The Guide to Summer Fun in Tyler, TX

Nothing beats spending quality time with family and friends, especially during the long summer break. And what better place to be this summer than in Tyler, Texas? With the warm weather Tyler enjoys during summer and school being out, you have no excuse not to try as many fun activities as you can.

Tyler is set in East Texas. Also known as the “Rose Capital of America,” it offers a cool suburban setting for both visitors and residents. You can find tons of things to do in the beautiful and inviting city of Tyler. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, the town has something to tickle every fancy. Let’s look at the top six attractions you should try in Tyler this summer.

Tyler Rose Garden

The Tyler Rose Garden naturally makes it to the top of our list of attractions not to miss this summer. Set on 14 acres of land, with 35,000 rose bushes and more than 500 rose varieties, it’s no wonder these gardens are known the world over. On your tour of the property, visit the Heritage and Ida gardens and pause admire the collection of camellias and daylilies that grow among the roses.

Entrance into the gardens is free, and they remain open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Apart from visiting the beautiful flowers, which will be in full bloom during the summer, you can visit the Tyler Rose Museum, which displays interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and accessories and costumes from past editions of the Texas Rose Festival. Pop into the gift shop to take a gift home so you’ll remember your summer visit to Tyler, especially if you’re stopping by for the first time.

Tyler State Park

If you’re an outdoorsy person, then Tyler State Park is the perfect destination for you. It’s about 100 miles from Dallas, making it an ideal one-day road trip. If you want to make a weekend of it, you can turn this adventure into a camping trip. Pitch your tent at one of the campsites, or reserve a cabin or screened shelter.

While visiting the park, you can also swim in the 64-acre spring-fed lake; fish for crappie, catfish, perch, and bass; hike miles of Pineywoods trails; bird-watch; and take in the scenic views, all from the same beautiful location. You can also rent a boat to get out on the water and borrow fishing rods and tackle boxes free of charge. If you’re hungry after a long hike or bike across more than 13 miles of scenic trails, bring a picnic to enjoy. Park fees cost $6 for adults with free entry for children under 12.

Discovery Science Place

The Discovery Science Place is a destination your kids will love, especially if they’re little explorers with a scientific sense. It also offers fun and educational activities for adults, so consider including it in your summer itinerary while in Tyler. Discovery Science Place opened in 1993 to provide entertainment and education for the whole family.

Discovery Science Place has a variety of programs, events, and interactive exhibits. The exhibits, including the imagination playground, the rock-climbing wall, the Dino dig pit, and more, provide hands-on learning experiences your children will love.

Buy tickets online to book a visit to this exciting science park. The prices are affordable, with adult tickets going for $10 and children under 2 getting a free pass.

Texas Rose Horse Park

This picturesque facility is located in the rolling hills of Tyler, making it the perfect destination for equestrian action. The family-owned property features a full-size, well-lit indoor arena, six outdoor show arenas, and other top-of-the-line features you would expect at a facility of its size.

Most of the events here are open and free to visitors. Check the park’s website to find dates for dog shows, concerts, and horse shows. The grounds are ideal for picnic lunches as you enjoy the warm Tyler summer afternoons. Your children can admire and interact with the horses while learning about animal welfare in a natural setting.

Escapology Escape Rooms Tyler

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Are you chasing after an action-packed summer day in Tyler, Texas? You can’t go wrong with a visit to Escapology Escape Rooms. Here, friends and family groups of two to six work together to find clues and problem-solve to escape locked rooms with themes ranging from Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle to Murder Mansion.

From family group options to adults-only games, you will be spoiled for choice. Enjoy themed games and team-building sessions, and get the chance to have your name placed on the hall of fame. If this is your kind of activity, check out the amazing deals and promotions on Escapology Escape Rooms’ website. Prices vary according to the games you choose and the size of your group.

iJump Tyler Trampoline Park

Work out the kinks from your drive to Tyler by stopping at the iJump trampoline park. Children and adults alike will love the setup here. From a state-of-the-art ninja course to basketball hoops and an open jump area, this 25,000-square-foot trampoline park will not disappoint.

You can hold birthday parties in the private rooms and monitor your children from comfort of the park’s seating area. No snacks? No problem. The iCafe has a wide array of food and drinks so you don’t have to cut your visit short to satisfy the appetites jumping around has worked up.

And there you have it — our list of summer fun activities to enjoy in Tyler, Texas, whether you’re a visitor or a resident. We at Classic Toyota hope we have satisfied your curiosity about the types of attractions to explore here during the long summer break. Now you can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that suit your interests and expectations.

If you like these suggestions, leave us a comment below. If we left out one of your favorite spots, drop us a line, and we’ll add it to our recommendations. Also, read more about summer activities here in Tyler, TX here!