School’s out for the summer, which means most families are trying to find things to do here in Tyler, TX.
While most people who have lived here for any length of time are familiar with the sights — the Tyler Rose Garden and the Caldwell Zoo, for example — you can only spend so much time at those places before your sanity demands some variety.
That’s why we compiled this list of some of our favorite things to do in East Texas this summer. We’ll be taking our families to some of them as well. Hopefully we’ll see you there!
Dollar Movies at Times Square Grand Slam
Every week this summer, Times Square Grand Slam is hosting a different kids movie for only $1. Movies start at 10 AM every day, and promise a wide variety of recent and classic family favorites, including the Lego Batman Movie, Kung Fu Panda, and the Paw Patrol Movie.
Groups are welcome, so gather up your kids and a few of their friends and head downtown to beat the heat!
Rose City Airfest
If you’re looking for something that will really get your family’s motor running, consider the Rose City Airfest taking place on June 30, 2023. Not only will your family get to be up close and personal with tons of historic aircraft over the last 80 years of aviation history, they’ll also enjoy aerial performances and a live concert from Girl Named Tom (winner of The Voice season 21)!
Tickets start at $35 for adults, but kids 6-12 are only $5 each, and five and under are free! The parking lot opens at 2PM and the airshow runs from 6-9 PM, so there will be plenty of excitement for everyone!
“Treasures in Still Life” Exhibit at the Goodman
Is your child a budding artist, spending hours (or minutes) in front of a canvas creating the next masterpiece?
If so, you should check out the Treasures in Still Life exhibit at the Goodman-LeGrand Museum during the month of July. This exhibit is a little different from a typical art show; instead of showcasing works from artists around the world, Treasures in Still Life is primarily looking for original paintings from local artists based off of items located inside the museum.
Submissions must have a title and be submitted by June 17. After that, they’ll go on display inside the same room as the item they’re representing from July 1-29, 2023.
StoryTime at the Tyler Public Library
Another recurring event throughout the summer, the Tyler Public Library has weekly story times for every age, starting from newborns all the way up to six year olds. Classes are partitioned out according to age: 0-18 months are on Tuesdays at 10:30 AM, 18-36 months on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM, and 3-6 year olds are on Thursdays at 10:30 AM.
If that’s not enough, the Tyler library also has other activities available throughout the summer, such as Fab Fridays (special presentations with guest speakers) and Monday Fun Day, which has movies and events on Mondays at 2 PM. Check the Tyler Public Library page for more information.
Dollar Swimming at the Fun Forest Pool
There are not many better ways to beat the heat than spending the day at the pool, and fortunately, there’s a great one right here in Tyler, TX! The Fun Forest Pool is open from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary), and admission is only $1 for residents and $2 for non-residents. Proof residency is required.
The pool is available for rental and also offers special events on a periodic basis, such as movie nights. Grab your crew and head to the pool for an afternoon of fun!
Board Game Night at Boards and Bites
It’s hard to beat food and games, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Boards and Bites, located at 1851 Troup Highway in Tyler, TX. Their menu is top-notch, consisting of quesadillas, hummus, and — of course — chips and salsa.
But let’s face it, the real reason you’re coming here is for their extensive game selection. For $5 per person (discounts available for groups and families!), you’ll have your pick of over 600 different titles, including classics like Scattergories and newer games like Suburbia.
Hey, there’s even a Bob Ross themed game. What else could you want?
Summer Camps at the Discovery Science Place
Space, STEM, and superheroes.
If your kid is like most, mention one of those words to your kids and their interest is at least slightly piqued. Why not scratch that science itch at the Discovery Place in Tyler, TX?
Operated in conjunction with UT Tyler, the Discovery Science Place offers tons of exhibits year-round, but during the summer, they operate week long camps based around different themes. Each day starts at 9 AM and runs through 3 PM, so your kid is sure to get a full days’ worth of fun and exploration.
Family Fun Right Here in East Texas!
With all of the amenities that we have right here in Tyler, it’s not too difficult to find something to do with your family, but finding one that isn’t hard on the wallet can be a challenge. The ones listed above provide just the right value that we look for for our own families, so hopefully you’ll find something as well!
From our family here at Fountain Plumbing, we hope you have a fun and great summer. See you around town!