entertainment and special events, there is something for all ages to enjoy. The park hours will vary but the gate normally opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes between 6 and 9 p.m. Ticket prices will also vary depending on which option you choose.

5. Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum- There is no better way to learn about the colorful history of Texas and the men who made it what it is today than to visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Located in Waco, the museum is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day except Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving. Children under 6 get in free, ages 6-12 is $3 and adults pay $7. Men and women with military IDs and seniors pay only $6.

These are all wonderful attractions that families can enjoy while spending the day together. Since they are all located just a couple of hours away, you can drive to your destination, enjoy a fun and exciting day and then return home again all in the same day. There are no extra expenses for hotel accommodations, unless you decide you're having so much fun you want to stay an extra day.