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If you’re searching for things to do with kids in East Texas, especially ways to burn energy indoors, children’s museums in the 903 area are one of the best kept secrets.
These kid-friendly museums in Tyler, TX and surrounding East Texas spots are packed with hands-on exhibits, creative play zones, and interactive spaces where kids can move, explore, and stay busy while you enjoy the AC.
If you’re ready to shake off cabin fever, this list of family-friendly indoor activities in East Texas will help you turn a long day into something fun, engaging, and memory-making for everyone.
Got a friend who’s running out of ideas and the kids are starting to lose it?
Send them this.
No matter the weather, there are always those days when you just need an easy plan to get out of the house. Let’s save some sanity and turn those “what are we doing today?” moments into fun, memory-making family adventures.
Cotton Belt Depot Museum
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)
Description: Volunteer run railroad museum that preserves the history of the Cotton Belt Railroad and offers families a chance to learn about East Texas railroading.
Address: 210 E Oakwood St, Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 595-7232
Website/Facebook: Cotton Belt Depot Museum
The Curious Museum
Cost: Child: $10
Adult: $10
Senior: $8
Description: Hands on children’s museum with interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and learning for all ages.
Address: 619 W Oak St, Palestine, TX 75801
Phone: (903) 221-0118
Website/Facebook: The Curious Museum | https://thecuriousmuseum.org
The Discovery Science Place
Cost: Child: $10
Adult: $10
Senior: $8
Description: Family centered science museum with hands on exhibits designed to spark curiosity and encourage interactive learning.
Address: 308 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 533-8011
Website/Facebook: Discovery Science Place
Longview World of Wonder
Cost:Child: $10
Adult: $10
Senior: $7
Description: Hands on children’s museum where kids can imagine, create, and explore through interactive exhibits designed to inspire a love of learning.
Address: 112 E Tyler St, Longview, TX 75601
Phone: (903) 212-4969
Website/Facebook: Longview World of Wonders
Northeast Texas Children’s Museum
Cost: Babies 0–23 months: Free
Kids 2–16: $8
Adults (17+): $8
Description: Children’s museum designed for learning through play with interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and exploration.
Address: 100 Maple St, Commerce, TX 75428
Phone: (903) 886-6055
Website/Facebook: Northeast Texas Children’s Museum
If you have a SNAP or WIC card, you can take your kids to the museum without worrying about the cost
Through the Museums for All program, families can get free or low-cost admission, making it so much easier to say yes to a day out together.
Check out the full 903 list HERE
Follow the link to see which museums around East Texas you can explore next… those simple, curious little outings always end up being the ones they remember most
Did we miss any fun indoor play?
Leave a comment below!
Looking for more ways to beat the summer heat?
Check out our Story Times Guide to find even more indoor fun for the whole family.
If the sun’s just too much, we’ve got you covered with a list of Trampoline Park Guide spots where your kids can burn off energy in a cool, climate-controlled environment.
Head over to our Arts & Crafts Guide to get the creative juices flowing across East Texas.
Whatever you choose, there are plenty of ways to stay cool and make lasting memories this summer… but the secret to actually enjoying it? Having the right essentials packed and ready.
Tap to see the full Summer Essentials list you’ll wish you had sooner
If I missed any pools, feel free to drop the details in the comments, and I’ll be sure to add them to the list!
