Zoos and Rose Gardens in Tyler's Natural Beauty
Tips on renting in Tyler
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Welcome to Tyler, Texas, a picturesque destination where families can share unforgettable moments together. Start your journey at the Discovery Science Place, an engaging museum designed to ignite curiosity in children of every age. Watch your little ones anchor the news at a mock television station, dig for dinosaur fossils, and experience the excitement of an earthquake simulator. Animal lovers will be captivated by the Caldwell Zoo, home to more than 2,000 animals from across the globe, including a lively African Savanna exhibit. The Children’s Park invites families to unwind amid life-size bronze statues of children at play, a story amphitheater, and a butterfly garden, all set along tranquil walking paths.
Tyler’s natural beauty is a true highlight for outdoor-loving families. Tyler State Park spans 985 acres and features a pristine 64-acre spring-fed lake ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. With more than 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the scenic Whispering Pines Nature Trail, there is endless adventure to be found. The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, the nation’s largest public collection of roses, boasts over 38,000 rose bushes across 14 acres, providing a stunning and fragrant setting for family photos.
Immerse your family in local culture with a show at Liberty Hall, a beautifully restored 1930s theater that presents live music, comedy, and timeless films. Each October, the Texas Rose Festival brings the city’s rich rose-growing tradition to life with festive parades, exhibitions, and the crowning of the Rose Queen. Whether you’re sampling legendary Texas barbecue at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q or taking a leisurely stroll through the Azalea Residential Historic District, Tyler welcomes families with a blend of adventure, culture, and Southern hospitality that makes every visit special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Tyler has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas, plan ahead by booking advance tickets to ensure quick and simple entry, as the zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last entry at 3:30 p.m. Allow about 2 hours to explore the expansive, mildly hilly grounds, and take advantage of clearly marked pathways and mounted maps to guide you through the various animal habitats. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, so plan your visit accordingly.
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For a seamless and enjoyable boat launch experience on Lake Tyler, consider the Lake Tyler Marina Resort, located near the Lake Tyler dam. This marina offers a well-maintained boat ramp, along with amenities such as boat slips, a tackle shop, and a convenient gas station. However, due to recent heavy rains, it’s advisable to check the current status of the boat ramps, as they may be temporarily closed.
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To rent paddleboards or canoes near Tyler, Texas, head to Lake Tyler, where you can find rentals at Tyler Paddle in Whitehouse, offering stand-up paddleboard rentals along with SUP yoga and other activities. Alternatively, visit Lake Tyler Marina Resort, which provides kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals by the hour or for the day. For a more natural setting, Tyler State Park offers canoe, paddleboat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals from Memorial Day to Labor Day, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the off-season.
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Tyler State Park offers several hiking trails that are perfect for families with young children. The Lakeshore Trail, a 2.1-mile loop around the lake, is relatively flat and ideal for beginners, taking about 1.5 hours to complete at an easy pace. This trail provides lovely spots for picnics, fishing, and relaxation, making it an enjoyable outing for the whole family.
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For scenic hiking in Tyler, Texas, head to Tyler State Park, where the Lakeshore Trail offers a 2.1-mile loop around the lake, perfect for a 1.5-hour stroll with picnic and fishing spots. The Whispering Pines Trail, also within the park, is a more rigorous 1-mile path featuring pine trees, a wading pool, and a small waterfall, taking about 1.5 hours to complete. For a longer hike, the Legacy Trail, a 4.5-mile concrete path along Old Jacksonville Highway, provides a scenic route through East Texas landscapes.
