Want your teen to spend less time on their phone and more time making memories this summer? We partnered with the Health Foundation of East Texas to find afordable East Texas adventures that will get your teen off the couch and out exploring.
Our Touch Grass Tour highlights seven East Texas destinations where teens can swap screen time for real-world experiences.
Stop #1: Tyler State Park
Nestled in the Piney Woods, Tyler State Park spans more than 900 acres and features a 64-acre lake, 13 miles of scenic trails, and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. You can spend a few hours or make a weekend of it, there's plenty to keep teens active and engaged.
Beyond hiking, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, and swimming, the park regularly offers unique programs like Star Party Saturdays, night hikes, archery, evening paddles, Dutch oven cooking classes, and more. It's an easy way to trade screen time for fresh air, new experiences, and a little East Texas adventure
I personally love to rent kayaks and walk the Whispering Pines Nature Trail, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Cost: $6 per person for ages 13 and older. Children 12 and under are free. You can also get a Texas State Park pass for $70 a year to get into 89+ state parks around the state.
Learn More here.
789 Park Rd 16, Tyler, TX 75706
Stop #2: Brookshire’s Wildlife Museum
If you grew up in East Texas, there's a good chance you visited the wildlife museum as a kid. I still remember walking in and being amazed by the polar bears. After being closed for several years, the museum has recently reopened in a brand-new location in Tyler.
Inside, teens can explore exhibits featuring animals from Texas, North America, Africa, Canada, and Alaska, along with interactive displays that make learning about wildlife and conservation fun. One of the coolest parts is seeing animals up close that you'd never normally encounter in East Texas.
Admission is completely free. Reservations are recommended, but when we visited, we did not have one and they were able to accommodate us. Be sure to check their website before you go, as availability may vary.
Learn More here.
Located at 6970 Arbor Ridge Drive in Tyler
Stop #3: Pollard Park
You don't have to spend money to have fun. Sometimes all it takes is a trip to the park.
Recently renovated, Pollard Park has quickly become one of Tyler's best places for teens to get outside and stay active. The park features 8 pickleball courts, a tennis court, basketball courts, sports fields, walking paths, a dog park, picnic areas, a playground, and restrooms—making it a great place to meet up with friends, learn a new sport, or simply enjoy some fresh air.
One of my favorite things to do is bring my dog and throw a frisbee at the dog park before heading over to the courts. With eight pickleball courts, there's usually plenty of room to play without a long wait.
If your teen wants to challenge their friends to a pickleball match, shoot some hoops, bring the family dog along, or just spend time outdoors, Pollard Park offers plenty of ways to stay active without spending a dime. It's a simple reminder that sometimes the best adventures are right in your own backyard.
Learn more here.
710 E Amherst Dr, Tyler, TX 75701
Stop #4: Historic Aviation Memorial Museum
This might be one of the most underrated places to take your teen in East Texas.
Located at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum gives visitors a chance to get up close to real aircraft and explore the stories behind the men and women who served our country through aviation.
Inside, you'll find military artifacts, aviation memorabilia, and exhibits that help bring history to life in a way a textbook never could.
Personally, my favorite part is the outdoor aircraft tour. A veteran guides visitors through the collection of massive aircraft, sharing stories and details you might otherwise miss. You can tell each guide is incredibly passionate about aviation, America, and our military, which makes the experience even more memorable. It feels especially fitting to visit this year as we celebrate America's 250th birthday.
Whether your teen dreams of flying, loves history, or simply enjoys discovering something new, the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum offers a unique way to spend an afternoon out of the house.
Admission: Adults $10 | Seniors & Veterans $9 | Teens (13–17) $7 | Children (6–12) $6 | Free for ages 5 and under, active military, and first responders.
Learn More here.
700 Skyway Blvd, Tyler, TX 75704
Stop #5: Running Doe Quilts & Rose City Sewing Center
Not every stop on our Touch Grass Tour involves hiking a trail or spending time outdoors. Sometimes getting teens off their screens means helping them discover a new hobby.
One of the most surprising stops on our tour was a visit to Running Doe Quilts and Rose City Sewing Center. Sewing is a skill that many teens have never had the opportunity to try, but it's a creative outlet that can last a lifetime.
Sewing can be a bit of a lost art, and this is a great place to spark creativity. Teens can browse rows of colorful fabrics, pick out patterns they love, and get inspired by all the projects around the store. Fabric can be as affordable as a few dollars, making it an inexpensive hobby to explore.
My friends and I took a beginner sewing class while we were there, but you don't have to take a class to enjoy the experience. You can simply stop in, shop for fabric, get creative, and see what catches your interest.
The stores also offer classes, camps, and workshops for those who want to learn more.
Class Priced vary
Learn More here. You can also reach out to inquire about a potential class.
3401 G. E Dr, Tyler, TX 75707
Stop #6: Legacy Trail
Did you know Tyler has more than 60 miles of trails? One of my favorites is Legacy Trail, a paved trail that winds through South Tyler and gives teens an easy way to get outside and stay active.
Legacy Trail is a free spot for biking, jogging, walking, rollerblading, or simply spending time outdoors with friends. It's an easy, no-cost way to unplug, get some exercise, and enjoy a little fresh air.
One of the things I love about this trail is that it's connected to The Coco Bean, making it easy to turn a walk or bike ride into a fun outing. Grab a coffee or smoothie, relax at one of the outdoor tables, pack a picnic, or stop by during one of their weekend events.
Sometimes getting teens out of the house doesn't require an admission ticket or a big plan. Just grab a bike, invite a friend, and enjoy one of Tyler's many free outdoor spaces.
Learn More here.
7272 Crosswater Ave, Tyler, TX 75703
Stop #7: Jellystone Park
Looking for a place where your teen can stay busy all day? Jellystone Park is packed with activities and gives families the option to visit for the day or turn it into a weekend getaway.
With a day pass, teens can enjoy the water attractions, pools, mini golf, sports courts, outdoor games, planned activities, and special attractions throughout the park. If one day isn't enough, families can book a cabin, bring an RV, or camp overnight and keep the fun going.
One of my personal favorite things about Jellystone Park is the number of events and themed weekends they host throughout the year. From holiday celebrations and character appearances to special activities and seasonal events, there's always something new happening, making every visit a little different.
Whether your teen wants to spend the day splashing in the water, challenging friends to a game, or making a weekend of it, Jellystone Park is a great way to trade screen time for outdoor fun and adventure.
Learn More here.
5583 Farm To Market 16 E, Tyler, TX 75706
Looking for even more ways to keep teens busy this summer?
Here are a few additional East Texas ideas to add to your list:
Coffee Crawl with local Tyler stops: Likewise, Crema, Big Shot, Coco Bean, Enchos, Brady's & more!
Drive Thru Safari - Cherokee County Trace
About Our Partner
The Health Foundation of East Texas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of East Texans. Through grants, partnerships, and community initiatives, the foundation supports programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, education, and opportunities for people of all ages to thrive.
We're grateful for their partnership on the Touch Grass Tour, helping shine a spotlight on affordable and accessible ways for teens to get off their screens, get out of the house, and explore all that East Texas has to offer.
