Drive on Over: 4 Favorite Kid-Friendly Activities Near Jacksonville, TX

Take your family for a drive in a spacious Chevrolet Trailblazer or GMC Acadia through Jacksonville, TX, and enjoy a plethora of kid-friendly activities around town. Pop in at the museum to look at the fascinating collection of strange and historical curiosities, hike down scenic nature trails, go on an African safari, and ride in an authentic steam or diesel locomotive.

Drive on Over: 4 Favorite Kid-Friendly Activities Near Jacksonville, TX

1. Discover Historical Wonders

Take the kids to the Vanishing Texana Museum to see a tooth of a real Mastodon, dinosaur bones, coins from the Roman Empire, the only Texas flag that has been to the moon, and artifacts dating back to 238 A.D!

The fascinating museum is packed with wonders from the area and beyond, dated 1830 through 1950, from antiques and collectible items to strange curiosities, such as the Madstone, a pioneer application used to “cure” rabies before the rabies vaccine became available in 1885.

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Address and Hours

The Vanishing Texana Museum is at 302 South Bolton Street in Jacksonville and is open Thursday to Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free.

2. Explore Nature on Foot

Go hiking with the kids down one of the eight scenic nature trails in the breathtaking Neches River National Wildlife Refuge, protecting 7,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and nesting and migratory birds. Follow the trail along the Neches River to see ducks, herons, turtles, and otters, or climb into the pine uplands following a more challenging route to catch glimpses of deer and raccoons and admire the beautiful views.

Address and Hours

The Neches River National Wildlife Refuge is at 262 West Highway 79 in Jacksonville and is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

3. Go on a Wildlife Safari

Pile the kids in the car, head to Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari, and drive through 300 acres of wilderness to spot exotic and endangered wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, zebra, wildebeest, kangaroo, camels, llamas, and porcupines, to name a few interesting creatures who made the park their home.

Pack a picnic basket full of everyone’s favorite eats and treats and watch wild animals roam free, drinking at the waterholes and lazing in the sun from the safety and comfort of your car.  

Address and Hours

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is at 1200 CR 4405 in Jacksonville. Please visit the website for more information and bookings.

4. Ride the Rails

Board an authentic steam or diesel locomotive at the historic Rusk Depot and trundle for 50 miles down the tracks in an early-1900 coach on the Texas State Railroad. The railroad is open throughout the year and is especially popular over Christmas when the Polar Express makes its way through the beautiful piney woods of East Texas.

Address and Hours

Rusk Depot is at 535 Park Road 76 in Rusk, roughly a 15-minute drive from Jacksonville. Please visit the Texas State Railroad website for booking information.

Treat your family to fun outings and make unforgettable memories. Swing by Bacon Auto Country today to ensure your vehicle is ready and safe to take your loved ones on exciting adventures down the road.

Image Via Pixabay

Tags: Top Places to Hike
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