Beaumont is a great family getaway and accessible drive destination that won’t break the bank, while providing oodles of laughs and memories. From larger than life photo ops to family bonding moments, grab grandma and tiny Timmy and hit the town. Whether your kids prefer the arcade or getting active, Beaumont has something for teens, tweens and everything in between. Here’s a full itinerary for a day trip and ideas to extend the fun.

Fuel Up at Black Bear Diner

An old-fashioned and cravable comfort breakfast, Black Bear Diner is a great spot to fuel up for the day on huckleberry lemonade, bacon and biscuits. Whether you’re a sweet or savory morning fan, there’s everything from cinnamon roll French toast to omelets and pancake towers. If you’re lucky, you may even get a bear-y special visitor to the table.

Play at the Beaumont Children’s Museum

The Beaumont Children’s Museum has a variety of exhibits focused on S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning that’s hands-on and fun while being educational. From the Tot Spot to make believe stations, everything from dinosaur excavations and crafts provide sensory experiences that encourage interactivity and stimulation.

Enjoy a Retro Lunch at Willy Burger

Willy, willy good, Willy Burger has hamburgers, funnel cakes, and shakes served in a vintage airstream. Your classic American diner with funky Southeast Texas flair, the menu is relatively straightforward but it’s the aesthetic details that wow like pool balls fused into the walls. Burger purists will enjoy quality meat on a toasted bun, but if you’re looking for a more local flavor, give the Booty Burger a try, which boasts Creole mustard, cheddar cheese and a hand-fried boudin patty.

Meet the Locals at Gator Country

Have you ever wanted to hold an alligator? How about swim with one? The largest alligator adventure park and wildlife sanctuary in Southeast Texas, Gator Country is home to over 450 gators and many other reptiles. You can touch a snake, visit the petting zoo, and watch a live feeding show to learn all about how these fascinating creatures interact with the environment.

Eat Dinner at Mellow Mushroom

Did someone say pizza night? Artistic stone baked ‘za with retro décor, enjoy eclectic or traditional pie combinations with fun names like the Funky Q. or Kosmic Karma. Get a taste of the area’s Cajun flair with regional bites like muffuletta cheese bread and the bayou bleu pizza.

Treat Yo’ Self at Sub Zero Ice Cream

Ice cream or science class? You decide. Developed by chemists, Sub Zero is completely customizable liquid nitrogen ice cream with tasty and decadent toppings like marshmallow cream, candy mix-ins, berry blasts, and so much more. The combinations are only limited by your imagination and it tastes as good as it is cool – literally.

Stay and Play at Colorado Canyon

Play a round of after-dinner putt-putt. A family amusement center with mini golf, laser tag, and an arcade, you can hit the green, play some pinball, and mine for gems, which is both a perfect nightcap and spot to snag a souvenir!

More Ideas:

• Jump around at Urban Air Adventure Park, a trampoline park and gladiator course.
• Go for a Swamp Safari. For the adventurous families, opt for an airboat ride through the backwater bayous.
• See the Spindletop Gusher blow and get a living history lesson as you meander through a recreated Boomtown.
• Take some stress out throwing axes at Avenue Axe or work together to solve puzzles at Beaumont Escape Room.
• Follow the Birdie Passport Program. Visit at least 10 area attractions and earn a free stuffed souviner.