Get Away for a Day

School is just around the corner, but the bell hasn’t rung yet. August is the perfect month for short getaways that maximize fun without a hotel bill. Grab the kids, pack the car and get ready to explore one of these great destinations near Grand Central Park.

Lake Conroe

At just five minutes away from Grand Central Park, Lake Conroe is an easy way to pack in a full day of fun. Pack a picnic lunch before heading out for a day of hiking, biking, boating or swimming. When it’s time for dinner, treat yourself to one of the many lakeside restaurants.

Sam Houston National Forest

The family that hikes together has tons of fun together. Access the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking trail and begin your search for wildlife. If your family loves off -oading, bring along your dirt bike, quad, ATVs or bike to ride the multi-use trails.

The Woodlands

There’s so much to do in The Woodlands, it might take more than one trip. That’s okay for residents of Grand Central Park — the township is just 15 minutes away. Once you’re there, shop Market Street, sail down The Woodlands Waterway on a swan boat, go on a shopping spree at The Woodlands Mall and finish the day with a concert under the stars at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion.

Houston Museum District

Houston’s crown jewel might just be the Museum District, which features 19 museums including the Houston Zoo, Children’s Museum Houston, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science and more. With so many options, you are sure to find a museum or two geared toward your family’s interest.

Kemah Boardwalk

The fun never stops at the Kemah Boardwalk. Known for thrill rides, a fabulous midway, great dining and adorable shops, the Boardwalk also boasts a host of events and activities. Currently, you can enjoy Rock the Dock, a summer concert series happening every Thursday night at 7 p.m. through Aug. 11

Moody Gardens

Galveston Island is an hour or so away. Once you get tired of the beaches and Pleasure Pier, you can explore Moody Garden’s rainforest and aquarium pyramids, MG3D theater and 4D theaters, Discovery Museum, 20,000 Leagues interactive adventure and the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Learn more about Texas’ coastal wetlands and take the kids fishing at this park dedicated to protecting critically important plants and animals. For a special treat, commune with butterflies at the aptly named Butterfly Garden.

Port Arthur

If you are looking for seaside adventures of a different sort, Port Arthur may be calling your name. Camp at Sea Rim State Park, chow down on Cajun food, traverse the Faith Trail and explore everything from “Jurassic to Joplin” at the Museum of the Gulf Coast.

Brenham

The quintessential Texas town may very well be Brenham. Located in the outskirts of the Texas Hill Country, Brenham’s claim to fame is as the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Get a scoop right after you explore the Brenham Barbecue Trail, shop beautiful boutiques in downtown Brenham and visit the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence at the Washington-on-the-Brazos state historic site.

Zilker Park

Yes, you can take a day trip to Austin. The state capitol offers many opportunities for fun, but our money is on Zilker Park. One of Austin’s most famous attractions, the 360-acre park is best known for the three-acre, spring fed pool at its heart. Barton Springs Poll stays a brisk 68 degrees year round and is a great place to cool down after enjoying the botanical garden, nature center, hiking trails, train and playgrounds.